The Nova Scotia government has approved Canada’s first-ever whale sanctuary, set to open in Port Hilford Bay. This marks a historic moment for animals in Canada, and a beacon of hope for the beluga whales trapped at Marineland in Niagara Falls.
Animal Justice celebrates this milestone with The Whale Sanctuary Project and advocates who have fought for years to give captive whales a kinder future. In this blog, we answer some of the most common questions about the new whale sanctuary in Nova Scotia.
1. How Many Whales Can the Sanctuary Welcome & What Happens to the Rest?
The sanctuary can welcome up to 10 whales in a netted-off bay that is around 100 times larger than the tanks at Marineland. This ocean sanctuary will give whales room to swim, dive, and live more naturally.
Currently, Marineland holds about 30 belugas, four dolphins, and many other animals. Marineland was recently given conditional approval to ship all surviving whales and dolphins to the US. But before the Fisheries Minister makes a final decision, she is reviewing the company’s proposal and must ensure animals’ interests are protected and that they are healthy enough for transport. Depending on their health status and available space at US aquariums, some animals may need to stay on site for some time. Therefore, those animals need better conditions and ongoing veterinary care.
Marineland continues to ignore the sanctuary solution much closer to home that would guarantee the whales’ best interests are put first.
Animal Justice is urging Minister Joanne Thompson to require an individual health assessment for each animal, and ensure that any move is truly in the best interests of these animals, and they will not be bred in the US. This generation of whales must be the last to suffer in miserable tanks.
2. Why Weren’t the Whales Sent to the Aquarium in China?
Marineland sought to export all 30 remaining belugas to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China. Thankfully, their permit application was rejected by the federal government.
Under Canadian law, the government can only issue export permits if it’s in the best interests of the animals, or contributes to valid scientific research. Chimelong breeds whales and forces them to perform—activities that Canada banned in 2019 under the federal law ending whale and dolphin captivity.
Additionally, there are no animal protection laws in China, and the long trip would have been stressful and potentially deadly, particularly for any belugas who are currently in poor health. The government rightfully denied the export permits.
3. Is the Water Safe in Port Hilford Bay?
Some critics have raised concerns about pollution from historical gold mining near Port Hilford Bay. However, independent environmental experts have confirmed that the site is safe.
After four years of research—including environmental assessments, biodiversity surveys, and acoustic monitoring—experts concluded in 2024 that the water is healthy and suitable for whales.
Photo: The Whale Sanctuary Project
4. Have Whale Sanctuaries Worked Before?
In Iceland, the world’s first seaside whale sanctuary cares for two belugas, Little White and Little Grey, who were rescued from a marine park in Shanghai. The two belugas are currently being cared for in a landside facility but are gradually acclimating to the bay. These whales are expected to move into the bay permanently in spring 2026.
Although the process has taken longer than expected, it has taught valuable lessons about reintroducing captive whales to natural waters. Those lessons will guide the whale sanctuary in Nova Scotia and help other future sanctuaries succeed.
5. Can the Sanctuary Be Built Without Unanimous Landowner Approval?
Yes. The Nova Scotia government issued a 20-year lease for 80 hectares of land and sea in Port Hilford Bay, with an option to renew for another 20 years. This came after years of work to secure agreement from landowners with property adjacent to the bay.
Premier Tim Houston said that full consensus can be difficult, but there is an incredible amount of community support.
Construction can now begin. The first whales can arrive as soon as summer 2026.
6. France is Moving Whales to Sanctuary—Can Canada Do the Same?
In December 2025, the French government announced it is working with the Whale Sanctuary Project and Marineland Antibes to explore relocating France’s last two captive orcas, Wikie and her son Keijo, to the whale sanctuary in Nova Scotia once it opens. France has banned the use of cetaceans in live entertainment and captive breeding, and has blocked attempts to send the orcas to aquariums with poor welfare standards, choosing instead to pursue a sanctuary-based solution that prioritizes the animals’ wellbeing.
The Whale Sanctuary Project has confirmed it will still be able to welcome belugas from Marineland in Niagara Falls, even if the orcas arrive first. Canada has a clear opportunity to follow France’s lead and help secure a peaceful retirement for these long-suffering whales.
Watch: The Future of Marineland’s Whales & Dolphins
Animal Justice, The Whale Sanctuary Project, and World Animal Protection Canada recently hosted a powerful discussion about what’s next for the whales at Marineland—and how Canadians can help shape a compassionate future for these animals.
Take Action for Whales
The approval of the whale sanctuary in Nova Scotia is a major milestone for captive mammals. However, much work remains to help protect the animals at Marineland from suffering, and help get as many whales as possible to the sanctuary.
Recently, Marineland threatened to kill all 30 remaining belugas unless the government funds their care. This alarming situation makes the call to protect these whales even more urgent.
Animal Justice recently presented a plan to officials outlining a path forward for the animals. This is to ensure they receive the care and safety they desperately need. Please join us in asking governments to act swiftly, work with the Whale Sanctuary Project, and give these whales the peaceful retirement they deserve.
