After years of controversy and poor animal care, six beluga whales have finally left Marineland, the embattled Canadian marine park in Niagara Falls. The whales were relocated to US aquariums in Georgia, Chicago, San Diego, and San Antonio, marking the end of their long and complex saga in Canada. However, advocates remain concerned about the welfare of the animals, citing the lack of transparency by Marineland about their wellbeing.
Marineland operated from the early 1960s until 2024, when it in effect closed to visitors. The park had one of the largest captive whale populations in the world but had long been plagued by reports of poor conditions for the animals. Twenty whales – 19 belugas and one orca – have died at the park since 2019, according to documents compiled by the Canadian Press.
The relocation of the whales was made possible by a deal between Canada and Marineland to rehome the belugas to a consortium of US aquariums. The agreement was reached last month, and the whales were flown to their new homes on Monday. The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago received four of the whales, while SeaWorld in San Antonio took two.
Despite the relief of the whales' departure from Marineland, concerns remain over their treatment at their new homes. Phil Demers, a former trainer at Marineland who became an outspoken critic of the park, expressed hope that US parks are subject to more stringent oversight of animal care. However, he also warned that the fight for the whales' improved existence is likely to be ongoing.