A former beluga trainer at Marineland is raising concerns about the deteriorating conditions at the park, urging immediate action to relocate the remaining belugas due to safety risks. Kristy Burgess, who witnessed the euthanization of a young beluga in February, criticized Marineland’s threat to euthanize all 30 belugas if emergency funding is not provided, calling it a manipulative tactic.
Burgess emphasized the urgent need to remove the belugas from the deteriorating facilities, describing the poor state of their pools, Arctic Cove and Friendship Cove, where painted walls are peeling, and concrete chunks are falling into the water. The trainer highlighted incidents of whales ingesting paint chips and rocks from the crumbling decorative features in the tanks.
She also pointed out systemic issues, such as regular breakdowns in the water system, affecting essential medical care for the whales. Burgess recounted instances where staff had to retrieve large rocks from the water, jeopardizing their safety due to water level irregularities.
Despite the park’s plea for emergency funding to avoid euthanizing the belugas, Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson denied export permits to move the whales to China, citing concerns about future captivity and performance. Burgess expressed disappointment in the decision, urging reconsideration to save the belugas from potential harm or euthanasia.
Burgess shed light on the challenges faced by the caregivers and trainers at Marineland, citing staff shortages and demanding work conditions. She emphasized the toll that multiple beluga deaths had taken on the team, who continue to provide care under strenuous circumstances.
Amidst the ongoing controversy, Burgess shared insights into the individual belugas at Marineland, highlighting their distinct personalities and social dynamics within the pod. She criticized the park’s separation of male and female belugas due to breeding restrictions, leading to aggression and behavioral issues among the whales.
As Marineland grapples with financial difficulties and regulatory scrutiny, Burgess called for accountability, stating that the current crisis was a result of conscious decisions rather than external factors. She emphasized the need for swift intervention to safeguard the well-being of the belugas.