In a shocking and heartbreaking move, Marineland of Canada has reportedly threatened to euthanize 30 beluga whales after the Canadian government denied the park’s request to export the animals to China.

These whales — intelligent, social, and emotionally complex marine mammals — have already endured years in captivity. Now, instead of being given a chance at sanctuary or a better life, they face the threat of death by convenience.

We, the undersigned, call on:

• Marineland to publicly commit to not euthanizing any of the 30 beluga whales in its care
• The Canadian government, including Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), to intervene immediately to prevent harm and facilitate the safe relocation of these whales to accredited sanctuaries.

Euthanizing these whales because a business model failed is not ethical, not justifiable, and not acceptable to the Canadian public or the international community.

These animals are not property. They are living beings who deserve compassion, care, and a chance at life outside of tanks. Canada’s own laws now ban the breeding and capture of cetaceans — and the country should be proud to uphold that standard, not allow it to be undermined through threats and loopholes.

If Marineland cannot provide adequate care, it has a moral and legal obligation to work with accredited marine mammal sanctuaries and regulators to ensure these belugas are relocated safely and humanely.

There is no excuse for killing healthy animals, especially when there are organizations ready to help.

Sign this petition to demand that Marineland stop any plans to euthanize these whales — and urge the Canadian government to step in now, before it’s too late.

These 30 whales have already lost their freedom. Don’t let them lose their lives.