Canadian Zoo Threatens to Euthanize 30 Beluga Whales

Marineland -- a now-defunct zoo and amusement park in Niagara Falls, Ontario -- has threatened to euthanize 30 of its beluga whales due to financial struggles unless the government steps in.

The struggling company proposed a transfer of the marine life to a theme park in China, but Canada's fisheries minister, Joanne Thompson, blocked that transaction. Thompson's decision cited a 2019 law that prohibited the sale, captivity and breeding of dolphins and whales.

"I could not in good conscience approve an export that would perpetuate the treatment these belugas have endured," Thompson stated. "To approve the request would have meant a continued life in captivity and a return to public entertainment."

She continued, "Like many of you, I am angered that these whales have lived a life of captivity and as a result their health has deteriorated."

Marineland sent a letter to Thompson late last week emphasizing their dire financial situation.

"The gravity of the funding crisis at Marineland cannot be overstated; any further delay jeopardizes the welfare and security of the whales, and we fear we are running out of time to act," the letter read, according to CBC. Euthanizing the whales would be "a direct consequence of the minister's decision," the letter continued.

Marineland's struggles stem from a string of mysterious wildlife deaths in recent years. Twenty whales -- 19 belugas and one killer whale -- have died on site since 2019.