Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario faces a critical situation as it struggles to provide food for its 30 beluga whales and other animals due to financial constraints. Mayor Jim Diodati revealed that the park is facing financial difficulties and may soon run out of funds to purchase food for the belugas, dolphins, sea lions, seals, deer, and bears. Despite restructuring and borrowing money to sustain the animals, the park’s financial woes persist.
Established in 1961, the Ontario-based theme park did not open this season and has remained closed since the end of summer 2024. Facing financial challenges, Marineland is trying to sell its assets, including rides, to alleviate its financial burden. The park’s recent struggles have led to concerns over the welfare of the animals under its care.
A recent statement from Marineland indicated that the park is no longer financially capable of caring for the current group of 30 beluga whales. Despite efforts to find a suitable sanctuary or facility in Canada, including the proposed Nova Scotia sanctuary, no viable options have emerged. The possibility of euthanizing the remaining belugas looms after the federal government rejected a request to export them to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China.
Premier Doug Ford has urged the government to reconsider its decision on export permits, emphasizing that animal welfare falls under provincial responsibility. The cost of caring for the belugas amounts to an estimated $2 million monthly, further exacerbating Marineland’s financial strain.
As concerns mount over the fate of the animals, global experts and organizations have expressed willingness to assist in saving the belugas and other creatures at Marineland. Mayor Diodati highlighted the challenges of relocating the belugas, noting that time is of the essence in finding suitable solutions for the animals’ future.
Marineland, along with governmental entities, is urged to collaborate on a viable resolution for the animals’ well-being. The hope is to secure a positive outcome, particularly for the belugas, amidst the park’s financial struggles. Once the animals are relocated from the property, Marineland plans to sell the land and transform it into a non-animal-based attraction, aiming to preserve the site’s legacy in a new capacity.