Canadian Fisheries and Oceans Department rejected Ontario’s marine theme park “Marineland” application to export 30 beluga whales to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in Zhuhai, China on Wednesday (October 1).
Minister of Canadian Fisheries and Oceans, Joanne Thompson, stated at Parliament Hill that the government would not approve the export of whales to Chinese aquariums, citing a violation of Canada’s 2019 “Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act”. The act prohibits the use of whales and dolphins for entertainment or captivity purposes.
Thompson stated that based on conscience and legal considerations, she could not approve the export. If approved, the whales would be forced to continue living in captivity and performing, contradicting her conscience. She mentioned that she would not review the application unless it complies with the regulations under the Fisheries Act.
“These whales should have a proper habitat, but Chimelong Ocean Kingdom is not the suitable place,” said Thompson. “All whales belong in the ocean and should not be confined in pools for entertainment purposes.”
The captive whales will remain temporarily at Marineland near Niagara Falls, where the park will decide on their future relocation.
Marineland is a large amusement park that combines an amusement park, zoo, and aquarium, with a significant number of captive whales. The park has long faced controversy due to the poor conditions in which animals are kept.
According to a database compiled from internal documents and official statements, since 2019, this tourist spot near Niagara Falls in Ontario has witnessed the death of 20 whales, including 1 orca and 19 belugas.
Since 2020, Ontario inspectors have conducted over 200 inspections at the park and issued 33 corrective orders.
Marineland expressed disappointment at the Canadian government’s rejection of the export application.
The company responded, stating, “After years of searching for a permanent home for the belugas, we believed that humane transport to accredited facilities abroad was the only viable solution to ensure the whales’ survival and proper care.”
Marineland emphasized, “This decision means that these whales will be confined in closed facilities, facing an uncertain future, and the park may struggle to afford their care and maintenance costs.”
Marineland announced its sale due to operational and financial considerations in 2023 and closed in late summer of 2024. The park has yet to reopen to the public and is seeking to sell the park and surrounding land without finding a buyer.
Current Canadian laws banning captive whale breeding do not apply to existing whales at the park, but the park must still comply with the breeding prohibition.
(This article was referenced from reports by The Associated Press and The Guardian.)