Marineland’s Marine Mammals: Ottawa Approves Conditional Relocation to U.S. Aquariums
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Canada’s Fisheries Minister has given conditional approval for the relocation of 34 marine mammals from the shuttered Marineland amusement park to aquariums in the United States, a move sparking both relief and renewed controversy. The plan, involving 30 belugas and four dolphins, aims to provide a more sustainable future for the animals, but animal welfare advocates fear the potential for exploitation in their new homes.
A Controversial Park’s Closing and the Relocation Effort
Marineland, located in Niagara Falls, Ontario, closed to the public in late 2024 following years of criticism regarding animal welfare and performance practices. Since 2019, the park experienced the deaths of 20 whales – including one orca and 19 belugas – according to records compiled by The Canadian Press. A 2019 federal law prohibits the breeding and keeping of whales, dolphins, and porpoises for entertainment purposes, prompting the need for a solution for the remaining animals.
The proposed relocation involves sending the marine mammals to facilities including Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut, and a SeaWorld location. All four are recognized by Accredited Zoos and Aquariums.
Conditions for Export and Concerns Over Animal Welfare
Canadian Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson stated on Tuesday that the plan is “solid,” but outlined two key conditions for export approval. “One is that the health of the belugas and dolphins is assessed by accredited veterinarians, and also the transportation plan,” she explained. “And then obviously once the belugas move, part of the accreditation of these sites is that those health supports are available.”
However, the decision has drawn criticism from animal rights groups. Camille Labchuk, executive director of Animal Justice, emphasized the need for strict stipulations to prevent the animals from being used for performances or breeding. “The best option for the whales is to go to a sanctuary rather than another exploitative aquarium where they can be used for entertainment,” Labchuk told CBC News. “The second best option would probably be to go to U.S. aquariums, as long as there are strong conditions on any export permits that accord with Canadian law.”
A proposed whale sanctuary in Wine Harbour, Nova Scotia, had initially been considered as a potential destination, but the project remains stalled due to permitting issues and a $20-million fundraising gap.
Legal Gray Areas and Facility Practices
A senior government source acknowledged that transferring the animals to the U.S. would subject them to varying state laws, with some states permitting breeding and performances. “Any transfer would place the whales under U.S. legal requirements, with day-to-day care decisions made by the receiving facilities based on capacity and animal-care needs,” the source stated. “In an urgent rescue context, the minister has conditionally approved the export given the U.S. regulations in place, and the AZA accreditation of the facilities, as this provides a strong standard of oversight aligned with the animals’ welfare.”
SeaWorld, with locations in Texas, California, and Florida, currently offers “in-water interactions” with belugas and dolphins and hosts dolphin shows, raising concerns about the potential for continued exploitation.
Support from a Former Marineland Trainer
Despite representing “the end of an era,” Kristy Burgess, a former beluga trainer at Marineland, voiced support for the relocation plan. Burgess, who worked at the park from 2022 to 2025, described the proposed U.S. facilities as “beyond incredible” and expressed confidence that the Fisheries Minister would not approve the transfer without adequate safeguards.
“I also don’t believe that any of these facilities in their right mind are going to be breeding belugas…,” Burgess said. She added that the move to the U.S. represents the “best chance” for the mammals, particularly given Marineland’s previous threat to euthanize them if relocation efforts failed by January 30. “It’s a non-concern for me, and I think activists need to step aside and let things happen, let these whales get to a new place, before they start worrying about all these hypothetical scenarios.”
