The Canadian government has endorsed a major plan to relocate 30 captive beluga whales from the now-shuttered Marineland park in Niagara Falls, Ontario, bringing an end to a long-running controversy surrounding the fate of the marine mammals. The proposed agreement, which is still awaiting final permits and veterinary clearances, will see the whales transferred to aquariums and marine facilities in Spain and the United States.
According to reports, the belugas are expected to be moved to Oceanogràfic València in Spain and four marine facilities in the United States, including aquariums in Georgia, Chicago, San Diego and San Antonio. Officials said the transfer process could begin within weeks once health assessments and export approvals are completed.
The development follows months of uncertainty over the whales’ future after Marineland closed to visitors in 2024 and faced severe financial difficulties. The controversial marine park had earlier sought permission from the Canadian government to export the whales to a marine facility in China. However, the request was rejected by Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, who stated that Canada’s laws and ethical standards opposed sending whales into continued captivity for entertainment purposes.
Following the rejection, Marineland reportedly warned that it lacked sufficient resources to continue caring for the whales and even raised the possibility of mass euthanasia if emergency support was not arranged. The threat triggered outrage among animal welfare activists and the wider public, intensifying pressure on authorities to find an alternative solution.
Animal rights organisations have described the new relocation arrangement as the “least worst option” available under the circumstances. Advocacy groups, however, continue to criticise the prolonged captivity conditions at Marineland and have argued that whale sanctuaries would have been a more humane alternative than transferring the animals to other aquariums.
The proposed sanctuary option in Nova Scotia, promoted by the Whale Sanctuary Project, was ultimately not selected. The project has faced delays and logistical challenges, including unresolved land and infrastructure issues, which reportedly affected its ability to immediately accommodate the whales.
Before any transportation takes place, each beluga whale will undergo detailed veterinary examinations to determine whether it is healthy enough to travel. Canadian authorities have stated that export permits will only be granted if officials are satisfied that the transfers are in the best interest of the animals. Animal welfare experts have expressed concern because several belugas previously transferred from Marineland to Mystic Aquarium in the United States later died, raising questions about the risks associated with relocation.
Marineland has faced growing scrutiny over animal welfare issues for years. Reports indicate that more than 20 whales have died at the facility since 2019. The park was also found guilty under Ontario’s animal cruelty laws in 2024 in a separate case related to the care of black bears.
Canada had already passed legislation in 2019 banning the breeding and captivity of whales and dolphins for entertainment purposes, although animals already in captivity at the time were exempted under the law. The latest relocation plan is expected to mark the end of large-scale whale captivity in Canada.
