Finding homes for whales and dolphins when parks close isn't easy—sea sanctuaries aren't the answer
When Marineland Canada in Niagara Falls, Ontario, closed in September 2024, it had no regular income to support the care of the 30 belugas and four dolphins housed there. To ensure their welfare, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums led an international effort to relocate the animals to the United States and Spain.
When Marineland Canada closed in 2024, it left 34 marine mammals without care. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums stepped in to relocate them, but the new homes have faced challenges. One U.S. beluga and three Spanish belugas died after relocation. Proponents of whale sanctuaries suggested ocean pens as ideal, but these have issues.
A true sanctuary is a closed ocean pen with strict guidelines, but as of now, none exist. The animals may not adapt well from human care to an unfamiliar environment. A dolphin born in captivity could struggle in an ocean pen due to changes in water chemistry, sounds, currents, and weather. Meanwhile, managing these animals requires constant supervision and veterinary care.
Factors like health, social relationships, nutrition, and stimulation are crucial. Sanctuaries have struggled to get off the ground, with many failing to build their facilities or animals adapting poorly. While sanctuaries aim to provide the best lives for marine mammals, the evidence suggests that moving these animals may not always improve their welfare.
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