Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ont., is facing a critical shortage of funds and resources to care for its 30 beluga whales and other animals following the closure of its park. Mayor Jim Diodati revealed in an interview with Radio-Canada that the park is struggling financially, resorting to restructuring and borrowing money to sustain the animals with necessities like food. However, the situation remains precarious as resources may soon run out.
Established in 1961, the popular theme park in Ontario’s Niagara Region did not operate during the past season and has been closed to the public since the end of summer 2024. In a bid to alleviate financial pressures, Marineland is looking to sell its assets, including rides, but faces obstacles due to financial difficulties.
An announcement last week from the company indicated the possibility of euthanizing the remaining belugas after the federal government rejected a request to export them to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China. Efforts to secure an alternative sanctuary in Canada have proven challenging, with concerns raised over the suitability of proposed locations.
Premier Doug Ford has urged the government to reconsider its decision, highlighting the province’s legal responsibility for animal welfare. The maintenance of the belugas alone reportedly costs approximately $2 million monthly. Diodati mentioned receiving offers of support from global animal experts and organizations, emphasizing the urgency of finding a solution to safeguard the animals’ well-being.
Marineland stated that due to financial constraints, it is no longer sustainable to care for the beluga whales, asserting that the animals lack the skills to survive in the wild. The park has identified Chimelong as offering the most appropriate long-term environment for the whales, ensuring their protection, medical care, and enrichment.
Collaboration among Marineland, provincial, and federal authorities is deemed essential to reach a resolution for the animals’ future. Marineland’s property, spanning 323 hectares, could potentially be sold once the animals are relocated, with plans to transform it into a non-animal-related attraction. The mayor emphasized the need for a collective effort to secure a positive outcome for the beloved marine creatures.
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