Amidst a political dispute and looming threat of euthanasia, the remaining 30 belugas at Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ont., are trapped with limited relocation options. The theme park and zoo, now closed, revealed last week that the whales could face euthanasia as Ottawa rejected their export request to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China.
Federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson expressed apprehension that approving the export could lead to the whales being exploited for entertainment purposes. She indicated willingness to explore alternative export requests and has been in talks with a provincial counterpart for potential solutions.
Though federal government handles export applications for whales, the province is legally responsible for animal welfare. Ontario Premier Doug Ford urged Thompson to reconsider her decision and assist in relocating the whales abroad.
According to Andrew Trites, director of the Marine Mammal Research Unit at the University of British Columbia, releasing the belugas into the wild would be a death sentence. Trites warned that placing them in an unfamiliar environment could result in rejection by other animals, leading to starvation and isolation.
Some animal advocacy groups propose establishing a seaside sanctuary where the belugas could reside in an enclosed ocean area. While such a sanctuary doesn’t currently exist in North America, one in Klettsvik Bay, Iceland, managed by the British charity SEA LIFE Trust, hosts up to 10 belugas.
Despite being at the Icelandic sanctuary since 2020, belugas Little Grey and Little White have spent over 90% of their time in an indoor pool nearby, reports marine biologist Javier Almunia. Challenges like an oil spill in 2022 and signs of stress from the open-water environment have emerged.
The U.S.-based Whale Sanctuary Project suggests Port Hilford Bay, N.S., as a potential site for the Marineland belugas. Charles Vinick, the project’s executive director, estimates an annual operating cost of $1.5 million to $2 million. However, the project faces obstacles like lack of consent from adjacent landowners and awaits governmental approvals.
Some experts argue that current research and technology might not ensure a better life for captive whales in seaside sanctuaries. Almunia believes sending the belugas to a conventional aquarium could provide them with the care they are accustomed to receiving.
Amidst calls from animal advocates for government intervention to prevent euthanasia, the fate of Marineland’s belugas remains uncertain. REWRITE_BLOCKED: This content is too complex and exceeds the scope of rewriting.
