Six beluga whales finally leave embattled Canadian marine park
Summary
Six beluga whales have been moved from Marineland, a Canadian marine park in Niagara Falls, to aquariums in the United States. This transfer ends a long period of captivity and controversy over the whales’ care at Marineland, which faced many criticisms and legal challenges.Key Facts
- Marineland operated from the 1960s until 2024 and had one of the world’s largest captive whale populations.
- The park closed to visitors in 2024 amid reports of poor conditions and the deaths of 20 whales since 2019.
- Canada passed a federal law in 2019 banning the sale, captivity, and breeding of dolphins and whales, contributing to Marineland’s decline.
- Marineland threatened to euthanize 30 belugas in 2025 unless the government gave financial support.
- Canada blocked Marineland’s attempt to send its whales to a theme park in China over concerns about their treatment.
- Recently, a deal was made to move six belugas to US aquariums in Georgia, Chicago, San Diego, and San Antonio, plus one in Spain.
- The whales were airlifted from Marineland to new homes where they are expected to receive better care.
- Advocacy groups remain concerned about the transparency and care of the remaining whales still at Marineland.
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