Marineland seeks federal aid for whales amid export permit denial

Marineland has asked Ottawa for emergency funding to feed and care for its whales, saying euthanasia is otherwise imminent.

Park officials wrote in a letter to Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson on Friday that the move is a direct consequence of her decision to deny export permits for the belugas.

“This leaves us in a precarious situation as Marineland is not aware of any facility, anywhere in the world, that meets the conditions set forth by the minister for the export of these majestic animals,” read the letter from Marineland.

In the letter, Marineland said it is fully indebted and rapidly running out of resources to provide adequate care for the whales.

“Our only options at this point are to either relocate the whales or face the devastating decision of euthanasia. This is an outcome we are desperately trying to avoid,” read the letter.

Former Marineland whale trainer Phil Demers doesn’t think that will happen.

“No animals are going to be put down under this circumstance. The only time an animal will ever be euthanized is because they’re sick and can’t be healed,” said Demers.

That said, since 2019, 20 whales have died at the park in Niagara Falls. World Animal Protection Canada takes the threat seriously.

“I think it’s a truly reprehensible move on Marineland’s part to hold the federal government hostage for essentially their lack of poor planning, and after the federal government just made the right decision to deny that export permit,” said Erin Ryan from World Animal Protection Canada

The fisheries minister’s office told CHCH News Saturday the minister only has authority over the approval or rejection of export permits. The province of Ontario is responsible for ongoing animal welfare and has oversight over Marineland.

“We see the situation as an emergency and it’s important that Ontario steps in right away so that we can start making that determination about exactly how well or how unwell the animals are. That’s the first step before we can even begin to start making a plan for their next steps,” said Ryan.

Demers says whatever steps are taken, they have to happen quickly.

“You know, there are still options. But at the end of the day, whatever move it is, it’s going to be a sideways move with improved conditions because, again, I remind people that Marineland’s conditions are bad. The life support system itself is failing. Time is of the essence,” said Demers.

Aside from the 30 beluga whales at the facility, it’s believed there could be more than 100 other animals at Marineland, including dolphins, penguins and bears.

WATCH MORE: Ottawa denies Marineland request to export 30 beluga whales to China