It seems that everyone is done loving Marineland.
Driving the news: Marineland, the theme park turned certifiably cursed site, is raising cash to rehome animals and maintain operations as it looks to sell. The plan involves parcelling off four lots of its 266.9-hectare estate, separate from the main park area, and mortgaging them to a third party.
- After raising sufficient cash, the park wants to reunify the land and then sell it. The plan was approved by the City of Niagara Falls last month.
Catch-up: Marineland has been under fire for alleged poor treatment of animals for years. Since 2019, over 20 animals, including 18 belugas, have died there. While some animals have been relocated, an estimated 31 belugas still remain among other whales, dolphins, and pinnipeds.
- Protests and provincial investigations have taken a toll on the business. Last year, it was open for only two months with many attractions and rides unavailable.
Why it matters: With a 2019 federal law banning the sale, breeding, and captivity of whales, Marineland will be the last attraction of its kind in Canada. Its planned sale can also be seen as part of a wider trend of aquariums and zoos shifting from entertainment to conservation.
Yes, but: Activists are still worried about the fate of the animals as there are no sanctuaries in Canada ready to take on such a big influx of sea creatures. Marineland’s vow to sell them “expeditiously” has raised concerns they could be shipped to theme parks in China.—QH