Urgent Call to Rescue: Belugas at Risk of Euthanasia in Marineland

Sun Oct 12 2025 19:34:52 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Marineland, a troubled marine park in Ontario, is facing mounting pressure as it threatens to euthanize 30 beluga whales amid financial struggles and inadequate care. Advocates push for alternatives to save these endangered creatures.

As Marineland in Ontario grapples with financial distress and public scrutiny over its treatment of animals, the fate of 30 beluga whales hangs in the balance. The park's request to sell these whales to a Chinese facility was denied, leading to threats of euthanasia. Animal advocates are calling for urgent action from the provincial government, urging for the whales’ transfer to sanctuaries or alternative homes to prevent them from being euthanized.

For decades, Marineland was a destination for Canadian children and their parents who wanted an up-close look at ocean life near Niagara Falls. However, behind the aquatic-themed roller coasters and dolphin performances is a troubling history of documented mistreatment of animals and ongoing financial problems.

Ontario's Animal Welfare Services has conducted multiple investigations over the past several years, visiting the park more than 200 times since 2020. Amid its financial struggles, Marineland has sought permission to sell 30 beluga whales to a theme park in China. When permits were denied, the park warned that it may have to euthanize the whales.

Now, advocates, experts, and officials are urgently exploring ways to save these marine mammals, though there’s much debate over the best approach. Critics argue that Marineland's threats to kill the whales may be merely an empty threat.

The park’s attendance has significantly decreased, leading to speculation of imminent bankruptcy. According to Niagara Falls mayor Jim Diodati, the park's financial struggles have reached a point where it is burning resources to stay afloat. Marineland claims it cannot afford to care for the whales and has requested government funding for support.

The provincial Fisheries Minister, Joanne Thompson, stated that the conditions at the proposed Chinese facility would mirror Marineland’s poor treatment records, prompting her to deny the application. Moreover, former Marineland employee Phil Demers believes immediate action is crucial for the whales, advocating for any option that removes them from Marineland as soon as possible.

While options are being considered, there’s a growing demand for the provincial government to intervene and assume care of the whales, given their bad conditions. Many animal welfare organizations are calling for independent veterinary assessments, emphasizing that a humane outcome for each whale is imperative.

Despite the lack of immediate alternatives, discussions continue on how to ensure the well-being of the belugas and spare them from euthanasia. As the deadline for finding a suitable solution approaches, the urgency to act grows.