Advocates fear that marine whales, dolphins could end up on show or breed if exports to the US are approved.

Canadian Fisheries Minister Joan Thompson says Marineland’s plan to send 34 marine mammals to aquariums in the U.S. is “solid,” raising the possibility of relocating belugas and dolphins from Ontario’s shuttered Niagara Falls, Ontario, amusement park.

But earlier this week news broke that Ottawa had given Marineland conditional approval Relocating animals does not sit well with animal advocates, who worry that they could be used for breeding and display in their potential new homes.

Thompson told CBC News in Ottawa on Tuesday that rehabilitation efforts include sending 30 belugas and four dolphins to “accredited” sites that have high standards for animal welfare.

Aquariums considering receiving the animals are Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut, and a SeaWorld location. all four are identified Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (AJA).

Thompson cited two conditions that Marineland must meet in its efforts to obtain export approval.

“One is that the health of the belugas and dolphins is assessed by accredited veterinarians, and so is the transportation plan,” she said. “And then obviously once the belugas are gone, part of the validation of these sites is that they have health support available.

“Once the conditions are met, I think this is a solid plan to allow animals to live out their lives in more healthy conditions.”

Twenty marine whales — one orca and 19 belugas — have died since 2019, according to The Canadian Press, based on internal records and official statements. The park closed to the public in late 2024 after years of controversy, with animal rights activists and others strongly protesting the animals’ living conditions and exhibits.

A federal law passed in 2019 bans the keeping of whales, dolphins and porpoises for breeding or recreation. Exporting these animals requires a special federal permit – which the Minister of Fisheries can grant if the animals are being used for scientific research or if it is found to be in their best interests to keep them in captivity elsewhere.

Marineland’s huge zoo also includes many seals and sea lions, bears and deer.

Conditions sought for any export permit

As Ottawa considers whether to grant a Marineland export permit, Camille Labchuk, executive director animal justicesays it is important that they come with the condition that the mammals will not be allowed to exhibit or breed in their new homes.

“The best option for the whales is to go to a sanctuary rather than another exploitative aquarium where they can be used for entertainment,” Labchuk recently told CBC News. “The second best option would probably be to go to American aquariums, as long as there are strong conditions on any export permits, consistent with Canadian law.”

It was hoped that the beluga would end Proposed whale sanctuary in Wine Harbour, NS But construction has not yet begun and the project, announced five years ago, still requires several permits and fundraising to cover the $20 million cost.

When asked about the possibility of the whales and dolphins exhibiting or breeding in new homes, Thompson did not answer the question.

In a subsequent email, a senior government source with knowledge of the matter said transfer to the US would mean the animals would fall under the laws of each state. Some states allow reproduction and display.

“Any transfer would keep the whales under US legal requirements, with day-to-day care decisions being made by the receiving facilities based on capacity and animal-care needs,” the source said. “In an urgent rescue context, the Minister has conditionally approved the export given US regulations and AZA accreditation of facilities, as this provides a strong standard of inspection aligned with the welfare of the animals.”

SeaWorld – which has US locations in San Antonio, Texas, San Diego, California and Orlando, Florida – sells “underwater conversationwith other creatures including belugas and dolphins, and features dolphin shows.

Ex-Marineland trainer supports US facilities

Christy Burgess, Marineland’s former beluga trainer, says she supports Marineland’s relocation plan, even though it represents “the end of an era” where she will never see the animals she worked with.

In an interview from Niagara Falls on Monday, Burgess said the facilities proposed by the US are beyond unbelievable, and he does not think the fisheries minister will allow the marine mammals to be moved without proper protection.

“I don’t even believe that any of these facilities in their right mind are going to breed belugas…” said Burgess, who will work at the park from 2022 to 2025.

The mammals have the “best chance” if they are shipped to the U.S., Burgess said, with Marineland threatening to euthanize them if efforts to relocate the whales are not approved by Jan. 30.

“It’s not a concern to me, and I think activists should step aside and let things happen, let these whales move to a new place, before they start worrying about all these hypothetical scenarios.”