More Deaths at Marineland Canada

According to the Canadian Press, two more animals have died at Marineland Canada – which is two animals too many. In an article dated September 4, 2025, a harbor seal and another beluga whale have met their demise at the facility, which has been closed to the public since the summer of 2024 as they undergo a restructuring plan and/or sale.

Unbelievably, 20 animals have died at Marineland over the past six years – Kiska, the last captive orca in Canada, and 19 beluga whales. It is believed that 30 belugas remain at the park, along with an unspecified number of bear and deer and sea lions, as well as four bottlenose dolphins.

“Canada’s federal and provincial governments need to prioritize the well-being of the remaining animals at Marineland in Niagara Falls, Canada by taking immediate action. Now, more than ever, their lives depend on legal intervention.” ~ Ric O’Barry, Founder/Director of Dolphin Project

The Office of the Honorable Premier Doug Ford has confirmed that Marineland has been inspected over 200 times. However, despite serious ongoing issues, none of the animals have been relocated – complicated by the passing of Bill S-203: Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act. The bill prohibits the capture, keeping, breeding, as well as the import and export of dolphins and other whales. However, it is our understanding that the bill does allow for exceptions for scientific research or if a transfer is in the best interest of an animal, with the decision left up to the government.

⬅️ CALL TO ACTION ➡️

Dolphin Project is asking that both the federal and provincial governments prioritize the well-being of the remaining animals at Marineland Canada by taking immediate action. The animals need to be seized and transferred to the best possible facilities, and their travel expedited.

Please send a message to the following contacts and let your voices be heard!

Honorable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario contact info:
https://correspondence.premier.gov.on.ca/EN/feedback/default.aspx

Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada contact info:
https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/contact/minister-ministre-eng.html

Sources used in this blog:

Another beluga and a seal have died at Marineland. The deaths caught Doug Ford’s attention. Canadian Press, 9/4/25
18 Beluga Deaths in 5 Years at Marineland Canada
Canada Passes Historic Anti-Captivity Law

Featured image: Beluga whales in captivity, Marineland, Canada. Credit: Cynthia Fernandez/Dolphin Project

For decades, Ric O’Barry has vigorously supported local efforts in Ontario, Canada to bring awareness to the plight of captive marine mammals. We applaud all those involved who helped pass this critical legislation for dolphins and other whales, as well as the citizens of Canada who have proved they oppose keeping cetaceans in captivity.