Theme Park Pushes Back After China Sale Blocked
Pressures Government: "Euthanasia Without Support"
Concerns are mounting that 30 beluga whales housed at a Canadian marine theme park may be euthanized as the park faces bankruptcy.
On October 12 (local time), the BBC reported that "Marineland, located near Niagara in southern Ontario, Canada, mentioned the possibility of euthanasia as it appealed to the government for support after its attempt to sell the belugas to China was denied due to financial difficulties."
Established in 1961, Marineland was once considered a popular tourist destination in Canada. However, in recent years, the park has faced allegations of animal abuse and financial troubles, pushing it to the brink of closure.
According to Canadian broadcaster CBC, a total of 20 animals have died at Marineland since 2019, including one orca and 19 beluga whales. While Marineland explained that these deaths were due to natural causes, the Ontario Animal Welfare Department conducted more than 200 on-site inspections since 2020 and concluded that "marine animals are under severe stress due to poor water quality." Despite subsequent water quality improvements, Marineland was convicted of animal cruelty in the same year over issues with the care environment for black bears.
Marineland Requested Permission to Sell Belugas to China, but Canadian Government Denied Request
Amid a sharp decline in visitors and worsening financial troubles, Marineland requested permission from the Canadian government to sell 30 beluga whales to China, but the request was denied. Fisheries Minister Joyce Thompson stated that "even in China, the belugas would be treated merely as entertainment," and thus did not grant approval.
In response, Marineland declared, "If the government does not provide support, euthanasia will be inevitable." An official letter obtained by the BBC included the phrase, "This situation is a direct result of the government’s decision."
Minister Thompson countered, "Marineland, which has been keeping belugas for years, cannot shift the responsibility for not preparing alternatives onto the government."
Debate Over Solutions: "Dispersing Individuals Is Realistic" vs. "Government Must Intervene to Protect"
Phil Demers, who served as Marineland's head trainer for 12 years, told the BBC, "There are almost no facilities outside China that can accommodate 30 belugas at once," and stressed, "They need to be moved out of Marineland as soon as possible." He proposed that several aquariums in the United States could each take in some of the whales as a practical solution.
Some experts and organizations argue that the Ontario provincial government should intervene to protect the belugas. Under the Ontario Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act, the government can seize facilities and charge the owner for maintenance costs if animals are deemed at risk.
Colleen Saravanamuthu, Executive Director of World Animal Protection, stated, "The blame game between Marineland, the provincial government, and the federal government cannot be tolerated," emphasizing, "Ontario Premier Doug Ford must take immediate action."
The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Association also urged Premier Ford to conduct independent veterinary assessments for each beluga, stating, "Every individual must receive a humane and compassionate outcome." The solution proposed by this organization is to transfer the belugas to the Whale Sanctuary Project located in Nova Scotia, Canada.
However, this facility is not scheduled for completion until next summer and can only accommodate a maximum of 8 to 10 animals. Project director Charles Vinick told the BBC, "There is no sanctuary that can accept them today or tomorrow."
While various solutions are being discussed, there is speculation that Marineland’s threat of euthanasia may be intended more as a pressure tactic than a genuine plan. Demers commented, "Talk of euthanasia is nothing but bluster." However, he also warned, "There is not much time left to move these animals to better conditions," stressing that cooperation among various organizations and the government is desperately needed to ensure the whales receive the lives they deserve.
Meanwhile, the current condition of the belugas remains unclear. Marineland did not respond to the BBC’s inquiries.
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