Canadian Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson has expressed confidence in Marineland’s proposal to transfer 34 marine mammals to U.S. aquariums, indicating a high likelihood of relocating belugas and dolphins from the closed amusement park in Niagara Falls, Ontario. However, animal advocates are concerned about the conditional approval granted by Ottawa for the relocation, fearing potential breeding and performances at the new facilities.
The plan involves moving 30 belugas and four dolphins to accredited sites known for their high animal welfare standards, as stated by Thompson in an interview with CBC News. The selected aquariums, including Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut, and a SeaWorld location, are all recognized by Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
Thompson outlined two key conditions that Marineland must meet to obtain export approval: ensuring the health assessment of the belugas and dolphins by accredited veterinarians and establishing a comprehensive transportation plan. She emphasized the importance of maintaining health support standards at the receiving sites once the animals are relocated.
Despite concerns raised by animal rights activists and the public, Thompson defended the plan, stating that once the specified conditions are met, it will offer a healthier environment for the animals to live their lives. Marineland has faced scrutiny following the deaths of 20 whales, including one orca and 19 belugas, since 2019, leading to the park’s closure to the public in late 2024 amid ongoing controversies.
Under a federal law passed in 2019, the breeding and entertainment of whales, dolphins, and porpoises are prohibited in Canada. Exporting these animals necessitates a special federal permit, which can be granted by the fisheries minister for scientific research purposes or if captivity elsewhere is deemed beneficial for the animals.
As discussions continue regarding the export permits for Marineland, advocates like Camille Labchuk from Animal Justice stress the importance of imposing strict conditions to prevent the animals from being used for performances or breeding in their new habitats. Labchuk emphasized the preference for sending the whales to sanctuaries rather than exploitative aquariums, with U.S. aquariums being considered as an alternative if stringent export permit conditions align with Canadian laws.
While there were initial hopes of the belugas being transferred to a proposed sanctuary in Wine Harbour, Nova Scotia, logistical challenges and fundraising hurdles have delayed the project’s realization. The possibility of the animals being bred or performing at their new homes in the U.S. raised concerns, with assurances that the animals would fall under the legal regulations of each state following the transfer.
Former Marineland trainer Kristy Burgess expressed support for the relocation plan, citing the superior facilities proposed in the U.S. as a positive outcome for the marine mammals. Burgess emphasized confidence in the protections provided by the fisheries minister and dismissed concerns about breeding belugas at the new facilities. She stressed the urgency of the relocation to prevent potential euthanasia threats made by Marineland if the whales are not moved by the specified deadline.
In conclusion, the decision to transfer the marine mammals to U.S. aquariums has sparked mixed reactions, with ongoing debates over the welfare and future of the belugas and dolphins from Marineland.
