Humane Canada, of which the VHS is a member organization, needs our help to speak up for animals in captivity at Marineland!
- In 2019, Canada banned the keeping of whales, dolphins and porpoises for breeding or entertainment in Canada through the Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act.
- Since this important federal law was passed in 2019, more than 20 animals have died at Marineland.
- Earlier this year, Marineland requested a permit from the federal government to export their 30 remaining beluga whales to the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom aquarium in China where they would endure stressful and dangerous transport and a continued life in captivity for public entertainment.
- Marineland’s request was denied, and now they are threatening to euthanize the 30 remaining belugas in their care if financial support is not received from the federal government.
Join Humane Canada and animal allies across Canada to call on the Ontario government to step up for animal welfare and assist in finding alternative solutions!
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What are Humane Canada and other animal organizations asking for?
Humane Canada and other organizations, including the Vancouver Humane Society, are deeply concerned about the ongoing welfare of animals at Marineland in Niagara Falls. While we applaud the federal government’s decision to decline a permit for Marineland to export their beluga whales to China, and the passing of the Ending Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act in 2019, action must be taken by the Ontario government to protect the animals at Marineland.
Humane Canada and other expert partners including the Whale Sanctuary project and World Animal Protection have repeatedly offered to assist in finding humane outcomes for these animals. Recent deaths of marine mammals and threats of euthanasia from Marineland demonstrate the urgent need for action.
Humane Canada and compassionate allies are asking for the Government of Ontario to:
- Direct Ontario’s Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) to step in right away to seize the animals in situ and ensure their welfare and safety, which is at immediate risk. Marineland has stated that the whales will be euthanized if the federal government fails to approve the export permits;
- Convene a group of independent marine mammal experts to assess the whales’ current condition and work to improve care standards on-site;
- Determine the next steps for these whales based on expert advice and in accordance with the whales’ well-being and best interests.