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The fate of Marineland’s 30 beluga whales remains uncertain
The future of the remaining 30 beluga whales at Marineland is on the line: the park has threatened that they will euthanize the animals if they don’t get financial help by today.
Marineland made a request for emergency funding from Ottawa because they are running out of money to care for the whales.
But some say there are other options and the mammals should not be put to death.
After Marineland was denied permits from the federal government to export the beluga whales to China, the park sent a letter to the Fisheries and Ocean Minister Joanne Thompson asking for money.
“Our only options at this point are to either relocate the whales or face the devastating decision of euthanasia,” the letter says.
READ MORE: Marineland’s request for federal funds to care for belugas ‘inappropriate’: minister
Angela Fernandez is the Director of the animal law program at the University of Toronto and says the animals should not be killed.
“It’s really hard to imagine how you would start to kill them. They are very aware of everything. They are going to know what’s going on. It’s going to be awful. I think the Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) just need to see these animals are in distress and these animals could be in extreme distress,” Fernandez says.
Inspections aside, Marineland says it’s at a critical point.
“I think the deadline is really shocking. That they would come out with that and are framing it like this,” says Fernandez.
“It’s a false emergency, it’s not death or china, there are a lot of other choices for these animals and we need some time to figure out what those other options or choices are.”
WATCH MORE: Marineland seeks federal aid for whales amid export permit denial
She says those choices may include moving them to other parks in the U.S. or an ocean sanctuary that has to be built.
The province is responsible for the whales welfare and the ford government tells CHCH News inspections of Marineland are done to ensure compliance with standards of care.
However, the results of those inspections are not public and CHCH News’ request for copies have been denied.
“It was the federal government that said yes to bringing them here, it should be the federal government to move them to China, or other marine areas, or other areas that will take them, but saying no everything and not coming up with a solution is not a great suggestion,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford said during a press conference Tuesday.
WATCH MORE: Ottawa denies Marineland request to export 30 beluga whales to China
But Animal Justice, a national advocacy organization, says the province needs to step in.
“In the short term, we have been calling on the province of Ontario and Doug Ford to intervene. under the animal protection laws, they can go in and seize the whales and provide for their care. We believe they are likely unhealthy, so many have died,” says Camille Labchuk, the Executive Director of Animal Justice.
At least 20 whales have died at the park since 2019.
CHCH News heard from Marineland late this afternoon.
In a statement they say “Marineland is actively working with the provincial government to find a suitable solution that ensures the health and wellbeing of our 30 beluga whales. We sincerely appreciate their willingness to do so.”
