Premier Doug Ford has vowed to ensure the 30 belugas remaining at Marineland in Ontario receive the best care possible while awaiting approval from Ottawa for the potential whale export. The issue arose during a press conference where Ford outlined plans to prohibit speed cameras.
A government official disclosed to CBC News that Marineland had sought export permits for the whales, emphasizing that the decision would impact the whales’ well-being. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) confirmed that a verdict on the matter is pending.
The welfare of the belugas has been a contentious topic, with 19 belugas succumbing at Marineland since 2019, alongside the last orca, Kiska, passing away in 2023. This year, Marineland did not open for the first time in its 60-year history, excluding COVID-19 closures, sparking concerns about the animals’ future.
Premier Ford emphasized the need to prioritize the whales’ care, expressing empathy for their situation and advocating for their relocation to better environments if approved by the federal government. The escalating costs of maintaining the animals were also highlighted as a pressing concern.
Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner urged collaboration among Ford, Marineland, marine mammal experts, and Ottawa to develop a comprehensive plan for the remaining whales’ safety. Meanwhile, Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China expressed interest in purchasing the belugas, raising further deliberation on their future.
Calls from animal rights advocates have been made for the whales and dolphins to be transferred to a marine sanctuary, although no such facility currently exists in North America. Andrew Trites, from the University of British Columbia, stressed the importance of evaluating the whales’ health before any potential travel arrangements are made.
