Last Chance For Animals filed the complaint based on concerns that Marineland is violating a provision of the 2019 Canadian Bill S-203: Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act, which prohibits cetaceans such as whales, dolphins, and porpoises from being used for entertainment purposes. LCA’s documentation of inadequate housing, treatment, and care of the animals was instrumental in the passage of the law.
The organization’s most recent investigation documented dolphins doing flips, spinning, having a “dolphin dance party” and performing other tricks on command to music in front of a live audience. Beluga whales were also documented being instructed to perform tricks for food in front of park attendees.
“Marineland Canada has continued their shows for the public despite Canada passing a law in 2019 prohibiting the use of whales and dolphins for entertainment,” Chris DeRose, Founder and President of LCA said in a statement.“Requiring the whales and dolphins to continue performing is a despicable practice that must be stopped, which we were under the impression was the intention of the law. The Ontario police department should be commended for taking the findings of LCA’s investigation seriously.”
Marineland Canada is also the unfortunate home of Kiska, the last captive orca at the park who sadly lives alone. Captured nearly 40 years ago off the coast of Iceland, Kiska is a heartbreaking example of the negative effects that captivity has on orcas, which results in the deterioration of their mental and physical well-being. Captivity has left these animals without the skills they need to survive in the wild, free, where they belong.
Marineland Canada should provide greater transparency about the health of their marine animals. LCA’s undercover investigations have exposed shocking abuse and neglect at the controversial theme park. Numerous inquiries have been made in the past as to why Marineland’s shows continue to go on.
According to LCA, four government entities have confirmed they have not issued a license to Marineland for the shows.
Help urge the Canadian Government to protect the beluga whales and dolphins who are held captive at Marineland Canada by signing Last Chance For Animals’ petition, HERE!
Signatures are also needed on a Change.org petition to place Kiska the orca into a whale sanctuary, HERE!
You can help all animals and our planet by choosing compassion on your plate and in your glass. #GoVeg
