Finding homes for whales and dolphins when parks like Marineland Canada close isn’t easy – a biologist explains why sea sanctuaries aren’t the answer
Sea sanctuaries could work well for some animals, but up to this point, only a handful of animals have lived in them.
When Marineland Canada closed in 2024, its 30 belugas and four dolphins lacked regular funding for care. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums coordinated the relocation of these animals to U.S. and Spanish facilities. However, one beluga and three of the transplanted belugas died in the U.S., while one beluga died in Spain.
Sanctuaries, netted ocean enclosures for whales and dolphins, might seem ideal for displaced cetaceans. However, these facilities face challenges and are not always the best solution. They are defined by a philosophy of no breeding, limited human interaction, and nonprofit funding. Yet, there are currently no active sanctuaries operating under these standards worldwide.
Cetacean sanctuaries are still forms of captivity. Animals remain in nets, depend on human care for food and medical needs, and must adapt to unfamiliar surroundings and environmental conditions. Differences such as water chemistry, ocean sounds, currents, weather, and the presence of new pathogens or parasites could impact their wellbeing.
While some sanctuaries may benefit animals in vulnerable situations, the transition can be challenging for cetaceans born or housed in human care. These environments often differ from the natural habitats of wild cetaceans. Successful sanctuary placement remains a hypothesis to be tested, not an assumed fact.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
