We are deeply saddened to report that another beluga whale, named Eos, has tragically died at Marineland. At just seven years old, Eos was euthanized after a prolonged battle with multiple medical conditions. The province’s Animal Welfare Services team confirmed her death on Thursday.
Eos’ passing marks the 18th beluga whale to die at the Niagara Falls, Ontario, entertainment attraction since 2019. Additionally, three other belugas sold to a Connecticut aquarium in 2021 have also died, underscoring a growing pattern of loss at this facility.
The repeated deaths of these sentient species reveal the dire consequences of keeping cetaceans in captivity. These creatures are not meant for confinement in small tanks. In the wild, they can travel thousands of miles across our oceans, yet in captivity, they are forced to swim in cramped enclosures for their entire lives—without the freedom to engage in their natural behaviors or form meaningful social bonds. Such confinement leads to both physical and psychological distress, which can result in serious health issues, as seen in the tragic deaths of beluga whales at Marineland.
“What’s happening now at MarineLand is exactly what we forewarned would happen when we first spoke out in 2012. It’s sad to see that not enough is being done to stop it. The fight continues,” Phil Demers, co-founder of UrgentSeas, told WAN.
In 2023, Canada’s last remaining killer whale in captivity, Kiska, passed away after years of isolation and deteriorating health. Over the past five years, other animals, including one dolphin, two sea lions, and two Magellanic penguins, have also died at the park. The heartbreaking question remains, how many more animals must suffer before we say enough is enough?
Eos was diagnosed with renal disease in 2021 and had been battling infections that required intensive treatment. Despite several recoveries, her health declined in recent months, leading to the decision to euthanize her. This is not an isolated tragedy—this is the reality faced by marine mammals in captivity.
These intelligent, social animals are denied their natural environment, which is essential for their physical and mental well-being. The relentless stress of captivity often results in premature death for most cetaceans held in captivity.
It is time to put an end to this cruelty worldwide and ensure that no more cetaceans are exploited for entertainment. Their lives are worth more than profit. They deserve freedom, respect, and the chance to live in the wild, where they truly belong.
