Marineland's Dire Dilemma: 30 Beluga Whales Face Euthanasia Amid Financial Crisis

Fri Dec 05 2025 22:06:33 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Canadian amusement park Marineland faces a potential crisis as it threatens to euthanize 30 beluga whales due to financial struggles and denial of export permits by the government.

Marineland in Ontario, holding Canada’s largest group of captive beluga whales, may euthanize 30 of these marine mammals after the government blocked their relocation to a Chinese theme park due to animal welfare concerns. Financial issues have prevented the park from providing adequate care, leading to a critical situation as it closes operations. Animal rights groups are outraged, urging the government to intervene for the sake of the whales' welfare.

Marineland, a Canadian amusement park, is facing severe criticism and pressure after it threatened to euthanize 30 beluga whales, following the government's refusal to permit their transfer to a park in China.

Located in Ontario, Marineland sought to relocate the whales to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in Zhuhai, but the Canadian government denied the request last week, citing concerns that the animals would not receive appropriate care and may endure continued substandard treatment as part of public entertainment.

In light of the situation and the park's ongoing financial difficulties, Marineland requested federal funding to support the animals' care, which was also denied by Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, who labeled the request as inappropriate.

With mounting pressures, including being in a critical financial state and having been closed for part of the summer, Marineland indicated that it might have no option but to euthanize the whales, asserting this was a direct repercussion of the minister’s decision.

Reports reveal that Marineland has had significant issues with animal welfare over the years; investigations led to findings of distress among marine life, with multiple whale deaths reported since 2019.

Thompson emphasized that approving the export permit would conflict with recent legislation aimed at preventing the exploitation of marine mammals and causing them further hardship.

Animal rights advocates, including the group Animal Justice, have condemned Marineland's threats, calling for the provincial government to intervene and ensure better care for the belugas. World Animal Protection has also urged for government action to safeguard the whales' future.