VIDEO: New Marineland complaint surfaces; summer opening uncertain

New complaints of animal cruelty have surfaced about Marineland while the park undergoes a transformation.

As the summer tourism season approaches, the Niagara Falls marine animal zoo and amusement park hasn’t announced if the park will open.

On June 20, a spokesperson for Marineland told INsauga.com that “No final decision has been made on opening.”

In the past, the park has opened on the May long weekend but last year Marineland announced it would reopen for its 63rd season on June 28.

There was no opening date listed on the website or social media as of June 20. The phone number listed on Marineland’s website is out of service.

Last summer, the Marineland said it was preparing for redevelopment under new ownership.

In September, the park’s owner Marie Holer died. Holer was the wife of Marineland’s founder, John Holer. John Holer founded the park in 1961 and ran it until he died in 2018.

Recently, Marineland announced the process to sell its amusement park rides.

“For decades, Marineland has been home to a collection of beloved rides that have brought joy to millions of guests,” the announcement in the U.S. newsletter Amusement Today reads. “As the park evolves, it is now offering buyers the opportunity to own a piece of amusement park history. The sale includes a range of classic attractions, from thrill rides to family-friendly favorites.”

It appears as if some demolition is happening at the park, according to Animal Justice, a Canadian nonprofit animal advocate organization.

Animal Justice claims dolphins and belugas are in “unlawful distress” due to noise from nearby demolition work. The organization said it filed a legal complaint with Ontario’s Animal Welfare Services prompted by new drone footage (below) that shows the marine mammals circling inside a small tank next to an active demolition site at Marineland, a loud and disruptive activity that is likely terrifying to the animals.

The footage shows marine mammals in pools as the concrete show stadium is torn down, Animal Justice said. Approximately four dolphins are seen circling a cramped tank next to the demolition, with the park’s remaining belugas confined nearby, the organization said.

 

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In response to the claims, the Marineland spokesperson told INsauga.com the animals’ health and welfare are being monitored.

“Marineland, like any other facility engages in routine repairs and replacements. Like every other facility Animal Welfare Services monitors and inspects Marineland, including such work,” the spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

“This type of work happens in ‘sanctuaries’ and other facilities on a routine and regular basis. There is nothing special or unusual about this. Our own internal veterinary staff monitor and inspect the health of each of the marine animals daily and steps are taken to ensure the animals are not disrupted while work is going on. There has been no issue with any of the animals arising from this routine work by experienced staff.”

Approximately 17 belugas have died since late 2019, and three other belugas sold to a Connecticut aquarium in 2021 have since died.

Kiska, the country’s last remaining killer whale in captivity, died in April 2023. One dolphin, one harbour seal, one grey seal, two sea lions and two Magellanic penguins have also died at the park in the past five years.

As the park undergoes transformation, Animal Justice calls for action.

“Animal Welfare Services must act to ensure the whales and dolphins receive proper veterinary care and that their living conditions are improved,” said Camille Labchuk, lawyer and executive director at Animal Justice. “The law allows authorities to step in, provide these animals the care they so desperately need, and send Marineland the bill for doing what’s necessary to relieve their distress.”

Labchuk said the animals need independent health assessments and qualified caregivers in place until they can be moved to better facilities, including hopefully the Whale Sanctuary Project when it’s ready.

Animal Justice is also raising the alarm about the potential export of whales from Marineland to overseas facilities where animals could be used in entertainment and breeding programs—activities banned in Canada.

The organization is urging officials to deny any export permits that put whales and dolphins at risk.

With files from The Canadian Press