Ontario urged to intervene as Marineland threatens to euthanise belugas
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World Animal Protection Canada calls on Premier Ford to use provincial powers to prevent a crisis at Marineland and protect 30 beluga whales.
World Animal Protection Canada is calling on Ontario Premier Doug Ford to urgently intervene in the escalating crisis at Marineland. The Niagara Falls marine park has warned that, without federal export permits or financial assistance, it may euthanise 30 beluga whales currently held at the facility.
The threat follows the federal government's decision to uphold Canada's 2019 ban on exporting whales and dolphins for entertainment.
Marineland had requested permission to send the whales to China, which was denied by Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson.
Premier Ford needs to realise whether he likes it or not, Ontario has primary jurisdiction over captive wildlife within the province's borders.
This game of chicken between Marineland, the province and Ottawa is totally unacceptable - Premier Ford needs to step up, lead and stop passing the buck.
Ontario has legal tools to act under the PAWS Act
Animal protection organisations say the Ontario government has clear powers under the Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act to intervene when animals are at risk. These powers include appointing inspectors, assuming care of animals in distress and recovering costs from facility owners.
World Animal Protection Canada and partner organisations have written to Premier Ford, urging him to deploy provincial animal welfare officers to assess the situation at Marineland and, if necessary, seize the animals to prevent further suffering.
"This unprecedented threat highlights the risk of unnecessary mass euthanasia or a fire sale of the hundreds of other animals owned by Marineland, and strengthens our call for you, Premier, to step in immediately to prevent further tragedy" the letter states.
While legal experts note that exercising these powers may involve procedural steps and court oversight, animal welfare groups stress that Ontario has both the authority and responsibility to act swiftly.
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Click to donateA crisis years in the making
Marineland has faced long-standing scrutiny over the welfare of its animals. The park closed to the public in 2024 and has since been in significant financial distress.
According to federal documents and media reports, 20 whales, including belugas and one orca, have died at the facility since 2019.
The current situation exposes serious policy gaps in how captive wildlife is managed in Canada. No single authority is fully responsible for animal welfare in these cases, leaving animals vulnerable when facilities collapse.
World Animal Protection Canada is calling for a coordinated response between governments, experts, sanctuaries and progressive zoos to ensure every animal has a humane outcome.
The Ontario government is being urged to convene an emergency meeting of experts to help develop a long-term solution.
Premier Ford has an opportunity to show leadership and compassion. Leadership means action - not waiting for someone else to do the right thing.
The province has the tools, the authority and the moral obligation to intervene before this spirals into tragedy. Every moment of delay increases the suffering of these animals.
Ontario can stop this crisis before it begins, and the Premier should seize that chance now.
Ontario needs to act now
The fate of the 30 beluga whales remains uncertain.
While Marineland has presented euthanasia as a potential outcome if no funding or export permits are secured, World Animal Protection and other animal welfare groups believe humane alternatives are possible if the province acts.
Send an e-letter to Canadian officials and speak up for the beluga whales
Ontario can't keep pretending this is Ottawa's problem. These are provincial laws, provincial animals, and a provincial responsibility.
Every day of delay risks lives - Premier Ford has the power to intervene; he just needs the will.
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