For decades, Marineland was a destination for Canadian children and their parents who wanted an up-close look at ocean life near Niagara Falls. But behind the aquatic-themed roller coasters and dolphin performances was a dark history of documented mistreatment of animals and lingering 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 financial struggles, the park has been trying to get permission to sell 30 beluga whales to China. When their permits were denied, the park said it may have to euthanize the whales. Now, advocates, experts, and officials are looking for ways to save the whales — though few agree on one solution, and some say Marineland's threats to kill its whales are all talk.
The massive aquatic park, started by John and Marie Holer in 1961, sits on over 1,000 acres of prime Ontario real estate. What was once a beloved attraction has faced growing scrutiny over how it cares for its animals. In 2019, Canada passed a bill making it illegal to hold a whale, dolphin, or porpoise captive, creating protections for future animals but leaving little room for federal government involvement with those already in captivity.
Attendance at Marineland has drastically declined, and this spring, it did not open to tourists as usual. Many assume bankruptcy is inevitable. Park officials say they cannot afford to continue caring for the animals and must find them a new home. Marineland's attempts to relocate the whales to a Chinese theme park were denied due to concerns over the treatment they would receive.
Amidst these issues, advocates are urging Ontario’s government to intervene and ensure the welfare of the whales, suggesting that alternative options must be found quickly. The Whale Sanctuary Project in Nova Scotia could provide a future home, but it won't be ready until next summer and can only accommodate a fraction of the whales.
Phil Demers, a former Marineland trainer, believes the best outcome is to get the whales out of Marineland as soon as possible, whether that's through a coalition of U.S. facilities or another solution. The clock is ticking, and all parties agree that these majestic creatures deserve better care.
Ontario's Animal Welfare Services has conducted multiple investigations over the past several years, visiting the park more than 200 times since 2020. Amid financial struggles, the park has been trying to get permission to sell 30 beluga whales to China. When their permits were denied, the park said it may have to euthanize the whales. Now, advocates, experts, and officials are looking for ways to save the whales — though few agree on one solution, and some say Marineland's threats to kill its whales are all talk.
The massive aquatic park, started by John and Marie Holer in 1961, sits on over 1,000 acres of prime Ontario real estate. What was once a beloved attraction has faced growing scrutiny over how it cares for its animals. In 2019, Canada passed a bill making it illegal to hold a whale, dolphin, or porpoise captive, creating protections for future animals but leaving little room for federal government involvement with those already in captivity.
Attendance at Marineland has drastically declined, and this spring, it did not open to tourists as usual. Many assume bankruptcy is inevitable. Park officials say they cannot afford to continue caring for the animals and must find them a new home. Marineland's attempts to relocate the whales to a Chinese theme park were denied due to concerns over the treatment they would receive.
Amidst these issues, advocates are urging Ontario’s government to intervene and ensure the welfare of the whales, suggesting that alternative options must be found quickly. The Whale Sanctuary Project in Nova Scotia could provide a future home, but it won't be ready until next summer and can only accommodate a fraction of the whales.
Phil Demers, a former Marineland trainer, believes the best outcome is to get the whales out of Marineland as soon as possible, whether that's through a coalition of U.S. facilities or another solution. The clock is ticking, and all parties agree that these majestic creatures deserve better care.
