Canada Approves Relocation of Marineland's Whales to Aquariums in US and Spain
Canadian government endorses plan to move whales from Marineland park to US, Spain
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The Canadian government has approved a plan to relocate 30 belugas and four dolphins from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, to aquariums in the U.S. and Spain, potentially preventing their euthanasia. The move follows Marineland's closure and past animal cruelty findings.
- 01Thirty belugas and four dolphins remain at Marineland, which closed to the public in late summer 2024.
- 02The Canadian government issued permits under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) for the relocation.
- 03Since 2019, 20 whales have died at Marineland, raising concerns about the animals' welfare.
- 04The whales are set to be relocated to five marine parks, including Shedd Aquarium and SeaWorld locations.
- 05Marineland's founder passed away in 2018, and the park has been up for sale since 2023.
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The Canadian government has endorsed a plan to relocate the last remaining captive whales from Marineland, a theme park in Niagara Falls, Ontario, to aquariums in the United States and Spain. This decision aims to prevent the potential euthanasia of the animals, which include 30 belugas and four dolphins. Marineland closed to the public in late summer 2024 and has been working to relocate its remaining animals following a guilty verdict under Ontario’s animal cruelty laws. Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson expressed optimism about the plan, stating it is a positive step forward. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has issued permits for the relocation under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The whales are expected to be moved to five marine parks, including Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and SeaWorld in San Diego. Marineland has emphasized its commitment to the safe relocation of the whales, which is described as a complex undertaking. The government has yet to decide on funding for the move.
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The relocation plan aims to ensure the welfare of the remaining whales and prevent their euthanasia, which could have significant implications for animal rights and conservation efforts in Canada.
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