A Canadian marine park that closed last year wants to send its remaining 30 beluga whales to an aquarium in China. But Canada’s fisheries minister refused to issue an export permit because the animals would continue living in captivity.
Now, Marineland, a once popular tourist attraction in Niagara Falls, Ontario, that says it is on the brink of bankruptcy, has threatened to euthanize the whales.
It has asked the government for an emergency cash infusion to feed and care for the mammals and seeks an answer by Tuesday.
“If we do not receive a response by that date, we will have no choice but to presume that the answers to our inquiries are negative,” the park said in a letter to the fisheries ministry, adding that whatever happens to the animals would be “a direct consequence of the minister’s decision.”
The government has not commented on the request, but animal rights activists and local politicians accuse the park of effectively attempting a shakedown.
Lawyers representing Marineland did not respond to requests for comment.
The park closed to the public in 2024, after years of declining attendance and accusations of animal abuse. Its operations were also hobbled by an animal protection law that Canada enacted in 2019 banning the breeding of captive whales and dolphins or their use for entertainment.
Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.
Thank you for your patience while we verify access.
Already a subscriber? Log in.
Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
The post A Marine Park in Canada Warns That It May Euthanize 30 Beluga Whales appeared first on New York Times.
