Canadian beluga whales could find new homes in the US

TORONTO – After threatening to euthanise about 30 beluga whales, Marineland, a shuttered Canadian aquatic park, is now likely to send the animals to marine facilities in the United States, the Canadian government said on Jan 26.

Marineland, once a bustling tourist destination in Niagara Falls, Ontario, is headed towards bankruptcy and in 2025 asked the federal government for financial help and approval to export the animals to a theme park in China.

Ms Joanne Thompson, Canada’s Fisheries Minister, turned down the request, largely because the animals would continue living in captivity, prompting Marineland to threaten to put down the whales.

Though the whales would likely still be in captivity in the United States, Ms Thompson said she had reconsidered her opposition and had conditionally approved Marineland’s new application to send the animals across the border.

“My focus throughout has been the best interest of the whales, and that is what has guided this decision,” Ms Thompson said in a statement on Jan 26.

She said she was awaiting more information from Marineland before granting final permits.

The minister’s office did not respond to questions regarding where the animals are likely to be sent.

“We extend our gratitude to the minister and the Canadian government for prioritising the lives of these remarkable marine mammals,” a representative for Marineland said in a statement.

Marineland is also planning on sending its remaining four dolphins to the US.

Ms Camille Labchuk, executive director of Animal Justice, a Canadian animal welfare non-profit, said in a statement that the “the minister had little choice” but to approve the whale’s export, given the park’s threats.

But, she said: “It is also essential to ensure the whales will not be bred in the US. These animals must be the last generation to suffer in captivity.”

Canada adopted legal restrictions in 2019 barring the breeding of captive whales and dolphins for entertainment purposes. The options for whales bred in captivity are limited, since they lack skills like hunting and social interaction, which animals in the wild possess in order to survive.

Marineland, which has been closed to the public since 2024 following years of dwindling ticket sales, has been accused of animal abuse – charges that it has denied.

The park is in the process of selling off its rides and is weighing offers to purchase its land.

Founded in 1961 by a Slovenian immigrant, the park grew over the years into a popular destination that covered about 400ha and included an amusement park, dining and other animal enclosures, including one for bears. NYTIMES