Marineland in court

Marineland has been fighting in a St. Catharines courtroom this week to keep one of its star attractions.

Ikaika is owned by Seaworld Parks and Entertainment and has been on loan to Marineland since 2006 under a breeding agreement.

When Seaworld terminated the agreement back in December, Marineland refused to give the nine-year-old orca back.

A judge ordered the whale be transported to the U.S. in May.

Marineland is appealing the decision, arguing Seaworld isn’t entitled to end the agreement.

It says exchanged mammals are to be held for life and only returned if the recipient can no longer take care of them.