TORONTO — American aquariums say they visited Marineland last week with the goal of providing hope and a future for 30 beluga whales that face euthanasia should they not be moved.

The Niagara Falls, Ont., park presented a plan to the federal government this week to export its belugas and four dolphins south of the border.

Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson has said she hopes to decide on the export permit application soon.

Sources at Marineland who are not authorized to speak publicly about the situation say the park is running out of money to care for its animals and euthanasia remains an option for the whales and dolphins.

The park is in discussions with Shedd Aquarium, Georgia Aquarium, Mystic Aquarium and SeaWorld.

Three of the United States-based parks say it is premature to formally commit to taking in Marineland’s belugas, which are the last whales being held in captivity in Canada.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 23, 2026.

Liam Casey, The Canadian Press