Marineland Refuses Belugas to Nova Scotia Sanctuary Amid Crisis

URGENT UPDATE: Marineland Canada has confirmed that none of its remaining beluga whales will be sent to a proposed sanctuary in Nova Scotia. This decision comes just days after the federal government blocked the sale of 30 beluga whales to an aquarium in China, citing violations of Canadian law.

The situation escalates as Marineland faces mounting financial pressures, with officials stating they are running out of options for the whales in their shuttered theme park located in Niagara Falls, Ontario. A senior government official indicated that the sale was rejected based on laws prohibiting the breeding or entertainment of whales.

In a letter to the Fisheries Minister, Marineland expressed its dire predicament, warning that euthanasia might be the only option if they cannot find a resolution. This alarming possibility has drawn sharp criticism from animal welfare advocates.

“The situation requires that we all come together now to see what we can do for these animals,” said Charles Vinick, CEO of the Whale Sanctuary Project, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.

Vinick’s organization is prepared to welcome some of the belugas into a proposed sanctuary in the waters off Wine Harbour, Nova Scotia, and believes that they could accommodate up to eight belugas pending necessary approvals. He expressed optimism about the timeline, stating, “I think we can, with everything coming together, welcome whales sometime next summer.”

However, Marineland has dismissed this option, claiming the sanctuary’s site is unsafe for the whales and that the Whale Sanctuary Project lacks the required funding and permits. Vinick disputes these claims, citing favorable environmental studies that he believes support the project’s viability.

Phil Demers, a former Marineland trainer and whistleblower, called Marineland’s threats of euthanasia “bluster,” arguing that no veterinarian in Canada would support such actions. He added, “Marineland can make it look like they are in a place where they can file for bankruptcy, but they are sitting on 700 acres of prime land in Niagara Falls.”

The federal government has responded by urging Marineland to fulfill its duty of care toward the whales. Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson emphasized that taxpayers will not be responsible for any potential fallout.

Support for the Whale Sanctuary Project is growing, with provincial officials citing potential tourism and job benefits. However, the project faces opposition from three local property owners concerned about shoreline access. Approvals from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and Transport Canada are still pending.

The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated, as Marineland’s refusal to cooperate with the sanctuary plan raises critical questions about the future of the belugas. As the clock ticks, the welfare of these marine mammals hangs in the balance, with advocates calling for immediate intervention.

As this developing story unfolds, the fate of the belugas remains uncertain. Stakeholders are calling for swift action to ensure these animals receive the care they need in a suitable environment.