A beluga whale and a harbor seal have died at Marineland, prompting concern from Ontario Premier Doug Ford. This latest death brings the total number of whale fatalities at the Niagara Falls, Ontario, attraction to 20 since 2019, including 19 belugas and one killer whale. The province reported in mid-August that these deaths occurred on separate days.

Marineland has remained closed to the public since last summer and has not announced plans for reopening. The park is currently attempting to sell its property, but no details have been disclosed. According to two unnamed sources familiar with the situation, the recent beluga death occurred after trespassers entered the park in mid-August. The group reportedly disturbed the belugas in Friendship Cove, leading to an attack on an older beluga by younger whales. Despite efforts by Marineland staff to save the whale, it died a few days later.

Currently, it is estimated that 30 belugas remain at Marineland, which are the last captive whales in Canada. Phil Demers, a former trainer at Marineland and a vocal critic of the park, expressed his concerns, stating, "It's not getting better, it's getting worse. The animals aren't getting younger, they're getting older, they're getting sicker."

Marineland has not responded to multiple inquiries regarding the recent animal deaths or the park's status. The park has consistently claimed to provide high-quality care for its animals. However, Demers has found renewed hope for the remaining animals following a recent conversation with Premier Ford. The two have been in contact over the past few months regarding the situation at Marineland. After learning about the latest beluga death, Demers texted Ford, who called him back just two minutes later. During their 25-minute conversation, Ford asked numerous questions about the whales and their potential relocation.

Ford even suggested the possibility of "seizing the park" to assist the animals and inquired about the need for federal export permits. In 2019, Canada enacted a law banning the captivity of whales and dolphins, which allowed Marineland's existing animals to remain but prohibited the import or export of these species, except under specific circumstances.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada has not issued any export permits for Marineland's whales or dolphins. However, the park successfully transported nine Magellanic penguins to the Saint Louis Zoo last December. Currently, the park houses belugas, four dolphins, seals, sea lions, bears, and deer.

Demers stated, "We're begging the government to step in and save the day," expressing optimism about Ford's genuine concern for the animals. Ford's office confirmed the call and emphasized that Ontario has the strongest animal welfare laws in Canada. They noted that over 200 inspections of Marineland have been conducted in the past three years to ensure compliance with animal care standards.

A senior government source indicated that while the province aims to relocate the whales and dolphins, the situation is complex. Animal Welfare Services has the authority to seize the animals, but there is currently no suitable temporary housing for them. Experts have advised that the whales cannot be returned to the wild, leaving marine parks outside Canada as potential relocation options.

The federal laws complicate the situation, and moving the animals poses risks. Three of the five belugas sold to Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut in 2021 have died, with two of those deaths occurring within the first year after the move. Marineland has denied allegations that its animals were in distress due to poor water quality, despite claims from Animal Welfare Services.

In the summer of 2023, a reporter visited Marineland and was informed that 37 belugas were present. Shortly after, Marineland banned the reporter from its property. Since then, the province has confirmed the deaths of seven additional belugas. Last year, Marineland operated for only two months at a reduced capacity, with many attractions and animals off-limits to visitors.

The provincial government has been involved with Marineland since January 2020, when it took over enforcement of animal cruelty laws. Since then, 33 orders have been issued to the park, most of which have been complied with, although four long-standing orders remain unresolved. These orders focus on water quality, maintenance of the water system, record-keeping for marine mammals, and the condition of animal enclosures.

Wayne Gates, a New Democrat member of the provincial parliament representing Niagara Falls, criticized the government's inaction, stating, "Just doing nothing is unacceptable by any level of government. This thing has to come to a head before more animals end up dying." He called for federal intervention and greater transparency regarding the findings of inspections at Marineland.