Marineland warns it may euthanize 30 belugas at Niagara Falls park

Marineland told Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson it will euthanize 30 belugas and four dolphins unless Canada approves export permits to U.S. aquariums; the minister's office said the permits will be reviewed expeditiously.

Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ont., told federal officials it will euthanize 30 belugas and four dolphins unless export permits are approved to send them to U.S. aquariums. A Marineland team met with Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson and presented new export permit paperwork. The minister's office said she will review the permits expeditiously. Known details: - Marineland gave an "imminent" deadline and said it has a plan to euthanize the animals if permits are not approved. - Marineland has proposed sending the belugas and dolphins to Georgia Aquarium, Mystic Aquarium, Shedd Aquarium and a SeaWorld location; U.S. facilities have said it is premature to formally commit. - The minister met with Marineland at their request and her office confirmed the permits will be reviewed expeditiously. - A 2019 federal law in Canada bans keeping whales, dolphins and porpoises for breeding or entertainment and requires special federal permits for export in limited circumstances. Summary: Marineland's deadline places a decision point on the federal government regarding export permits and the application of the 2019 cetacean law. The minister's office says the permits will be reviewed expeditiously; further steps and outcomes are undetermined at this time.