Marineland working with Canadian government to safely relocate whales

A senior government source has confirmed to CHCH News that Marineland has asked the federal government for a “low 8-figure loan to transport the whales, repayable after the sale, if anything is left.”

Tuesday evening, Marineland reached out to CHCH News and provided the following statement: “We remain in active consultation with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to ensure every aspect of this transport is conducted safely and according to regulatory standards. As you can appreciate, the logistical and financial requirements for transporting 30 whales are significant. While we continue to explore all potential avenues for support—including discussions with the government regarding the process.”

The spokesperson went on to say conversation with the federal government regarding financial support is ongoing, but no commitment has been made.

Tuesday morning, CHCH News reached out to Marineland for confirmation on a report from CBC News which said that the former Niagara Falls attraction would be using a loan to move its roughly 30 beluga whales and four dolphins to various U.S. aquariums.

In response to the initial correspondence, a Marineland email called the CBC report surprising and inaccurate, saying “no one in the federal government has confirmed to Marineland that a ‘loan’ has been ‘approved’ in any amount.”

CHCH News has since been told by Marineland Management that the initial email was sent in error by someone not authorized to speak on behalf of the communications team and estate.

READ MORE: Marineland has solid plan to move whales and dolphins to U.S., minister says