• Marineland seeks emergency funding or may euthanize 30 beluga whales.
• The Canadian government denied the park's request to export the whales to China.
• 20 whales have died at the park since 2019, raising animal welfare concerns.

Marineland, a Canadian amusement park located near Niagara Falls, has indicated it may be compelled to euthanize 30 beluga whales if the federal government does not provide emergency funding by October 7. The park claims it is in a "critical financial state," having been closed to the public for a year while trying to sell its assets, and currently lacks the resources necessary for the care of these animals, which include the last captive whales in Canada, according to latimes and channelnewsasia.

The park's request to relocate the belugas to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China was denied by Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson. She expressed that allowing the export would risk perpetuating "the treatment these belugas have endured," reflecting ongoing concerns about animal welfare in captivity. Thompson's decision is rooted in regulations established in 2019 that prohibit the captivity of marine mammals for entertainment purposes, and her office has stated that the park's failure to provide a viable alternative does not impose financial responsibility on the government, according to bbc and cbsnews.

Reports indicate that 20 whales, including one killer whale and 19 belugas, have died at Marineland since 2019 due to inadequate living conditions, with inspectors noting animal distress linked to poor water quality. The situation raises significant ethical concerns, as animal rights groups have criticized the management of Marineland for failing to ensure sustainable care or seek alternatives proactively, highlighting the moral obligation to care for these animals, according to latimes and bbc.

As the park moves toward potential euthanasia, campaigners have voiced outrage, arguing that Marineland should be held accountable for the well-being of the animals it has kept captive. Camille Labchuk from Animal Justice has called the threat of euthanasia "reprehensible," while organizations like World Animal Protection are urging government intervention to ensure the remaining belugas receive proper care, according to channelnewsasia and cbsnews.