Marineland, the Canadian amusement park and aquarium, is seeking government approval to sell its beluga whales to the United States after its proposal to export them to China was rejected, according to a former trainer and an official familiar with the matter. The Niagara Falls, Ontario, facility, which has faced years of controversy and is now closed to visitors, has seen the deaths of 20 animals, including 19 belugas, since 2019, according to the Canadian Press.

The proposed sale follows Marineland's earlier threat to euthanize its whales, a move that sparked widespread condemnation from animal rights activists. The park's intention to sell the belugas highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the ethics of keeping marine mammals in captivity and the complexities of animal welfare regulations.

The specific reasons for the rejection of the China export proposal remain unclear. However, international trade in marine mammals is subject to strict regulations and scrutiny, often involving assessments of the receiving facility's standards of care and conservation efforts.

Marineland has been under increased pressure due to allegations of animal cruelty and neglect. Animal rights organizations have long campaigned for the release of the park's remaining marine mammals to sanctuaries. The park's financial difficulties, coupled with declining visitor numbers, have further fueled speculation about its long-term viability.

The potential sale to a U.S. facility raises questions about the future of the belugas and the standards of care they will receive. Animal welfare advocates are likely to scrutinize any proposed transfer, seeking assurances that the whales will be housed in an environment that meets their physical and psychological needs. The U.S. has its own set of regulations governing the care of marine mammals in captivity, including the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

The Canadian government's decision on Marineland's application to sell the belugas to the U.S. will have significant implications for the future of the remaining whales and the broader debate about marine mammal captivity. The decision is pending further review.