This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. See the update here.

Thirty beluga whales are currently suffering in deteriorating concrete tanks at the now-closed Marineland Canada. Left with minimal care and staff, these animals are suffering in conditions that continue to get worse. The Ontario government must act now to rescue them!

Marineland has long been notorious for its mistreatment of animals, with Ontario Animal Welfare Services conducting multiple investigations over the years. The park has not opened for this season and is currently for sale. While its closure is a victory for animals, the remaining residents still need urgent rescue and sanctuary. Marineland has not been transparent with information about which animals remain and their current conditions but it is believed that beluga whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, bears, and deer remain at the park. All are in need of rescuing and sanctuary.

Recently, the Canadian government denied a permit for Marineland to sell the belugas to a marine park in China because the belugas would be used for entertainment, which would be a violation of Canadian law. Marineland claimed the sale to China was the only viable option and threatened to kill all the remaining belugas unless government funding was provided.

For their survival and future, immediate health assessments of each animal are crucial. The Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act gives the Ontario government the authority to order these assessments and send Marineland the bill. These assessments will help determine the animals' health status and whether they can be moved to a sanctuary. They would provide information vital for planning their rescue and rehabilitation. The Whale Sanctuary Project's recently approved seaside sanctuary has offered to take up to 10 of the belugas, but echoed the critical need for assessments in order to determine the health status of all the individuals.

These whales, along with all other animals at Marineland, are in desperate need of help right now. These assessments are a crucial first step in rescuing these beluga whales and all the animals currently trapped at Marineland.

Letter to Decision Maker(s) for reference:

Decison makers:

• Premier Doug Ford
• Solicitor General Michael Kerzner
• MPP Michael Harris
• Fisheries Minister Jo-Anne Thompson
  

Subject: Urgent Action Needed: Marineland Belugas Need Rescue!

I am writing to urgently request that the Canadian federal and Ontario governments intervene to rescue 30 beluga whales currently suffering in deteriorating tanks at the now-closed Marineland Canada. The animals at Marineland, including belugas, dolphins, seals, and others, are enduring severe neglect in crumbling enclosures. Immediate action is necessary to prevent further suffering and ensure their rescue.

Marineland, once a major tourist attraction, has faced numerous investigations into its mistreatment of animals. Despite its closure, the animals remaining, especially the belugas, are at risk. Marineland recently threatened to kill the belugas unless government funding is provided, after being denied permission to sell them to a Chinese marine park. This deadly ultimatum illustrates the urgency of the situation.

The Whale Sanctuary Project has offered to take some of the belugas, but this offer hinges on immediate health assessments, which are essential to determine their ability to be moved to sanctuary. The Ontario government has the authority to order these assessments, and they must be conducted as soon as possible to plan their rescue.

Beyond the moral obligation to protect these animals, there are public health and environmental concerns. Crumbling concrete poses risks to both the animals and the surrounding environment. Swift action will help avoid further harm to these animals and prevent further damage to the local ecosystem.

I urge you to take immediate action to order health assessments and ensure the safe rescue of these belugas and other animals. Ontario has the opportunity to lead by example and show that animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and ethical leadership are paramount.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,

Signed

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. See the update here.