Marineland, the closed marine park in Niagara Falls, Canada, has applied for a permit to export 30 beluga whales to a theme park in China.
The move has shocked animal rights groups and marine animal experts. They say the whales should be relocated to a sanctuary, not another tank.
The permit request, filed with the Canadian government, would send the belugas to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China.
Chimelong is known for its large marine animal shows, including dolphin and beluga performances.
Canada banned the breeding and public display of whales and dolphins in 2019 with the passing of Bill S-203, also known as the Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act.
Under this law, it is illegal to import or export marine animals unless the federal fisheries minister gives special permission. The law allows for exports only if it is “in the best interest of the animal.”
China has no marine animal laws
Many animal welfare organizations are warning that exporting the belugas to China would put their health and safety at serious risk. Unlike Canada, China has no national laws protecting captive marine animals.
Chimelong has faced international criticism in the past for keeping animals in small enclosures and using them in entertainment shows.
Once the belugas leave Canadian waters, Canadian law can no longer protect them from being forced to perform or being used for breeding.
In 2021, Marineland exported five beluga whales to Mystic Aquarium in the United States. Three of those five whales died within just two years. Autopsies revealed a range of health complications linked to captivity and transport stress.
In recent years, Marineland has also come under heavy scrutiny in Canada. The park has faced multiple investigations into animal welfare violations.
According to media reports and official documents, at least 19 belugas have died at the park since 2019.
Beluga whale sanctuary
Marineland says it can no longer care for its whales and is trying to sell the park. It claims the export would help the animals find a new home. But marine biologists and animal rights groups argue that moving the belugas across the world to a commercial theme park is not a humane solution.
Instead, they urge Canada to invest in building a seaside sanctuary. A place where the beluga whales can live out their lives in peace, without being used for profit.
Currently, there is no operational sanctuary in Canada ready to accept all 30 belugas. However, several groups have proposed building such facilities, and some progress has been made in planning and fundraising.
The final decision on the export permit lies with the Canadian Minister of Fisheries, who has not yet announced a timeline. Until then, public pressure is mounting.
Undermining marine animal laws
Petitions and campaigns are calling on the government to reject the export and instead support a sanctuary option that prioritizes the whales’ well-being.
This situation could set a major precedent. If these belugas are exported to a country with weak animal protection, critics warn it may undermine laws designed to end the captivity of marine mammals in the first place.
