VAUGHAN — Ontario Premier Doug Ford is calling the situation at Marineland “terrible” after the deaths of 20 whales since 2019, saying his heart breaks for the remaining animals held at the Niagara Falls attraction.
“There are responsibilities to take care of these whales, to make sure they’re healthy,” Ford said Thursday at an unrelated press conference. “It’s just terrible over there.”
According to federal records, Marineland still has 30 belugas, the last whales in captivity in Canada, alongside four dolphins, seals, sea lions, bears and deer. In recent months, the park requested federal export permits to move the belugas abroad, though Fisheries and Oceans Canada has not yet ruled on the application. A major Chinese zoo and aquarium operator, Chimelong, has expressed interest, but no deal has been announced.
Ford suggested Marineland is running out of money, noting the $1 million monthly cost of feeding its whales. The park, which has been up for sale for nearly two years, has not opened to the public since September 2024 and has not responded to recent media inquiries.
The premier has also been in discussions with Phil Demers, a former trainer turned vocal critic of Marineland, and said he is exploring options to rehome the whales if Ottawa allows. “If we could find beautiful homes for them, and if the federal government approves it, give them a beautiful, nice home,” Ford said.
Animal welfare concerns have dogged Marineland for years. Since 2020, Ontario inspectors have visited the park more than 200 times, issuing 33 compliance orders and declaring all marine mammals in distress in 2021 due to poor water conditions. Four long-term orders remain outstanding, including those on water quality, tank maintenance, record-keeping and enrichment for animals. In mid-August, a beluga whale and a harbour seal died, adding to the 19 beluga and one killer whale deaths reported since 2019.
Critics say Ford’s comments are too little, too late. “Where’s he been for seven years?” said Liberal parliamentary leader John Fraser, accusing the premier of showing empathy without taking action. Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner urged Ford to work with experts and Ottawa on a plan to protect the remaining animals. “Marineland clearly does not have the resources to care for these animals,” Schreiner said. “Delaying a decision amounts to continued neglect and abuse.”
While Ottawa weighs the export permits, Ford faces mounting pressure to move beyond words. For now, Marineland’s future — and that of its last surviving whales — remains in limbo.