The federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) has denied Marineland Canada’s request to export its 30 remaining beluga whales to a theme park in China.
In a statement, DFO Minister Joanne Thompson said she could not “in good conscience” approve the export and that her decision aligned with regulations in the Fisheries Act to protect marine mammals from exploitation.
“To approve the request would have meant a continued life in captivity and a return to public entertainment,” Thompson said.
“Like many of you, I am angered that these whales have lived a life of captivity and as a result their health has deteriorated,” she said. “Canadians expect me to act in the best interest of the whales. Under difficult circumstances with regrettable outcomes, that is what I have done.”
In an interview with CBC News on Wednesday, Thompson revealed she personally visited Marineland last month and “looked the belugas in the eye.”
“It was obvious to me that whales belong in the ocean,” she said. “To see 30 belugas in contained spaces was very difficult.”
The 2019 Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act banned keeping whales, dolphins and porpoises for breeding or entertainment in Canada. Exporting the animals requires a special federal permit.
The fisheries minister can only issue an export permit if it is for the purpose of conducting scientific research or if keeping an animal in captivity elsewhere is in the best interests of its welfare.
Thompson said she would be open to reviewing future permit applications centered on the health and well-being of the whales, but said the next steps for the whales rest with Marineland and the province.
Marineland Canada did not respond to CBC News’s numerous requests for comment on the permits for the belugas, their export plan or the federal government’s decision.
Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China confirmed it was considering buying the belugas.
Marineland Canada did not open this year and began selling off its amusement park rides. Drone footage taken by CBC News in July captured staff continuing to care for and interact with the remaining belugas and dolphins.
Drone footage shows Marineland staff caring for remaining belugas, dolphins
In September, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said his heart broke for the belugas and pledged to do “whatever it takes” to ensure the whales have “the best life possible.” At that press conference, Ford also noted he heard it cost $1 million a month to feed the animals.
“I’m not too sure, but eventually the money is going to run out,” he said.
The province’s solicitor general, Michael Kerzner, oversees animal welfare. Provincial staff have visited Marineland hundreds of times over the last five years to inspect the animals and their habitat.
Kerzner and Thompson’s offices confirmed last week that they were going to meet to discuss Marineland’s application.
One possible home for the belugas often mentioned by animal rights advocates is a proposed whale sanctuary off the coast of Nova Scotia. That project has stalled.
“I would love to see the whales in a sanctuary and allow them to live their lives in a space that really is more aligned with what we know is the best environment for the whales,” Thompson said. “That would be a wonderful outcome.”
In the past, advocates have called for the federal government to help establish a sanctuary.
Thompson said she would be open to discussion about a sanctuary, but stressed it is “early days.”
“The whales have been part of Marineland entertainment for a long time, and so I think there was an obligation to ensure their health and welfare is paramount in these early next steps.”
Animal Justice, a national animal law organization, praised the decision to deny the export permits. Its executive director, Camille Labchuk, noted that Chimelong Ocean Kingdom has an active breeding program and forces whales to perform in shows, which are activities that are illegal in Canada.
Colin Saravanamuttoo, executive director of World Animal Protection, an advocacy group, applauded the federal decision and called it a defining moment.
“Now, the province of Ontario must show leadership and ensure these animals receive the best possible care. We should not export our animal welfare problems,” he said in a statement.
The group is calling for the whale sanctuary project to be accelerated or for Marineland to be transformed into a palliative care facility for whales and dolphins overseen by independent experts.
