Marineland plan to sell beluga whales amid animal 'fire sale' draws concerns

Ontario theme park Marineland has been under scrutiny for years due to animal welfare concerns, and even the controversial attraction's plan to finally end its display of marine mammals is drawing the ire of animal rights groups.

Marineland is reportedly in the process of selling off its remaining marine mammals as part of a deal to sell the park after years of closure rumours.  It's a move that one would be forgiven for assuming was welcomed by animal welfare activists. 

However, with its history of multiple whale deaths, animal welfare investigations and even actual criminal convictions for animal cruelty, it should come as no surprise that major issues have been raised about the planned sale of the park's remaining beluga whales.

World Animal Protection Canada is raising concerns over reports that Marineland is seeking a federal permit to export its remaining 31 beluga whales, describing the move as part of a "fire sale" as the park prepares to offload its animals ahead of closure.

The group stated in a Tuesday press release that it is "deeply concerned" about the reports and "is calling on both the federal and provincial governments to act now with transparency, accountability, and urgency to protect the animals' welfare."

"Canadians deserve to know the facts. Any decision to export belugas must be based on transparency and the highest standards of animal welfare," said Tricia Croasdell, Global CEO of World Animal Protection. 

Croasdell, who is visiting Canada at the time of publication, said that "Secrecy will further erode public confidence and put these belugas at greater risk."

World Animal Protection Canada also has questions for Doug Ford's provincial government about its oversight on Marineland's change in ownership, citing the park's "debts, liabilities, and past failures in enforcement." 

"For too long, Ontario has ignored the urgent need for modern zoo licensing laws. Marineland's decline shows exactly why the province must act now," said Melissa Matlow, Campaign Director for World Animal Protection Canada. 

"Without stronger regulations, more animals will suffer in facilities that should never have been allowed to operate in the first place," added Matlow

The group claims that new comprehensive zoo licensing regulations are necessary to move Ontario away from an "outdated approach to captive wildlife."

World Animal Protection Canada has sought the Ontario Solicitor General and the Federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans to work together on a plan to guarantee the welfare of animals, but argues that not enough is being done.

The group's Executive Director, Colin Saravanamuttoo, raises alarm bells about belugas "being auctioned off to the highest bidder" and the "real and unacceptable" risk of animals being "shipped overseas to facilities with equally low standards and continually bred for the animal entertainment industry."

"Belugas are not commodities," said Saravanamuttoo, adding that "It is incumbent on both levels of government to step in and make sure this never happens."

As for what should happen with these whales, Matlow suggests that the belugas should "be transferred to seaside sanctuaries like the one currently being planned for in Port Hilford, Nova Scotia."

Though this facility has not yet been established, the group argues that "governments should be collaborating to develop this type of solution as the outdated and cruel whale and dolphin entertainment industry comes to an end."