Ontario Pressures Feds to Approve Urgent Whale Transfer Amid Crisis

UPDATE: Ontario’s Solicitor General, Michael Kerzner, is urgently calling on the federal government to approve export permits for 30 beluga whales from Marineland to locations in China and Nova Scotia. This plea comes after a recent threat from the amusement park to euthanize the whales, citing a lack of viable options.

Earlier this month, federal authorities, led by Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, denied Marineland’s request to transfer the whales to an aquarium in China, citing concerns over their future in captivity. The situation has escalated, prompting Kerzner to declare the need for immediate action.

“We think it’s urgent that the federal government revisit the necessary documents on the export permit,” Kerzner stated at a press briefing at Queen’s Park. He emphasized that Ontario is “not abandoning the whales,” yet he pushed the responsibility back to the federal government.

While Nova Scotia has recently approved North America’s first coastal sanctuary for retired theme park whales, it can only accommodate 10 out of the 30 belugas. Marineland insists that the only location capable of housing all the whales is Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China.

“That was a viable alternative that Marineland came forward with to see the whales live their next life’s chapter,” Kerzner remarked. “We need to help the situation dramatically.”

Kerzner also addressed growing concerns over the welfare of the animals, acknowledging his responsibility under the Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act. However, he claimed the Ontario government lacks the authority to seize the whales, suggesting that the financial burden of caring for them would fall on taxpayers, potentially costing between $1 million and $2 million per month.

Despite the urgency, Kerzner reiterated, “This is a private business. We can’t go in and seize anything.” He hinted that the provincial government would allow federal officials to take the lead in resolving the situation.

With pressure mounting and the clock ticking, the fate of the belugas hangs in the balance. Marineland continues to explore all possible avenues, stressing the need for a timely resolution to avoid a tragic outcome for these animals.

The public is left watching closely as both provincial and federal governments navigate this complex issue, emphasizing the significant emotional and ethical stakes involved.

Stay tuned for updates as this urgent situation develops.