The Canadian federal government has issued conditional authorization for Marineland, the beleaguered theme park near Niagara Falls, to proceed with the sale of its 30 remaining beluga whales to aquatic facilities across the United States. This decision comes shortly after fisheries officials rejected the park’s previous proposal to export the marine mammals to China.
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Joanne Thompson announced the conditional approval Monday following discussions with park representatives. The authorization remains provisional pending Marineland’s submission of additional documentation required for final permit issuance.
Marineland, which has ceased public operations, faces severe financial constraints that have compromised its ability to maintain proper care for its cetacean population. Park management had previously stated that euthanasia would become the only viable option if relocation efforts failed.
The aquatic park’s history remains shadowed by controversy and tragedy. According to data compiled by The Canadian Press, twenty marine animals—including nineteen belugas—have died at the facility since 2019. While Marineland attributes all mortalities to natural causes, provincial animal welfare authorities in Ontario have maintained ongoing investigations into the park’s operations for several years.
The rejected proposal to transfer whales to China’s Chimelong Ocean Kingdom was denied by Minister Thompson on grounds that it would perpetuate the commercial exploitation of these marine mammals. The newly approved American transfer initiative represents Marineland’s latest attempt to address both its financial troubles and animal welfare obligations.