What You Need to Know
• Twenty-eight beluga whales will be relocated from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, to U.S. aquariums.
• Marineland closed to the public in 2024 and lacks resources to care for the whales.
• The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration approved the relocation to ensure proper medical care for the whales.
Twenty-eight beluga whales are scheduled to be relocated from Marineland, a closed theme park in Niagara Falls, Ontario, to various accredited aquariums across the United States following an emergency import approval by federal officials earlier this month. Marineland ceased public operations in 2024 and has stated it cannot continue to care for the whales, warning that euthanasia would be considered if no relocation plan was established. The whales will be sent to facilities including SeaWorld San Antonio, SeaWorld San Diego, the Georgia Aquarium, and the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, with two additional whales going to Oceanografic Valencia in Spain, pending permit approval. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration indicated that the relocation was necessary to provide the belugas with medical treatment unavailable in Canada.
Why It Matters
The relocation of the beluga whales from Marineland is significant due to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the park’s treatment of marine animals, with twenty whales reported dead since 2019. In response to growing concerns, Canada passed legislation in 2019 to end the captivity of whales and dolphins, which has led to increased pressure on facilities like Marineland. The approval for this relocation follows a conditional proposal from Canada’s Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, emphasizing the need for proper care and husbandry for these animals. The situation highlights the broader implications of animal welfare regulations and the responsibilities of marine parks in Canada.
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