Deny Marineland cetacean exports
Petitioners ask the Minister to deny export permits for Marineland's cetaceans and work with Ontario and experts on welfare. The government responds it denied export of 30 belugas and will assess future transfers.
Why we would sign this petition
- It would block transfers that could expose the animals to entertainment breeding abroad, directly reducing risk of exploitation.
- Working with Ontario and marine-mammal experts could identify humane, practical options to improve the cetaceans' care and conditions.
- It reinforces limits on exports consistent with Bill S-203's aim to restrict breeding and exploitative transfers, closing potential loopholes.
Why we wouldn’t sign this petition
- Refusing exports without funding or concrete transfer plans may leave Marineland solely responsible for long-term care without clear resources or outcomes.
- Banning exports could limit relocation options if domestic facilities cannot accept the animals, potentially prolonging suboptimal conditions.
- Coordinating multiple governments and groups may be slow or impractical; the petition sets aims but offers no specific implementation plan.
The summary and both sets of reasons are AI-generated from the petition and given equal weight. Claims are the petitioners’ own; consult the official record for the full text.
Official petition
Petition to the Minister of Fisheries WHEREAS It is reported that Marineland of Canada in Niagara Falls intends to transfer whales and dolphins in order to sell the property on which the theme park is currently located; Animal Justice, who has sent a letter to the Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, on this matter, believes Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China may be under consideration for this transfer; Chimelong Ocean Kingdom engages in breeding and performances of whales and dolphins, which are illegal activities in Canada per Bill S-203, and it is expected other potential transferees do the same; Bill S-203 also prohibits the export of whales and dolphins unless it is for the purpose of research or in the best interests of the mammals' welfare; and These whales and dolphins have worked to entertain Canadians for years, and it's time for them to rest. We, the undersigned residents of the province of Ontario, call upon the Minister of Fisheries, to: Deny any export permits that put the whales and dolphins of Marineland of Canada at risk, and work with the Government of Ontario, animal protection groups and marine mammal experts to identify all options to improve the welfare of these mammals.
Government response
Response by the Minister of Fisheries Signed by Ernie Klassen The Government of Canada takes its role in protecting marine mammals seriously. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is committed to protecting the welfare of cetaceans in captivity, based on the authorities established under the Fisheries Act. The Minister of Fisheries, has denied Marineland's request to export 30 belugas to the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom theme park in China. To approve the request would have meant a return to public entertainment and possibly the breeding of these whales in captivity. The decision not to permit the export of these mammals aligns with the 2019 amendments to the Fisheries Act and Criminal Code related to cetaceans in captivity, which aim to protect marine mammals from exploitation and breeding in captivity, as well as the Department’s permitting policies. DFO will continue to monitor the developments at Marineland and engage with our provincial counterparts, as required. As Marineland is a private facility, it holds responsibility for the care of the animals and for decisions regarding their potential relocation. Should Marineland and another facility reach an agreement to relocate the animals, DFO would assess any necessary permit and licence applications within our mandate. All permit applications are carefully evaluated on a case-by-case basis against our robust legislative and policy requirements, taking into account the welfare and unique circumstances of each individual animal. Should Marineland wish to pursue other options, DFO would be open to reviewing those requests.