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Marineland has issued a warning to euthanize 30 beluga whales if Canada’s federal government does not provide economic assistance for the financially troubled amusement park. This grave warning follows the blocking action by the federal minister to block the export of the captive whales to a aquatic park in China.

Mounting Scrutiny and Park’s Decline

The Ontario facility, an entertainment venue that also houses a zoo, aquarium and forest, has endured increasing examination over allegations that the creatures are kept in substandard environments. The once-popular park, which remained closed for the peak tourist period, is winding down its activities ahead of a potential sale. Earlier this year, legal representatives for the park stated plans to expeditiously remove the remaining animals from the property.

Critical Issue for Activists

The fate of the park’s cetaceans has long been a pressing issue for activists who argue the marine animals ought to be transferred to a sanctuary—however limited viable options are available. Records compiled by Canadian Press indicate that 19 belugas and one orca have died at the park since 2019.

“To approve the request would have meant a prolonged confinement and a resumption of performing,” the minister added.

Economic Emergency and Imminent Deadline

In an recent communication, Marineland alerted that the debt-ridden park is in a “critical financial state” and does not have the means to “ensure proper welfare for the whales.” The company declared that if the federal government cannot support the park or permit the whales’ transfer by the specified date, Marineland will “face the devastating decision” of putting down one of the world’s largest groups of confined cetaceans.

“The gravity of the funding crisis at Marineland cannot be overstated; any further delay jeopardizes the well-being and safety of the whales, and we are concerned we are running out of time to act,” the document states.

Government Response and Legal Powers

Ontario’s premier, Doug Ford, said the province will “take all necessary steps” to give the remaining whales the “optimal living conditions,” noting the state of the park was “just terrible.”

According to regional legislation, Ontario has the power to take custody of the whales to protect their welfare—recouping any costs incurred when the park is transferred.

Moral Obligation and Activist Statements

“The park has spent decades profiting from keeping whales in poor enclosures, and is now owning vast amounts of valuable real estate in Niagara Falls. Marineland has a ethical duty to fund the future care of these animals,” an animal rights lawyer, legal advocate of an advocacy group, commented in a release.

“The situation didn’t appear suddenly,” the advocate continued. “It’s the result of decades of neglect and cruelty. Marineland’s effort to strong-arm the government into changing its stance, even suggesting it may euthanize the whales, is reprehensible.”

Park’s Defense on Whale Welfare

The park’s management earlier claimed the whales “are given superior medical attention and around-the-clock attention than any person in the United Kingdom, or anywhere else,” and that the park, which was checked “numerous” of times a year, had experts who “tend to the animals when they are sick and every effort to preserve their lives is made.”

The park also said that for many years, “animal rights activists have attempted to link any animal death with alleged ‘abuse’ by the park looking after the animals” which was “effective as promotional material” for those organizations to fundraise.