Theme Park Under Fire After 18th Whale Death Sparks Public Outcry

Another fatality has been confirmed at an already controversial theme park.

The use of whales and other large marine mammals in theme parks has long stirred controversy, especially following the release of Blackfish in 2013.

Credit: SeaWorld Orlando

The documentary brought international attention to the psychological and physical toll captivity takes on killer whales, focusing on Tilikum, an orca at SeaWorld Orlando involved in several fatal incidents – including the tragic death of trainer Dawn Brancheau.

Tilikum’s story, along with mounting criticism, ultimately led SeaWorld to phase out its orca breeding programs. The company’s latest park, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, has gone entirely orca-free, symbolizing a major shift in how marine parks operate.

But while SeaWorld has adapted to shifting public opinion, Marineland of Canada remains a stark exception. Located in Ontario, Marineland has faced significant criticism over the years for its animal welfare practices, especially concerning whales.

Credit: Marineland of Canada

The park – home to dolphins, sea lions, and the world’s largest captive beluga population – has consistently defended its practices. However, reports of animal deaths and allegations of poor living conditions have cast a shadow over its reputation. Marineland once also housed walruses and orcas, but its last killer whale, Kiska, passed away in 2023.

For over a decade, animal rights activists and former employees have sounded alarms about Marineland’s treatment of its animals. Tragic accounts from the past continue to haunt the park, like the story of Kanuck, an orca calf that died while kept away from its mother in a warehouse. Another unnamed whale reportedly drowned at the park in 1992.

Credit: Mathew Ingram, Flickr

In August, an investigation by The Canadian Press revealed that since 2019, Marineland had lost 14 whales and a dolphin, with even more beluga deaths following this report.

Another Death at Marineland of Canada

The most recent whale death, announced this week, brings the park’s total whale death toll – including both orcas and belugas – to 18 since 2019.

Neither Marineland nor the Ontario government has disclosed the exact cause of these deaths, but officials have assured that Marineland’s water quality remains within “acceptable limits,” with inspectors conducting weekly tests.

Credit: Marineland of Canada

Despite these measures, concerns persist. In late October, drone footage released by UrgentSeas, a whistleblower account co-founded by former Marineland trainer Phil Demers, showed veterinarians struggling to treat a visibly ailing beluga. Demers described the scene as heartbreaking, stating that efforts to keep the whale alive were nearing desperation.

The park’s reputation took another blow in August when it was fined nearly $85,000 CAD ($61,000 USD) for violations related to its treatment of captive black bears.

This year, Marineland significantly scaled back its operations, opening solely in July and August, with rides completely shut down. The recent death of the park’s owner, Marie Holer, in September has also added to the park’s uncertain future.

Once a popular attraction, Marineland seemingly faces dwindling attendance, considering that admission fees were cut to just $14.95 ($10.75 USD) for adults and $9.95 ($7.15 USD) for children in 2024. As public opinion turns against the captivity of marine mammals, many are left questioning Marineland’s future—and the future of the animals that remain under its care.

Should Marineland continue to keep whales in captivity, or is it time for a change?