Marineland’s Beluga Whales Find New Home in the United States
After years of controversy and animal welfare concerns, Marineland’s beluga whales have found a new home in the United States.
The Niagara Falls, Ontario-based theme park announced on Tuesday that five of its beluga whales have been transferred to the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut. The move comes after years of pressure from animal rights activists and a recent investigation by the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA).
According to Marineland, the transfer was made in the best interest of the animals and was done with the approval of the Canadian government. The five belugas, named Kharabali, Havana, Jetta, Havok, and Sahara, range in age from 7 to 12 years old.
The OSPCA launched an investigation into Marineland in 2019 after receiving numerous complaints about the treatment of the park’s animals. The investigation found that the beluga whales were living in poor conditions, with inadequate water quality and lack of proper veterinary care.
In response to the investigation, Marineland announced in February that it would be ending its beluga breeding program and would be transferring some of its whales to other facilities. The park also stated that it would be making improvements to its animal care practices.
The transfer of the five belugas to Mystic Aquarium is the first step in fulfilling Marineland’s commitment to improving the welfare of its animals. The remaining belugas at the park will also be transferred to other accredited facilities in the coming months.
Mystic Aquarium is a non-profit organization that is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The aquarium has a long history of caring for beluga whales and currently has three other belugas in its care.
In a statement, Mystic Aquarium’s President and CEO, Dr. Stephen M. Coan, expressed his excitement about the new additions to their beluga family. He also emphasized the importance of collaboration between accredited facilities in ensuring the best possible care for these animals.
The transfer of the beluga whales from Marineland to Mystic Aquarium marks a significant step towards improving the welfare of these animals. It also highlights the importance of proper animal care and the need for collaboration between facilities to ensure the best possible outcomes for these intelligent and majestic creatures.
