In the midst of political controversy and potential peril, there are limited choices for relocating the remaining 30 beluga whales at Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The theme park and zoo, now closed, recently disclosed that the belugas could face euthanasia as Ottawa rejected their export to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China.
Federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson expressed reservations about the export request, citing concerns about the whales being used for entertainment. She mentioned exploring alternative export options and has been in discussions with a provincial counterpart for potential resolutions.
Although the federal government oversees export applications for whales, the province is legally responsible for animal welfare. Ontario Premier Doug Ford urged Thompson to reconsider her decision and facilitate the whales’ departure from the country.
Releasing the belugas into the wild, according to Andrew Trites, director of the Marine Mammal Research Unit at the University of British Columbia, would be a death sentence. He highlighted the risks of introducing them to an unfamiliar environment, potentially leading to rejection by other animals and a life of deprivation and isolation.
One proposed idea by animal advocacy groups is to establish a seaside sanctuary where the belugas could reside in a designated ocean area. While no such sanctuary currently exists in North America, the Beluga Whale Sanctuary in Klettsvik Bay, Iceland, run by the British charity SEA LIFE Trust, accommodates up to 10 belugas.
Despite their relocation to the Icelandic sanctuary in 2020, the belugas from China have spent most of their time indoors, facing challenges such as an oil spill and adapting to open-water conditions.
The Whale Sanctuary Project in Port Hilford Bay, Nova Scotia, has been suggested as a potential option for the Marineland belugas. The project’s executive director, Charles Vinick, highlighted the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of the sanctuary compared to building new tanks on land.
While some advocate for sanctuaries as a solution, others, like marine biologist Javier Almunia, argue that the current technology and research are insufficient to ensure a better life for captive whales in seaside sanctuaries.
As the fate of the belugas remains uncertain, calls for government intervention and moral responsibility to prevent euthanasia persist among animal advocates, emphasizing the urgency of finding suitable homes for the whales.