The Marineland marine park, located in Niagara Falls near the famous waterfall, has threatened to euthanize 30 belugas if the federal government of Canada does not provide the financial support needed for the care of the animals, The Guardian reports.
The park, covering nearly 1,000 acres (400 hectares), combines the functions of an amusement park, zoo, and aquarium. It has previously faced criticism for poor animal living conditions and did not open for the summer season in 2025.
The park's lawyer reported plans to quickly relocate the remaining belugas. Marineland planned to send them to the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom theme park in Zhuhai, China, but Canada's Minister of Fisheries, Joanne Thompson, blocked the export permit, stating that "approving the request would mean continuing life in captivity."
Since 2019, 20 whales have died at the park — 19 belugas and one orca. Activists insist on transferring the remaining animals to a specialized sanctuary, although there are few suitable places for this.
In a letter dated October 3, Marineland's management warned that the park is in "critical financial condition" and lacks the resources for "adequate care of the whales." The company noted that if the federal government does not provide funding or permit export by October 7, it will have to make a "devastating decision" — to euthanize one of the largest captive beluga populations in the world.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford stated that the authorities "will do everything possible" to ensure the remaining whales have "the best living conditions." Under provincial laws, authorities have the right to seize animals for their safety, with costs potentially reimbursed after the sale of the park.
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