NIAGARA FALLS — The Canadian government endorsed a plan to move captive whales from Marineland to aquariums in the U.S. and Spain. Canada's Department of Fisheries and Oceans issued the initial batch of permits required for the whale relocation.
Under the endorsed plan, the animals are scheduled to move to Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, SeaWorld locations in San Antonio and San Diego, and Oceanografic Valencia. Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson said, "I think this is a positive step forward. There's still more work to be done, but it's a step forward."
Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, currently holds thirty beluga whales and four dolphins. The relocation permits were issued under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. The fisheries ministry is coordinating with the Canada Border Services Agency and Health Canada. The work is to ensure transfer requirements are met.
Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut will assist with the relocation process. This aquarium previously received five beluga whales from Marineland in 2021.
The Canadian government has not determined whether public funding will be used for the whale relocation. Marineland announced it was for sale in early 2023. The park closed to the public in late summer 2024. In 2024, Marineland was found guilty of violating Ontario animal cruelty laws regarding the care of three black bears. Provincial records indicate nineteen beluga whales and one killer whale died at Marineland between 2019 and 2026.
Marineland founder John Holer died in 2018. His wife, Marie Holer, assumed control of park operations. She listed the property for sale in 2023. Marie Holer died in 2024.