Ontario Premier Doug Ford described the conditions at Marineland as "terrible" during a press conference on Thursday. His comments come in light of the troubling situation for the 30 beluga whales remaining at the park, which are the last captive whales in Canada. Since 2019, 20 whales have died at Marineland, raising concerns about the facility's ability to care for its marine mammals.

Ford emphasized the responsibility Marineland has to ensure the health of the whales. "They have a responsibility to take care of these whales. They need to make sure that they’re healthy," he said. He expressed sympathy for the whales, stating, "It’s just terrible over there."

In addition to the belugas, Marineland is home to four dolphins, several seals, sea lions, and a variety of land animals, including bears and deer. The park has recently sought federal export permits to relocate its belugas, but the government has not yet made a decision on the request. Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson's office confirmed that the decision to export the mammals lies solely with the federal minister.

Ford speculated that Marineland may be facing financial difficulties, noting that it costs approximately $1 million monthly to feed the whales. Reports indicate that Chimelong, a large zoo and aquarium company in China, has shown interest in acquiring the belugas, but no decision has been made.

The 2019 law banning the captivity of whales allowed Marineland to keep its existing animals but prohibited breeding and the importation or exportation of whales, except under specific circumstances. The federal government is also aware of a proposed Whale Sanctuary Project in Nova Scotia, which has faced delays and is not yet operational.

Marineland has been on the market for nearly two years but has not finalized a sale. The park has been closed to the public since September 2024. Ontario's government is responsible for enforcing animal welfare laws and has been investigating Marineland since 2020. Inspectors have conducted over 200 visits and issued 33 compliance orders, with four long-term orders still outstanding.

In 2021, the province declared all marine mammals at Marineland to be in distress due to poor water conditions. Although Marineland contested this declaration, it later dropped its appeal. Recent deaths of a beluga whale and a harbor seal have drawn further attention to the situation.

Ford has been in discussions with Phil Demers, a former trainer at Marineland who has become a vocal critic of the park. Demers has indicated that Ford has considered the possibility of seizing the park. Ford stated, "If we could find beautiful homes for them, and if the federal government approves it, give them a beautiful, nice home."

Critics, including Liberal parliamentary leader John Fraser, have questioned Ford's commitment to action, stating, "Where’s he been for seven years? Empathy without action is just empty." Green Leader Mike Schreiner also called for collaboration among Marineland, marine mammal experts, and the federal government to develop a plan for the remaining animals, emphasizing the need to prevent further neglect and exploitation.