Want to help beyond signing?

I’ve launched an official fundraiser through CanadaHelps, with all donations going directly to World Animal Protection to support their work advocating for Marineland’s beluga whales.

👉 Donate here:

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/emergency-support-for-marinelands-beluga-whales/

 

Who is impacted?

Over 30 beluga whales remain confined at Marineland in Niagara Falls. These are intelligent, social beings who live in close family pods in the wild — communicating through sound, touch, and freedom.

Since 2019, more than 20 have died in captivity. The survivors live in cramped, aging tanks with limited care and stimulation.

But the whales aren’t the only ones affected — so is the community. Marineland’s decline has hurt local tourism, jobs, and pride. Workers who once cared for these animals have lost their livelihoods or feel powerless to help. Niagara Falls deserves better — and so do these whales.

What is at stake?

If nothing changes, more belugas will die before a permanent sanctuary is ready. Canada made history by banning whale and dolphin captivity in 2019 — but these animals were left behind. The government was right to reject their transfer to China, yet that decision left them stranded in limbo.

By transforming Marineland into a temporary sanctuary, we can create a win for both animals and people:

🐋 The whales get compassionate, expert care while awaiting transfer to a permanent ocean sanctuary.

🧑‍🔬 Local residents gain new jobs in marine rehabilitation, education, and environmental science.

🌍 Niagara Falls reclaims its image as a destination of compassion and innovation — not cruelty and decay.

This could become a model for the world — where a former entertainment park becomes a living symbol of Canada’s leadership in humane transformation.

Why is now the time to act?

The Whale Sanctuary Project in Nova Scotia is being developed, but it’s not yet open — and Marineland’s belugas can’t wait years for rescue. Every month of delay risks more suffering and loss.

By acting now — while the facilities still exist — we can stabilize these whales, create employment for animal care professionals, and begin rewriting Niagara’s story.

This initiative would provide immediate work for trainers, veterinarians, builders, local trades, biologists, and volunteers. It’s not just a rescue — it’s a rebirth.

Canada has already banned captivity. Now, let’s take the next step — by transforming Marineland from a place of pain into a Sanctuary at the Falls, where healing, science, and compassion meet.

We call on:

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment to:

1. Designate Marineland as a temporary sanctuary for its remaining beluga whales.

2. Fund and authorize independent veterinarians, marine biologists, and welfare groups to oversee care and report publicly.

3. Partner with local and Indigenous communities to manage the transition, ensuring transparency and sustainable jobs.

4. Suspend all breeding, trading, or performances involving marine mammals.

 

These whales have given enough of their lives to entertain us.
Now it’s our turn to give something back.

Sign now to help turn Marineland into a sanctuary of compassion, healing, and hope — for the whales, for Niagara, and for all of us.