Canada has rejected a request from Marineland in Niagara Falls to export 30 beluga whales to China, citing concerns the animals would face further mistreatment in captivity.
Marineland, which has one of the world’s largest captive whale populations, has long faced criticism over conditions at its facility. Since 2019, 20 whales – including 19 belugas and one killer whale – have died there. The park, which did not open this summer, has said it intends to remove the remaining animals but has not responded to recent requests for comment.
Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China had confirmed interest in acquiring the belugas. But federal fisheries minister Joanne Thompson said on Wednesday that the application was denied:
“I could not in good conscience approve an export that would perpetuate the treatment these belugas have endured,” she said. “To approve the request would have meant a continued life in captivity and a return to public entertainment.”
The decline of Marineland followed Canada’s 2019 law banning the sale, captivity and breeding of dolphins and whales. Since 2020, Ontario inspectors have made more than 200 visits to the park and issued 33 compliance orders.
Ontario premier Doug Ford recently described the situation as “terrible” and promised the province would do “whatever it takes” to secure the best possible outcome for the whales.
Phil Demers, a former trainer turned critic of Marineland, welcomed the rejection of the China deal but warned the whales remain at risk. He urged that they be relocated to a facility under strict animal welfare laws, with the United States as the most realistic option.
“They’ve allowed it to sort of simmer on the back burner, and now we’re boiling over,” he said.
