Marineland Canada Threatens to Euthanize 30 Beluga Whales After Export Denial: Financial Crisis Sparks Animal Welfare Emergency

Ontario's Marineland is threatening to euthanize its 30 beluga whales due to severe financial difficulties. This crisis emerged after Canadian authorities rejected the park's application to transfer these marine mammals to China's Chimelong Ocean Kingdom.

The euthanasia warning came following Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson's decision to deny the export request last week, based on concerns that the whales would be used for entertainment purposes at their new location.

According to Marineland, the facility now faces a "critical financial state" and cannot properly maintain the whales after ceasing public operations.

The marine park had set an ultimatum of October 7, 2025, for government intervention before proceeding with euthanasia—a deadline that has now passed.

Marineland explicitly stated that their threatened actions were "a direct consequence of the minister's decision" regarding the export denial.

Minister Thompson responded firmly that Marineland's lack of contingency planning does not create a government obligation to fund their operations. She emphasized, "I could not in good conscience approve an export that would perpetuate the treatment these belugas have endured."

"To approve the request would have meant a continued life in captivity and a return to public entertainment," she further explained.

Since 2019, twenty marine mammals (19 belugas and 1 orca) have died at Marineland. Inspectors have previously determined that animals at the facility were experiencing distress due to substandard water quality.

Animal welfare organizations including Animal Justice and World Animal Protection have condemned Marineland's euthanasia threat as "reprehensible" and are urging immediate government intervention.

Some advocacy groups are suggesting the possibility of relocating these whales to a planned sanctuary off Nova Scotia's coast as an alternative solution.

Marine Connection, a UK-based animal welfare charity, collaborated with other organizations to issue an open letter to Ontario Premier Doug Ford, calling for immediate action to save the belugas.

Their appeal stated: "Premier Ford, you have the chance to make history - to be remembered as the Premier who stepped in, saved these animals, and left Ontario a safer, more humane province for generations to come."