LeadStory

What is next for Marineland's belugas?

Asked 6 hours ago

Answer

Marineland's belugas face an uncertain future after the government blocked their transfer to China and a proposed sanctuary in Nova Scotia stalled. Euthanasia is a risk if no solution is found. Experts warn adapting to sanctuaries or the wild is difficult, and lifelong captivity may make tanks the safest option.

Now Playing

CBC News

Future remains uncertain for Marineland beluga whales

CBC News · New
CBC News
CBC News
New
  • Marineland's beluga whales face possible euthanasia after a blocked transfer to China. 2s
  • The park closed to the public following controversy and a federal ban on captive whale entertainment. 30s
  • Plans to move the whales to a sanctuary in Nova Scotia are stalled due to local opposition and other challenges. 49s
  • Experts highlight difficulties for belugas adapting to sanctuaries or the wild. 1m 19s
  • Some scientists believe the whales' best chance is to remain in tanks, their only known environment. 1m 54s
Pets & Animals

References

Future remains uncertain for Marineland beluga whales
Icon
CBC News
10 hours ago
Future remains uncertain for Marineland beluga whales

Efforts to move the whales to a Nova Scotia sanctuary have stalled, and adapting to sanctuary life is difficult for captive belugas.

Future remains uncertain for Marineland beluga whales
Icon
CBC News
10 hours ago
Future remains uncertain for Marineland beluga whales

Scientists say releasing the belugas into the wild would be devastating due to their lifelong captivity.

Plan to send Marineland whales to proposed sanctuary faces challenges
Icon
CBC Canada
17 hours ago
Plan to send Marineland whales to proposed sanctuary faces challenges

Some propose relocating the whales to a sanctuary off Nova Scotia, but the $15 million project is stalled due to local opposition and adaptation concerns.

Plan to send Marineland whales to proposed sanctuary faces challenges
Icon
CBC Canada
17 hours ago
Plan to send Marineland whales to proposed sanctuary faces challenges

At a similar preserve in Iceland, belugas have struggled to adjust, spending most of their time indoors.

Plan to send Marineland whales to proposed sanctuary faces challenges
Icon
CBC Canada
17 hours ago
Plan to send Marineland whales to proposed sanctuary faces challenges

Experts say the best chance for Marineland's belugas may be to keep them in a tank, as that's the only life they've known.

Canada theme park: if we don't get aid, we may have to kill our whales
Icon
Reuters
1 day ago
Canada theme park: if we don't get aid, we may have to kill our whales

Marineland says it may have to euthanize 30 beluga whales if emergency government funding is not provided for their care.

Canada theme park: if we don't get aid, we may have to kill our whales
Icon
Reuters
1 day ago
Canada theme park: if we don't get aid, we may have to kill our whales

Animal rights groups suggest moving the whales to a sanctuary, but experts warn this could be costly and time-consuming.

What Are People Asking?