Sealife park threatens to 'euthanise 30 whales' in row with government

A sealife park in Canada has reportedly threatened to euthanise 30 whales unless the government agrees to its demands. Marineland in Niagara Falls is said to have told the Canadian fisheries minister that the belugas will be euthanised unless permission is granted to "humanely relocate" them to China or emergency funding is provided for their care. The firm wrote a letter to Joanne Thompson last week, according to CBC, disclosing its "critical financial state" and warning that "the devastating decision of euthanasia" is on the table.

The marine park, which has come under scrutiny for the treatment of its animals, shut to the public last year. According to the Canadian Press agency, 20 whales, one killer whale and 19 belugas have died at the site since 2019. Marineland argued that the 30 belugas still at the defunct park should be shipped to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China in what it said would be a "humane relocation to an accredited facility" and the "only viable option". It comes after Ms Thompson denied the company's request for the necessary export permits on legal grounds.

"The gravity of the funding crisis at Marineland cannot be overstated; any further delay jeopardises the welfare and security of the whales, and we fear we are running out of time to act," the letter said.

It warned that if the Canadian government did not grant the captivity-born creatures' export permits or provide the necessary financial resources, the resulting euthanasia would be "a direct consequence of the minister's decision".

Ms Thompson previously told reporters that "all whales belong in the ocean, not in tanks for entertainment purposes". Marineland has maintained an appropriate "sanctuary" in the ocean does not exist.

Doug Ford, premier of Ontario, said he was "disappointed" that the federal government had not granted the export permits.

"If we want these whales to survive, we have to move them somewhere," he added. "We need the federal government to sign off on it or these whales, they are on their hands."

Ms Thompson stood by her decision to deny the permit, however, pointing to the strengthening of Canada's fisheries legislation in 2019, which made it illegal to use whales and dolphins for entertainment purposes and which she said prohibited the move.

Animal welfare campaigners have also hit out at Marineland for suggesting the whales could be killed. World Animal Protection urged the Canadian government to "immedately step in and provide care" to the creatures.

Camille Labchuk, of Canada-based group Animal Justice, added: "Marineland has a moral obligation to fund the future care of these animals. Canada finally has laws to protect whales and they can't just be ignored for convenience."