Since Marineland Canada closed in 2024, there has been ongoing uncertainty about the future of the animals still housed at the facility, particularly the remaining beluga whales.
Over the past year, there has been widespread speculation about what would happen to them. Reports suggested the whales could face euthanasia after a proposed export to China did not proceed, while a later rumoured transfer to Spain also appeared unlikely to move forward.
Earlier this year, it was confirmed that the Canadian government had granted conditional approval for the export of the remaining captive belugas to the United States. The decision raised significant concerns that the whales could be split between multiple facilities and potentially become part of breeding programmes.
We have now been informed that the transfer to the United States is expected to proceed under the medical emergency provisions of Section 109(h). The whales will be split between SeaWorld of California, SeaWorld of Texas, John G Shedd Aquarium and Georgia Aquarium.
We are appalled that the MOU does not include a commitment not to breed these individuals. The receiving facilities should voluntarily choose not to breed them. These belugas are genetically predisposed to storage disease, a potentially fatal condition that can be triggered by stress – the very situation they are all facing. Notably, two of the three deceased Mystic whales died from storage disease. Therefore, our position remains clear: any transfer must include a condition that these beluga whales are not used for breeding.
We will continue to monitor developments closely and share further updates as soon as more information is available.
