Ontario’s Marineland Faces Scrutiny Over Beluga Deaths Amid Ongoing Investigation

The death of another beluga whale at Marineland, a tourist attraction in Niagara Falls, Ontario, has added to a growing list of marine animal fatalities at the park. Provincial records indicate that this latest incident marks the fourth beluga death within the past year alone. Since 2019, a total of 16 belugas and one killer whale have died at the facility, which remains the sole establishment in Canada housing whales in captivity.

Ontario’s Animal Welfare Services, part of the Ministry of the Solicitor General, has been investigating the conditions at Marineland since 2020. In 2021, the province declared all marine mammals at the park to be in distress due to substandard water quality, an allegation Marineland initially contested before dropping an appeal.

Despite over 200 inspections conducted by Animal Welfare Services, the details and outcomes of these inspections remain largely undisclosed. The office of Solicitor General Michael Kerzner provided limited information, stating through spokesperson Hunter Kell that “Animal Welfare Services will not hesitate to issue orders or charges for animal welfare violations at Marineland.”

Local political figures and animal welfare advocates have voiced concerns over the lack of transparency from the government regarding the investigation. Wayne Gates, New Democrat member of provincial parliament for Niagara Falls, expressed frustration, “It’s awful that these animals are dying at Marineland, but the public has a right to know what’s going on there.” He called for a public discussion with the Solicitor General to address and protect animal welfare at the park.

John Fraser, leader of the Ontario Liberal Party, questioned the frequency and effectiveness of the government’s checks, demanding more open communication regarding their findings and actions: “The government is making claims that they’re visiting frequently, but they’re not telling anybody what they’re doing, and the whales keep dying. What do they have to hide if they’re doing their job?”

In response to inquiries about the most recent death, Ministry spokesman Brent Ross confirmed only that the beluga died in July and noted the deaths of two Magellanic penguins in August. He referred questions about the cause of the deaths back to Marineland, which has not responded to requests for comment.

Efforts to obtain further information through freedom-of-information requests have encountered numerous obstacles, with initial requests being denied on grounds of law enforcement interference and solicitor-client privilege. Subsequent appeals and mediation efforts have yet to yield significant results.

Meanwhile, Marineland is on the market, with the future of its marine animals uncertain. The park opened for a significantly shortened season this year, raising further questions about its operations and long-term planning.