Marineland, once a beloved family destination in Ontario, Canada, is now at the center of a growing controversy over its treatment of animals, particularly its beluga whales. The park, which opened in 1961, has faced numerous allegations of animal mistreatment and financial instability. Ontario’s Animal Welfare Services has conducted over 200 inspections since 2020, revealing distressing conditions for the park’s marine life, including poor water quality. Although improvements were made by 2024, Marineland was found guilty of neglecting three black bears in the same year. Since 2019, 20 whales have died at the park, which the company attributes to natural causes. Attendance has plummeted, and the park has not opened this spring, with many predicting bankruptcy. Amid these struggles, Marineland sought to sell 30 beluga whales to a theme park in Zhuhai, China, but the Canadian government denied the permit, citing concerns about the whales’ welfare. The park then threatened to euthanize the whales, sparking outrage. Advocates, experts, and officials are now scrambling to find a solution, with some suggesting the whales be relocated to sanctuaries in the U.S. or Canada. However, options are limited, and time is running out. Critics argue that the provincial government should intervene under the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act. The Whale and Dolphin Conservation has urged Ontario Premier Doug Ford to commission independent veterinary assessments and ensure humane outcomes for the whales. Despite the urgency, many believe Marineland’s euthanasia threat is a bluff, but the situation remains dire for these captive animals.