Marineland requesting $10M-$20M federal loan to export belugas to U.S.

CBC News has learned from a senior government source that Marineland — the permanently closed theme park and zoo in Niagara Falls, Ont. — is requesting $10 million to $20 million in a federal loan to move up to 30 belugas and four dolphins to aquariums across the U.S. 

The source, who CBC is not naming because they are not authorized to speak on the matter publicly, says the money for the loan is ready, but Marineland is refusing to disclose its finances and that is a hurdle for public funds to be given. 

“They are unwilling to open their books and Canadians would expect a higher level of transparency for the loan of funds,” the source says. 

In a response to these assertions, Marineland Canada said in a statement to CBC News, “the logistical and financial requirements for transporting 30 whales are significant. While we continue to explore all potential avenues for support—including discussions with the government regarding the process – we do not comment on rumours or speculation.”

After the passing of the amusement park’s owners, John Holer in 2018 and his wife and successor Marie Holer in 2024, the Marineland estate was placed in a trust.

The 323-hectare property, on which the park was founded in 1961, is believed to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars. It’s been closed to the public since the end of summer 2024.

The park was attempting to sell its assets, including its rides, but has faced financial challenges, among others.

Ten million to $20 million is a big figure, says Andrew Trites, professor and director of the marine mammal research unit at the Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries at UBC — but moving these creatures is costly and complicated. 

“You’re involving all sorts of different professions, you’re involving veterinarians, you’re involving animal trainers, you are involving truck drivers… people who lift cranes up,” Trites said.

“You’ve got people at the other end too, that’ll be receiving the whale.”

The whales and porpoises have been living under the threat of euthanasia since last fall, when Marineland’s request to export the whales to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China was denied by the federal government.

At the time, Minister of Fisheries Joanne Thompson said, “To approve the request would have meant a continued life in captivity and a return to public entertainment.”

Feds tentatively approved U.S. transfer

In January, the federal government tentatively approved permits to send the whales and porpoises to the U.S. instead.  At the time, Thompson said the approval hinged on two conditions. 

“One is that the health of the belugas and dolphins is assessed by an accredited veterinarian and also [the second is] the transportation plan,” she said.

Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, GA, Mystic Aquarium in Stonington, CT, Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, IL, and a SeaWorld location are all considering acquiring some of the animals.

Feds haven’t seen transport plan

The government source says that Marineland has “allegedly a plan in place that would see [some] whales relocated by end of June,” but no transport plan has been provided to the government for review. 

In it’s statement, Marineland Canada did not confirm or deny such a plan exists.

Instead, the statement says, “we are working with a consortium of U.S.-based facilities to relocate 30 beluga whales. We remain in active consultation with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to ensure every aspect of this transport is conducted safely and according to regulatory standards.”

Trites, the marine mammal research professor, says he hopes the move can happen soon. 

“This has been allowed to drag on for so long,” he said. “These whales have needed a better home for a long time … we’re still talking about it. Let’s get it done.”