Advocates fear Marineland whales, dolphins may be in shows or bred if export to U.S. approved

A plan to relocate 34 marine mammals from the shuttered Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, to aquariums in the United States is gaining momentum. Canadian Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson has deemed Marineland’s proposal “solid,” suggesting the transfer of 30 belugas and four dolphins is increasingly likely.

Relocation Plan Faces Scrutiny

While Ottawa has granted Marineland conditional approval for the relocation, animal advocates are raising concerns. These concerns center on the potential for the animals to be used for breeding programs or performances in their new environments.

Approved Facilities

The aquariums under consideration – Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut, and a SeaWorld location – are all recognized by the Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). This accreditation signifies adherence to high standards of animal welfare.

Did You Know? Since 2019, twenty whales at Marineland – one orca and nineteen belugas – have died, according to records from The Canadian Press.

Conditions for Approval

Minister Thompson outlined two key conditions for the export approval. Marineland must first demonstrate the health of the belugas and dolphins has been assessed by accredited veterinarians, and that a safe transportation plan is in place. Secondly, the receiving facilities must provide ongoing health support, as part of their AZA accreditation.

Legal Framework and Park Closure

A 2019 federal law prohibits the keeping of whales, dolphins, and porpoises for breeding or entertainment purposes. Exporting these animals requires a permit, which the fisheries minister can grant if the relocation is deemed to be in the animals’ best interest or for scientific research. Marineland closed to the public in late 2024 following years of controversy surrounding animal welfare and performance practices.

Expert Insight: The conditional approval highlights a complex situation where legal restrictions on keeping marine mammals in captivity are balanced against the immediate welfare concerns of animals in a closed facility. The emphasis on AZA accreditation suggests a prioritization of established animal care standards, but doesn’t eliminate concerns about potential future use.

Differing Perspectives

Camille Labchuk, executive director of Animal Justice, argues that a whale sanctuary would be the ideal outcome. However, she acknowledges that transfer to U.S. aquariums could be acceptable, provided strong conditions are attached to the export permits to prevent breeding and performances. A proposed whale sanctuary in Wine Harbour, Nova Scotia, remains a possibility, but faces ongoing challenges with permitting and fundraising.

Kristy Burgess, a former beluga trainer at Marineland, supports the relocation plan, believing the proposed U.S. facilities offer the best chance for the animals’ well-being. She expressed confidence that Minister Thompson would not approve the transfer without adequate protections.

Potential Future Scenarios

If Marineland satisfies the conditions set by the Fisheries Minister, the relocation of the belugas and dolphins to the U.S. aquariums could proceed. However, the animals would then be subject to the laws of the states in which they reside, some of which permit breeding and performances. It is also possible that the proposed whale sanctuary in Nova Scotia could eventually become a viable option, though its current status remains uncertain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What animals are included in the proposed relocation?

The relocation plan involves 30 belugas and four dolphins.

Which aquariums are being considered as potential new homes for the marine mammals?

Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut, and a SeaWorld location are all under consideration.

What conditions must Marineland meet to receive export approval?

Marineland must have the health of the belugas and dolphins assessed by accredited veterinarians, provide a safe transportation plan, and ensure the receiving facilities offer ongoing health support.

As the future of these marine mammals remains uncertain, what role should public opinion play in shaping the standards of care for animals in captivity?