Photo Gallery: Marineland beluga whales in limbo

By Canadian Press on October 2, 2025.

Marineland says it is “profoundly” disappointed by the federal government’s decision to deny its request to ship 30 belugas to China and the park has “no ability to pay” for their care — with sources adding that means euthanasia is a real possibility.

Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson announced Wednesday morning the federal government would not grant an export permit to ship Canada’s last captive whales to the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom aquarium.

Thompson said she will not subject the belugas to a future performing in captivity, which is consistent with a federal law passed in 2019.

Twenty whales — one killer whale and 19 belugas — have died at Marineland since 2019, according to a database created by The Canadian Press based on internal documents and official statements.

The remaining whales are now in limbo as Marineland looks to sell its Niagara Falls, Ont., theme park and the vast swath of land it owns near Horseshoe Falls.

Here are some scenes from the theme park and past protests.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 2, 2025.

The Canadian Press