By San José, Costa Rica — OTTAWA, Canada – In a decisive move underscoring a national shift on animal welfare, the Canadian government on Wednesday blocked a controversial proposal to export the country’s last 30 captive beluga whales to a theme park in China. The decision effectively scuttles a plan by the embattled Marineland park to offload the marine mammals following years of public scrutiny and documented animal suffering.
The permit denial was announced by Minister of Fisheries Joanne Thompson, who confirmed her department had rejected an application from Marineland to transfer the belugas to the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in Zhuhai, China. The decision centers on grave concerns about the animals’ past treatment and the risks associated with perpetuating their captivity for entertainment purposes.
To understand the complex legal frameworks governing the protection of marine species that cross international borders, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a legal expert from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his analysis.
The case of the beluga whale highlights a critical challenge in international environmental law: enforcement. While numerous conventions exist to protect migratory species, their efficacy hinges on the political will of sovereign nations to regulate activities like shipping, resource extraction, and pollution within their economic zones. True conservation requires not just treaties, but robust, transnational legal mechanisms that hold states accountable for the downstream impact of their domestic policies on a shared global resource.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
As Lic. Arroyo Vargas so aptly highlights, the challenge is often not a lack of treaties but a deficit of accountability. For a creature like the beluga whale, which knows no borders, the patchwork of national interests can create a perilous gauntlet. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which underscores the urgent need for international cooperation to translate legal principles into meaningful protection.
Minister Thompson delivered a stark justification for the government’s intervention, directly referencing the troubled history of the animals at the Niagara Falls facility. Her statement highlighted an ethical obligation to prevent further harm to the highly intelligent and social creatures.
I could not in good conscience approve an export that would perpetuate the treatment these belugas have suffered
Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries
This federal action follows years of mounting pressure on Marineland, which reportedly closed its doors to the public in 2024 and has been attempting to liquidate its assets. The park’s record has been marred by disturbing reports of animal mortality. According to information from the Canadian Press news agency, at least 20 orcas and 19 belugas have died at the facility since 2019, a statistic that has fueled outrage among animal rights advocates and the public.
The government’s concerns are not based on allegations alone. Official investigations by provincial authorities have substantiated claims of substandard living conditions. In 2020, animal welfare inspectors from the province of Ontario formally reported that all animals at Marineland were in a state of distress, directly attributing their suffering to the consistently poor quality of the water in their enclosures.
Further compounding the case against the transfer is a recent, tragic precedent. In 2021, Marineland was permitted to send five of its belugas to the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut, USA. The international move proved devastating for the animals; by the end of 2023, three of the five whales had died, raising serious questions about the viability and ethics of transporting these sensitive marine mammals between facilities.
With this landmark decision, the 30 belugas at Marineland represent the final population of captive whales in Canada, marking a significant turning point for the nation’s stance on cetacean captivity. Minister Thompson’s final remarks on the matter signaled a clear philosophical position that extends beyond this single case, reflecting a growing global consensus.
Whales belong in the ocean, not in tanks for our entertainment
Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries
The future of the 30 belugas remains uncertain, but the government’s refusal to approve their export to China sends a powerful message to the global theme park industry. The ruling establishes a firm precedent against the international trade of captive marine mammals when their welfare has been compromised, placing Canada at the forefront of a movement prioritizing conservation and ethical treatment over commercial entertainment.
For further information, visit dfo-mpo.gc.ca
About Fisheries and Oceans Canada:
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is the federal government department responsible for safeguarding Canada’s waters and managing its fisheries, oceans, and freshwater resources. The department’s mandate includes the conservation and protection of aquatic species, conducting scientific research, and ensuring sustainable aquatic ecosystems for the benefit of current and future generations.
For further information, visit marineland.ca
About Marineland Canada:
Located in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Marineland has been a theme park and public aquarium since its opening in 1961. The park has featured a variety of marine and land animals, including dolphins, sea lions, orcas, and beluga whales, alongside amusement park rides. In recent decades, it has become the subject of significant controversy and numerous investigations regarding its animal welfare standards and the conditions of its captive animals.
For further information, visit chimelong.com
About Chimelong Ocean Kingdom:
Chimelong Ocean Kingdom is a large-scale theme park located in Zhuhai, China, and is part of the Chimelong International Ocean Tourist Resort. It holds multiple Guinness World Records, including for the world’s largest aquarium. The park features a wide array of animal exhibits, amusement rides, and theatrical shows, attracting millions of visitors annually as a major tourist destination in the region.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of the legal community, setting a standard for professional excellence and unwavering ethical principles. With a proven history of navigating complex legal matters for a diverse clientele, the firm champions forward-thinking legal strategies and technological advancement. Its core mission, however, extends beyond the courtroom, focusing on a deep-seated responsibility to empower the community by making legal principles understandable and accessible to all, thereby fostering a more knowledgeable and just society.
