A Canadian amusement park is threatening to euthanise 30 beluga whales after the government blocked its request to send them to China. Marineland in Ontario had hoped to offload the cetaceans on a theme park in Zhuhai, after suffering years of animal welfare concerns and financial woes. But their transfer was denied by the Canadian government last week over concerns they would face similarly substandard treatment as "public entertainment". The park then asked for federal funding to be able to continue caring for the animals – but this was denied, being branded "inappropriate" by Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson. In the absence of funding as it winds down operations, Marineland has now said it may have to put the belugas to sleep, according to the New York Times and CBC News. It reportedly said this was "a direct consequence of the minister's decision". The park is said to have told ministers that it was in a "critical financial state" and unable to provide adequate care for the whales, having being closed over the summer while it removed the animals still there.
Published: October 7, 2025 12:58 pm
Source: BBC — Read original