Marineland in Niagara Falls is once again making headlines — not for progress, but for pressure. The theme park has issued a disturbing public statement, claiming it may euthanise its remaining 30 beluga whales if the federal government does not provide emergency funding.
This kind of threatening language is not only abhorrent — it’s part of a long-standing pattern of neglect, irresponsibility, and a total failure to plan for the future of these intelligent marine mammals. Marineland sits on millions of dollars in property value, yet it chooses coercion over compassion. This is a moral failure that cannot be allowed to continue — and it must not be ignored. It’s unacceptable. It’s indefensible.
In just the past six years, 20 whales have died at Marineland — 19 belugas and one killer whale. These are not just statistics. These were sentient beings, lives lost under the watch of a facility that has repeatedly failed to meet even basic standards of care.
Earlier this year, Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson rejected Marineland’s request to export the whales to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China. At this facility, they would face continued life in captivity and be used for entertainment, which directly violates Canada’s Fisheries Act. Her decision upheld the principles of Canada’s commitment to protecting marine mammals from exploitation — and it must not be undermined by financial threats or political pressure.
In response, Marine Connection has joined with other leading animal welfare organisations issuing an open letter to Ontario Premier Doug Ford. It calls on him to take immediate action — to be remembered as the Premier who stepped in, saved these whales, and left Ontario a more humane and compassionate place for generations to come.
What happens next rests with Marineland and Premier Ford. But let it be clear: the world is watching. These whales cannot speak for themselves — but we can, and we must.
Updates to follow.
