Shuttered Marineland Threatens to Euthanize 30 Belugas Without Federal Aid

In a concerning development, the shuttered Marineland amusement park and aquarium in Niagara Falls, Ontario has reportedly threatened to euthanize its remaining 30 beluga whales unless the Canadian government provides them with financial assistance. Marineland, which closed its doors to the public in September 2024 after 60 years of operation, has been attempting to sell its animals since then.

However, the park has now notified the Canadian government that it is in a "critical financial state" and cannot continue to provide adequate care for the belugas. Marineland has claimed that the euthanasia of the whales would be a "direct consequence" of the government's decision not to approve the export permits necessary to sell the animals to a theme park in China.