Marineland informed the federal government Friday that the shuttered theme park may be forced to euthanize their remaining beluga whales if relocating them to another aquarium is not an option.

In a two-page letter addressed to Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, Marineland’s owners said Wednesday’s decision to deny an export licence for 30 belugas to a theme park in China leaves them in a difficult spot.

“This decision has far-reaching implications and effectively prohibits the export of the beluga whales to any operational aquarium worldwide,” the letter, from Marineland of Canada Inc., reads.

Thompson said the decision made not to allow the export of the marine mammals from the Niagara Falls, Ont., amusement park was to protect them from exploitation.

“To approve the request would

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