Marineland’s Last 30 Belugas Face Uncertain Future As Canada Approves Transfers to U.S. And Spanish Aquariums
The future of Marineland’s remaining beluga whales remains uncertain after the Canadian government reportedly approved a plan to transfer 30 of the park’s remaining belugas to aquariums in the United States and Spain.
While the move would bring the whales out of the controversial Niagara Falls facility, animal advocates warn that significant concerns remain about the health of the animals and the risks associated with transporting them long distances. Before any transfer can take place, each whale must undergo veterinary examinations and receive the necessary federal permits.
The proposed plan would relocate some of the belugas to Oceanogràfic València in Spain, while others could be sent to marine facilities in Georgia, Illinois, California, and Texas.
For many advocates, the announcement represents a complicated and imperfect outcome for animals that have spent years living in captivity.
Animal Justice, a Canadian animal protection organization, is urging caution before any transfers move forward.
“We are deeply concerned that Canada has endorsed the plan to transfer these vulnerable animals even though their health has not yet been independently assessed. Long-distance transport is incredibly dangerous for belugas. Independent experts must evaluate these animals before any transfer takes place to ensure they are not being moved with pre-existing health conditions, something that occurred when Marineland previously transferred whales to Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut. Three out of five of those belugas died,” said Kaitlyn Mitchell, lawyer and Director of Legal Advocacy at Animal Justice.
The organization is also calling on officials to prioritize sanctuary options whenever possible.
“For years, these animals have languished in decrepit, deteriorating tanks while Ontario’s animal welfare agency failed to take meaningful action. The sad reality is that transfer to other aquariums is likely the least worst option for many of these whales and dolphins, but Canada should be prioritizing sending as many of the animals as possible to sanctuaries. Seaside sanctuaries, like the Whale Sanctuary Project being constructed in Nova Scotia, will allow these intelligent, social animals to enjoy the care and natural environment they deserve.”
The relocation plan follows years of public scrutiny surrounding Marineland and ongoing concerns about animal welfare. While many advocates agree that leaving the whales where they are is not a viable long-term solution, questions remain about whether transferring them to other aquariums can truly offer the future these highly intelligent and social animals deserve.
As the process moves forward, animal welfare organizations are calling for transparency, independent health assessments, and decisions that place the well-being of each whale above all else.
World Animal News will continue to follow developments as more information becomes available regarding the transfers and the condition of the whales.
