The Canadian government is being urged by Animal Justice, a national animal law advocacy group, to impose a restriction on breeding for most of the 30 beluga whales at Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ont., that are set to be transferred to U.S. aquariums. This request comes after the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration approved the emergency rescue of around 28 of the whales to be distributed among four U.S. aquariums. Two additional whales are planned to be relocated to an aquarium in Spain, pending the required permits from the Spanish government.
Animal Justice emphasized the importance of ensuring that the whales being moved do not endure performing in shows similar to those previously held at Marineland. The organization highlighted the shift in public sentiment away from entertainment involving captive marine mammals, noting that Marineland ceased public operations in 2024.
While Canadian Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson’s office has not explicitly committed to preventing breeding or entertainment activities for the beluga whales at their new locations, a statement was issued requiring health assessments by Canadian veterinarians for each whale as a condition for export permits.
The U.S. aquariums receiving the beluga whales, accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, are focused on the safe rescue mission. They are prepared to provide specialized care for the whales upon arrival, with a commitment to meeting their individual needs.
Animal Justice stressed that the transport approval must guarantee protection for the whales against breeding and performance obligations, in alignment with Canadian regulations aimed at ending whale captivity. The U.S. aquariums have outlined plans for dedicated care staff to assess the whales’ well-being before transportation, ensuring a smooth transition to their new environments with proper nutrition, water quality, and medical support.
Marineland, acknowledging its inability to provide long-term care for the animals, expressed support for the rescue mission, believing it is in the best interest of the whales. The fate of the remaining deer and elk at the closed Marineland in Niagara Falls remains uncertain, as reported earlier by CBC News.
Efforts to finalize the shipment of the beluga whales to the U.S., contingent on all necessary approvals, are expected to span several weeks, according to the U.S. aquariums involved in the operation.