Another beluga whale dies at Marineland, Ontario says water quality is ‘acceptable’

Three weeks after the death of another beluga whale at Marineland, the Ontario government is providing an update on its investigation into the park. The province’s chief animal welfare inspector, Melanie Milczynski, has stated that water quality at Marineland is now under control following a recent investment.

Despite the recent beluga deaths at the tourist destination in Niagara Falls, Milczynski has clarified that the marine mammal deaths have not been linked to water quality issues. She mentioned that the water quality at Marineland did not meet the standard of care until recently, but significant improvements have been made.

Milczynski revealed that a specialized team of inspectors from the province has been monitoring Marineland’s water quality weekly. The park has also been conducting regular water tests, with results showing a significant improvement in quality. She emphasized that the standards for water quality are now being met at the park.

The government’s investigation into Marineland has been ongoing for four years, during which five belugas have died at the park in the last year, and a total of 17 belugas have died since late 2019. Other marine animals, including a killer whale, dolphins, seals, sea lions, and penguins, have also passed away at the park in recent years.

Marineland has faced criticism and calls for closure from opposition politicians and animal rights activists. The park has defended its treatment of animals, stating that the deaths are part of the natural cycle of life. However, the government’s inspection team has issued multiple orders to address issues related to water quality and record-keeping at the park.

Despite challenges and controversies surrounding Marineland, the park has expressed a desire to find a new owner. The future of the remaining animals at the park remains uncertain. Phil Demers, a former trainer at Marineland and co-founder of advocacy group UrgentSeas, has raised concerns about the well-being of the animals and urged for more transparency from the park’s management.

The Ontario government has plans to develop the Niagara region into a tourist destination, but the future of Marineland in that vision remains unclear. As investigations continue and calls for accountability grow, the fate of the animals at the park hangs in the balance.