Canada conditionally approves plan to move Marineland belugas to U.S.

The Canadian government said on Monday that beluga whales kept at Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, are now likely to be sent to marine facilities in the United States after the closed park had threatened to euthanize about 30 animals. Marineland had sought financial help and permission to export the whales to a theme park in China, a request Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson initially denied largely because the animals would remain in captivity.

After Marineland warned it might put down the whales, Ms. Thompson said she had reconsidered and had conditionally approved a new application to send the animals across the border, adding she was "awaiting more information from Marineland before granting final permits." The minister's office did not respond to questions about where the animals are likely to be sent; a Marineland representative said the park was grateful to the government for "prioritizing the lives of these remarkable marine mammals." Marineland also plans to send its remaining four dolphins to the United States.

Key Topics

World, Beluga Whales, Marineland, Niagara Falls, Joanne Thompson, Captive Breeding Ban