Advocates fear Marineland whales, dolphins may be in shows or bred if export to U.S. approved

Canadian Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson says Marineland’s plan to ship 34 marine mammals to aquariums in the U.S. is “solid,” suggesting relocating belugas and dolphins from the shuttered Niagara Falls, Ont., amusement park is looking increasingly likely.

But news earlier this week that Ottawa has given Marineland conditional approval to relocate the animals isn’t sitting well with animal advocates, who worry they could be used for breeding and performances in their potential new homes.

The relocation efforts include sending 30 belugas and four dolphins to “accredited” sites that have high standards for animal welfare, Thompson told CBC News on Tuesday in Ottawa.

Aquariums considering acquiring the animals are Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut and a SeaWorld location. All four are recognized by Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

Thompson cited two conditions that Marineland must meet in its efforts to get export approval.

“One is that the health of the belugas and dolphins is assessed by accredited veterinarians, and also the transportation plan,” she said. “And then obviously once the belugas move, part of the accreditation of these sites is that those health supports are available.

“Once the conditions are satisfied, I think this is a solid plan to allow the animals to live their life in much more healthy conditions.” 

Twenty Marineland whales — one orca and 19 belugas — have died since 2019, according to The Canadian Press, based on internal records and official statements. The park closed to the public in late 2024 after years of controversy, with animal rights activists and others vehemently opposed to the living conditions and performances to which its animals were subject.

A federal law passed in 2019 bans keeping whales, dolphins and porpoises for breeding or entertainment. Exporting these animals requires a special federal permit — something the fisheries minister can hand out if the animals are being used for scientific research or if keeping them in captivity elsewhere is found to be in their best interest.

Marineland’s vast menagerie also includes several seals and sea lions, bears and deer.

Conditions sought for any export permits

As Ottawa looks into whether to grant Marineland export permits, Camille Labchuk, executive director of Animal Justice, says it’s crucial they come with stipulations that the mammals not be allowed to perform or be bred in their new homes.

“The best option for the whales is to go to a sanctuary rather than another exploitative aquarium where they can be used for entertainment,” Labchuk told CBC News recently. “The second best option would probably be to go to U.S. aquariums, as long as there are strong conditions on any export permits that accord with Canadian law.”

There had been hopes the belugas would end up at a proposed whale sanctuary in Wine Harbour, N.S. But construction has yet to begin and the project, announced five years ago, still requires several permits and fundraising to cover the $20-million cost.

When asked about the possibility of the whales and dolphins performing at or being bred at new homes, Thompson did not answer the question.

In a later email, a senior government source with knowledge of the matter said a transfer to the U.S. would mean the animals would fall under the laws in each state. Some states do allow breeding and performing.

“Any transfer would place the whales under U.S. legal requirements, with day-to-day care decisions made by the receiving facilities based on capacity and animal-care needs,” said the source. “In an urgent rescue context, the minister has conditionally approved the export given the U.S. regulations in place, and the AZA accreditation of the facilities, as this provides a strong standard of oversight aligned with the animals’ welfare.”

SeaWorld — which has U.S. locations in San Antonio, Texas, San Diego, Calif., and Orlando, Fla. — sells “in-water interactions” with belugas and dolphins, among other creatures, and offers dolphin shows.

Ex-Marineland trainer supports U.S. facilities

Kristy Burgess, a former beluga trainer at Marineland, says she supports Marineland’s relocation plan, even though it represents “the end of an era” where she may never see the animals she worked with again. 

In an interview from Niagara Falls on Monday, Burgess said the U.S. “facilities proposed are beyond incredible,” and she doesn’t think the fisheries minister would allow the marine mammals to be moved without reasonable protections.

“I also don’t believe that any of these facilities in their right mind are going to be breeding belugas …,” said Burgess, who worked at the park from 2022 to 2025.

The mammals have “best chance” if they’re sent to the U.S., said Burgess, given Marineland’s threats to euthanize them if efforts to relocate the whales aren’t approved by Jan. 30.

“It’s a non-concern for me, and I think activists need to step aside and let things happen, let these whales get to a new place, before they start worrying about all these hypothetical scenarios.”