Animal rights advocates are condemning Marineland's threat to euthanize the 30 surviving belugas at the defunct amusement park in Niagara Falls, Ont., if the federal government doesn't come through with funding for the whales' care or authorize their export by Tuesday.

World Animal Protection Canada is calling on the provincial government to intervene and seize the whales to prevent their death.

Erin Ryan, wildlife campaign manager with the organization, said "it's morally reprehensible" for Marineland to be holding the Canadian government hostage "for making what is essentially the right decision."

Euthanasia shouldn't be seen as a cost-saving measure, Ryan told CBC News.

"It should only be seen as an option when independent veterinary assessment deems that it's in the best interest o

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