Marineland warns it will euthanize 30 belugas after export denial

Marineland of Canada has warned it will euthanize all 30 of its remaining beluga whales unless the federal government provides emergency funding or reverses a decision blocking their export to an overseas aquarium, the park said in a letter sent late last week. Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson denied the export permits and called Marineland's immediate appeal for federal cash inappropriate, saying the park is responsible for the animals' care.

Park officials sought permission to transfer the belugas to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China after the attraction closed to the public last year and said it no longer has the funds to feed and care for the animals. Thompson denied the export request, citing 2019 changes to the Fisheries Act and Criminal Code intended to prevent exploitation of whales and dolphins and to avoid subjecting the animals to future performance-based captivity. "I could not in good conscience approve an export that would perpetuate the treatment these belugas have endured," she said.

After the permit denial, Marineland sent a letter to federal officials setting a deadline the following Tuesday and stating that without a favorable response the park would have "no...