Canada Refuses Marine Park's Request to Export Whales to China
The Canadian government has denied a request by Marineland theme park to export its remaining 30 beluga whales to China, citing concerns over the welfare of the animals. The decision is expected to have significant financial implications for the beleaguered marine park.
According to documents compiled by the Canadian Press, Marineland has reported 20 whale deaths since 2019, including 19 belugas and one killer whale. The park's request to export its remaining whales was met with opposition from animal welfare groups and some lawmakers.
Marineland, which is owned by Ontario-based company Ontario Inc., has been struggling financially in recent years. In 2020, the park reported a net loss of $4.3 million on revenue of $24.8 million. The export request was seen as a potential lifeline for the park, but the government's decision to deny it is expected to have significant financial implications.
The Canadian government has stated that rehoming Marineland's cetaceans in China would only perpetuate the treatment they have endured in captivity. "We cannot support any proposal that would see these animals exported to a country with a history of poor animal welfare standards," said Fisheries Minister Bernadette Jordan.
Marineland did not respond to requests for comment, but in February, a lawyer for the park stated that it was planning to reopen this summer despite the financial struggles. The park has been mired in controversy over the years, with reports of poor conditions for the animals on display.
The decision is expected to have significant market implications, with some analysts predicting that it could lead to increased scrutiny of marine parks and aquariums across North America. "This decision sends a clear message that Canada will not tolerate animal welfare abuses," said David Suzuki Foundation's executive director, Darrell Deslauniers.
Marineland's export request was met with opposition from various stakeholders, including animal welfare groups and some lawmakers. The Canadian Animal Welfare Association (CAWA) stated that the decision to deny the export request is a "victory for animal welfare" but noted that more needs to be done to address the issue of captivity in marine parks.
The future outlook for Marineland remains uncertain, with some analysts predicting that the park may struggle to recover from the financial implications of the government's decision. However, others see an opportunity for the park to rebrand itself and focus on more humane and sustainable practices.
In a statement, the Canadian government emphasized its commitment to animal welfare and conservation. "We will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure that our laws and policies are in place to protect these magnificent creatures," said Minister Jordan.
The decision is expected to have significant implications for the marine park industry as a whole, with some analysts predicting that it could lead to increased scrutiny of marine parks and aquariums across North America. As one analyst noted, "This decision sets a precedent for other countries to follow suit and prioritize animal welfare over financial gain."
*Financial data compiled from Theguardian reporting.*
