Canada blocks Marineland’s plan to export beluga whales to China

Canada has denied a request from Marineland, a theme park in Niagara Falls, to export 30 beluga whales to an aquarium in China.

The facility, once a major tourist attraction in Canada, has faced ongoing criticism over the treatment of its animals.

The decision blocks the whales from being relocated to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, a theme park in southern China known for animal entertainment shows.

The Canadian government refused to grant the required export permit, citing concerns over animal welfare. The beluga whales would be forced to perform in shows and possible be used for breeding.

In 2019, Canada banned the captivity of whales and dolphins for entertainment. While the law allowed Marineland to keep its existing whales, it prohibited any breeding and limited future transfers.

In 2024, the park closed its doors due to animal cruelty accusations and financial difficulties. Since 2019, 19 belugas and one orca have died at Marineland.

Marineland says it has financial problems

Marineland expressed disappointment at the government’s decision. It said that relocation to an accredited international facility was the only realistic option for the whales’ long-term care.

The park also warned of financial difficulties in maintaining the animals, adding that without government funding they might have to kill the beluga whales.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford also voiced concern, saying the whales need a proper home.

However, the federal government stated that the proposed destination in China was not acceptable. It would consider other relocation requests that comply with Canada’s animal welfare laws.

Whale sanctuary

Marine biologists and animal rights groups called it inhumane to send 30 beluga whales to a theme park in China. Instead, they advocate for sending the whales to a seaside sanctuary in Canada. The whales can then live peacefully without being exploited.

A seaside sanctuary for belugas is in development in Port Hilford Bay, Nova Scotia, led by the Whale Sanctuary Project (WSP). While designed to provide a more natural and ethical environment for captive belugas and orcas, it is not yet operational as of October 2025.

The sanctuary is planned to house 10–15 whales initially, but expanding to accommodate Marineland’s 30 belugas would take 2–3 more years.

The Canadian government acknowledges the sanctuary but confirms it’s not a viable immediate solution. WSP opposes the export to China and supports future relocation to the sanctuary, while Marineland calls it unrealistic in the short term.

The future of the whales at the closed park now depends on what the park decides in the coming months. Funding from the government while the park looks for better solutions, might be necessary.