Marineland’s belugas are in a perilous situation due to deteriorating facilities, understaffing, and inadequate resources, according to a former beluga trainer who is calling for immediate relocation of the whales. Kristy Burgess, who previously worked at the Niagara Falls, Ont., park, expressed concern over the park’s ultimatum to euthanize its 30 remaining belugas if emergency funding is not secured, labeling it as a manipulative tactic.
Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, Burgess urged for the swift removal of the last captive whales in Canada from Marineland. She disclosed that the belugas’ enclosures, Arctic Cove and Friendship Cove, are in a state of disrepair, with peeling walls and chunks of concrete falling into the water. Burgess highlighted incidents where whales ingested paint chips from the deteriorating pools, emphasizing the urgent need for action.
Furthermore, Burgess revealed that the water system at Marineland frequently malfunctions, hampering the park’s ability to provide essential medical care to the whales. She described instances where staff had to intervene to remove large rocks from the tanks, risking their safety due to water system failures. Burgess stressed the critical need for immediate intervention to safeguard the well-being of the belugas.
In response to the crisis, Marineland requested emergency funding from the government after its export permits to transfer the belugas to China were denied. Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson cited concerns about subjecting the belugas to captivity in China, in line with a federal law prohibiting captive breeding. The park’s plea for financial support to sustain the whales has sparked a debate on the best course of action for their welfare.
Despite the challenges faced by Marineland, Burgess called for a reevaluation of the situation, advocating for the relocation of the belugas to a more suitable environment. She criticized the notion of euthanizing the whales, emphasizing the need for a humane and sustainable solution to ensure their well-being. Burgess highlighted the dedication of Marineland staff and their commitment to caring for the animals despite the challenging circumstances.
As the fate of the belugas hangs in the balance, Burgess’s plea for swift action underscores the pressing need for a comprehensive plan to address the challenges facing the captive whales at Marineland. The ongoing debate surrounding the park’s future highlights the complex ethical and logistical considerations involved in ensuring the welfare of marine mammals in captivity.