Marineland, the embattled amusement park in Niagara Falls, Ontario, has issued a dire ultimatum to the Canadian government: provide emergency funding or face the euthanasia of 30 beluga whales. The warning comes after the federal fisheries minister blocked Marineland’s plan to transfer the whales to a Chinese theme park, citing concerns over the animals’ captivity and public display.
Spanning nearly 1,000 acres and home to thousands of animals, Marineland has faced increasing scrutiny over alleged poor animal welfare, the Guardian reports. The park, which includes a zoo and aquarium, did not open this summer and is preparing for sale following years of declining attendance and mounting controversy. Since 2019, 20 whales—mostly belugas—have died at the park.
Animal advocates have long pushed for the remaining whales to be moved to a sanctuary, but options are limited. Marineland says its financial situation is so severe that it cannot properly care for the whales, claiming euthanasia will be the only option unless the federal government approves emergency funding or reverses the export ban by Tuesday. Critics argue that after decades of profiting from the animals, Marineland should use proceeds from any future sale to fund their care.
Camille Labchuk of Animal Justice called the crisis “the product of decades of neglect and cruelty” and labeled the ultimatum “reprehensible.” Marineland countered that animal rights groups have often exploited any animal deaths for fundraising purposes.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said the province could step in, potentially seizing the whales to ensure their safety, according to CP24. He also suggested alternative solutions: “We don’t have to move all 30 in one shot. A couple here, a couple there,” he said. “We can look at other areas that will take these whales, not just China.”