The Minister of Fisheries of Canada, Joanne Thompson, announced that the federal government will not authorize the transfer of 30 captive belugas from Marineland park to the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom aquarium in China.
The measure is based on the Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act, in effect since 2019, which prohibits the use of these animals for recreational or reproductive purposes.
“All whales belong in the ocean, not in tanks for entertainment,” Thompson declared to the AP agency.
Marineland: financial crisis and animals at risk
The park warns that without export, the belugas could be left without care or be euthanized.
Marineland, located near the Niagara Falls, is facing a severe economic crisis. According to CBC News, the park no longer has sufficient funds to operate, and the monthly care of the whales exceeds two million dollars.
In a letter sent to the minister, the company warned that without export permits, bankruptcy is inevitable and the animals would be placed under government custody or be euthanized.
Political and social reactions to the decision
The Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, expressed his disappointment and called for finding a suitable home for the animals, urging the federal government to allow gradual transfers.
Meanwhile, organizations like Animal Justice and World Animal Protection supported the measure, noting that the Chinese aquarium maintains breeding programs and shows, practices prohibited in Canada.
“We should not export our animal welfare problems,” stated Colin Saravanamuttoo, director of World Animal Protection.
Ethical alternatives: sanctuaries and palliative care
Proposals include transforming Marineland into a rehabilitation center or accelerating the creation of a marine sanctuary.
Among the most notable proposals is the creation of a whale sanctuary off the coast of Nova Scotia, although the project remains stalled.
Minister Thompson expressed her interest in this option, noting that it would be a wonderful outcome, although she acknowledged it is still early to proceed. It was also proposed to convert Marineland into a palliative care center, under the supervision of independent experts.
A decisive moment for marine protection in Canada
The 2019 legislation marks a paradigm shift in the treatment of captive cetaceans.
Since the law came into effect, one orca and 19 belugas have died in Marineland, according to official data. Although the regulation does not affect the specimens already in captivity, it does prohibit their reproduction and limits their transfer.
The minister reiterated that she will review future export requests that prioritize animal welfare, but ruled out Chimelong Ocean Kingdom as a valid option.
