Ottawa, Ontario urge each other to help Marineland’s belugas amid euthanasia threat

Beluga whales swim in a tank at Marineland amusement park in Niagara Falls, Ont., Friday, June 9, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

TORONTO — The federal and Ontario governments are urging each other to help 30 belugas at Marineland, which has threatened to euthanize the whales if the park does not receive emergency funds from Ottawa.

The federal government should reconsider its position after denying Marineland permits to move them to an aquarium in China, Premier Doug Ford said Tuesday.

Federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson said last week that she denied the permits to move the whales to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom because she did not want to subject them to a future of performing in captivity, which is consistent with a law passed in 2019.

Marineland said it is quickly running out of money and asked the federal government for an infusion of emergency cash to help it feed and care for the whales -- otherwise the belugas would be euthanized.

The Niagara Falls, Ont., tourist attraction also asked Thompson for help finding a new suitor for the whales. Marineland has said there are no other viable alternatives to Chimelong that can take the animals.

It gave the federal government a deadline of Tuesday to respond to its request.

“It should be the federal government that allows them to move (the belugas) to China or other marine areas that will take them, but saying no to everything and not coming up with a solution is not a great suggestion,” Ford said.

Marineland did not immediately respond to questions about whether it would proceed with euthanizing the whales.

Twenty whales -- 19 belugas and one killer whale -- have died at Marineland since 2019. There are 30 remaining belugas at the park, with the males in one pool and the females in another. There are also four dolphins, several seals and sea lions that remain, as does the park’s complement of bears and deer.

The park has not opened to the public since the end of summer in 2024 and has begun selling off its rides. It has been up for sale since early 2023, though no buyer has come forward. The animals on site are an impediment to its sale.

Thompson said in a letter sent to Marineland on Monday night that Ottawa will not be bailing them out with emergency funds.

“The fact that Marineland has not planned for a viable alternative despite raising these whales in captivity for many years, does not place the onus on the Canadian government to cover your expenses,” Thompson wrote.

Thompson said the Ontario government has a role to play as animal welfare is under the provincial purview.

She urged Marineland to come up with a new plan and said she will consider any proposal quickly.

“At this point, you have only brought forward one proposal, which would mean continued life in captivity, further risks in transport, especially at this distance, and importantly, a return to public entertainment for these whales,” Thompson wrote.

“To reiterate, I remain open to export permit applications and urge Marineland to act in good faith.”

Former Marineland whale trainer Phil Demers said the blame lies with Marineland, though he urged either the federal or provincial government to act quickly.

“It doesn’t matter which government, but someone needs to do something,” Demers said. “Either to help accelerate a sale, do something to parcel off land, do whatever is necessary so that Marineland can undo the mess they created themselves.”

Demers worked at the park for 12 years until quitting in 2012, upset by how the animals were being treated.

Marineland has long said it treats its animals with the utmost respect and care.

Demers said the park brought in more than 20 belugas beginning in 1999. They were caught in Russian waters and imported to Marineland.

The belugas bred quite successfully and by early 2019, Marineland told the federal government ahead of the new anti-captivity law that it had 54 belugas.

In 2021, Marineland sold five belugas to Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut. Two belugas died within the first year there while a third died two years later. Mystic said the belugas died due to pre-existing conditions.

Demers said some of the blame also rests with the provincial and federal governments.

“All fashions of government could have stepped in, in some way, shape or form, but again, it seems like the concerns at Marineland weren’t ultimately legitimized until the 11th hour,” he said.

“And we’ve been screaming at the top of our lungs for the past 13 years.”

A dozen organizations wrote to Ford Monday urging him to take action to help the park’s whales, including the Toronto Zoo, World Animal Protection and Animal Justice.

“The Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act gives Ontario the authority to act now to support the animals, provide immediate care, and recover costs,” the group wrote.

“The Government of Ontario must exercise these powers urgently, followed by the formal seizure of the animals in question. Ontario can ensure that the animals at Marineland are independently assessed by veterinary experts, so each one receives a humane and compassionate outcome -- giving as many as possible a second chance at life.”

A spokesperson for Solicitor General Michael Kerzner said Monday that the province conducts regular inspections at Marineland to ensure standards of care are being met.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 7, 2025.