NIAGARA FALLS—Animal Justice has filed a legal complaint with Ontario’s Animal Welfare Services (AWS) prompted by new drone footage that shows marine mammals circling inside a small tank next to an active demolition site at Marineland, a loud and disruptive activity that is likely terrifying to the animals.
The footage, recorded earlier this month and shared with AWS last week, shows marine mammals trapped in surrounding pools as the concrete show stadium is torn down. Approximately four dolphins are seen circling a cramped tank next to the demolition, with the park’s remaining belugas confined nearby.
As outlined in the complaint, marine mammal welfare experts who reviewed the video say the noise, vibrations, and disruption from the demolition activity would likely cause the animals’ psychological suffering, adding to the harm caused by years of confinement, lack of enrichment, and inconsistent care. Under Ontario’s Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act (PAWS), it is illegal to cause animals distress, including psychological distress. Because the park is currently closed to the public, it is unclear whether the loud and disruptive demolition activities are still taking place.
Since 2019, approximately 18 belugas, one killer whale, and one dolphin have died at Marineland. Despite widespread public concern about animal suffering at Marineland, and a history of animal welfare problems, AWS has never laid charges against the facility for its treatment of whales and dolphins. The notorious roadside zoo’s only conviction under Ontario’s animal welfare laws came last year for its treatment of three young bears.
“Sending inspectors to test the water at Marineland isn’t enough to protect animals trapped in crumbling tanks,” said Camille Labchuk, lawyer and executive director at Animal Justice. “Animal Welfare Services must act to ensure the whales and dolphins receive proper veterinary care and that their living conditions are improved. The law allows authorities to step in, provide these animals the care they so desperately need, and send Marineland the bill for doing what’s necessary to relieve their distress.”
“With Marineland trying to offload its assets and animals, there’s no time to waste—these animals need independent health assessments and qualified caregivers in place until they can be moved to better facilities, including hopefully the Whale Sanctuary Project when it’s ready,” Ms. Labchuk said.
Animal Justice is also raising the alarm about the potential export of whales from Marineland to overseas facilities like Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China, where animals could be used in entertainment and breeding programs—activities banned in Canada.
With Marineland closed and its future uncertain, Animal Justice is urging officials to deny any export permits that put whales and dolphins at risk, and to help send as many animals as possible to sanctuaries or facilities where their health and well-being could be improved.
Contact:
Josh Lynn
Public Relations Manager
[email protected]
Camille Labchuk
Executive Director
[email protected]