Another beluga whale has died at Marineland—the fourth whale death in just a year, marking the 19th cetacean death since 2019. This includes 17 belugas, a dolphin, and lone orca Kiska.
The tourist attraction, which is the last place in Canada to hold whales captive, has reportedly been inspected over 200 times by authorities with Animal Welfare Services (AWS). However, four years and numerous deaths later, AWS has yet to lay a single charge over the heartbreaking deaths and appalling ongoing conditions at Marineland. AWS also refuses to publicly share any updates on their findings, and has denied multiple freedom of information requests from Animal Justice and the media.
The ongoing carnage at Marineland emphasizes the urgent need for transparency and meaningful action from provincial animal welfare authorities.
Captive Animals at Marineland Continue to Suffer
According to Ontario’s Ministry of the Solicitor General, the most recent beluga death occurred in July, and two Magellanic penguins died in August. In addition to these 19 cetacean deaths since 2019, two seals and two sea lions have also lost their lives at the roadside aquarium.
Marineland appears to be on the brink of a sale or closure, with the park open to visitors for only two months instead of its usual five-month season. The park offered extremely limited hours, with no access to rides, and most animals were not on display. The Niagara Falls property has been up for sale for over a year, although it is still unclear what will happen to the animals once the park is sold.
The animals still confined at Marineland have historically been failed by the justice system, with prosecutors repeatedly dropping over a dozen cruelty charges against the park in recent years.
But recently, the tides finally turned. For the first time, Marineland was convicted and fined $85,000 for animal welfare offences over the mistreatment of three black bears who were seized after Marineland refused to improve their poor living conditions.
Government Action Needed
With Marineland’s future uncertain, it’s time for the provincial and federal governments to intervene to protect the animals still languishing inside. Without government action, Marineland may seek to sell the animals off to facilities with low standards, or euthanize animals if they can’t be sold.
Instead, governments should ensure the animals who have endured so much at Marineland are relocated to sanctuaries.
