More than 11,000 people have signed a petition urging the federal government to reject euthanasia for theremaining beluga whalesat Marineland in Niagara Falls.
Instead, the supporters across Canada who have signed the petition “Save Marineland’s Belugas – No to Euthanasia, Yes to Sanctuary” want the whalesrelocated to a seaside sanctuary.
“Marineland Canada’sbeluga whales are at risk of euthanasia. The government has denied their relocation to China, leaving them in limbo. These incredible animals deserve dignity and a seaside sanctuary here in Canada — not death in a concrete tank,” wrote Sophie McCarthy, an animal rights activist from Toronto who organized the petition.
“There is hope. Sanctuaries like the Whale Sanctuary Project in Nova Scotia are working to create safe, natural ocean environments for whales. We call on the government to reject euthanasia, fund sanctuary development and ensure humane relocation for these belugas.”
The petition, signed by more than 11,300 people as of Monday evening, is addressed to Fisheries and Oceans Canada and calls for immediate action to ensure thewhales’ humane relocationto a natural ocean environment.
The petition argues that the belugas’ future remains uncertain following Marineland’s closure and thefederal government’s denial of their export abroad to China.
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PETITON DEMANDS
It calls on Fisheries and Oceans Canada to reject euthanasia as an option for Marineland’s remaining belugas, support and fund the completion of the Whale Sanctuary Project in Nova Scotia or another suitable Canadian sanctuary, relocate captive belugas to seaside sanctuaries as soon as possible and provide independent veterinary oversight and ensure transparency throughout the process.
“These whales have already endured a lifetime of confinement. Ending their lives now would be a moral and ecological failure,” wrote McCarthy.
“There are humane options available — Canada just needs to act.”
The Whale Sanctuary Project’s planned facility in Nova Scotia is not yet operational and unlikely to be ready before next summer. Also, the sanctuary’s projected capacity is estimated at eight to 10 whales, leaving more than 20 whales without a suitable home.
John Holer opened Marineland in 1961 and ran the theme park until his death in 2018. His widow continued operating the attraction under Holer Family Amusements until her death in 2024.
In June, the park’s amusement rides were quietly put up for sale.
