Niagara Falls, Ontario (WBEN) - Marineland, the long-embattled amusement park and aquarium across the border in Canada, once drew millions of visitors. Now, its owners are issuing an ultimatum to the Canadian government to help keep the park’s remaining whales alive.
The park’s jingle, “Happiness Is Marineland,” was a familiar tune on radio and television across the United States and Canada in the 1980s. But the park, which spans about 1,000 acres near Niagara Falls, closed last summer after years of allegations of animal mistreatment. According to the Canadian Press, 20 whales - 19 belugas and one orca - have died at the facility since 2019.
Global News reported that Marineland’s owners sent a letter to the federal government threatening to euthanize 30 beluga whales unless financial assistance was provided for their care. The letter followed the federal fisheries minister’s decision to deny an export license that would have allowed the whales to be transferred to a theme park in China.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford told reporters this week that Ottawa should reconsider its decision, saying the government should allow the whales to be moved to China or another marine facility.
In a statement to Global News on Tuesday, Marineland said it is “actively working with the provincial government to find a suitable solution to ensure the health and well-being of our 30 beluga whales.” The park added that feeding and caring for the whales costs about $2 million a month.