Target: Joanne Thompson, Canadian Minister of Fisheries
Goal: Protect the beluga whales at Marineland and hold the facility accountable for their alleged inadequate care and threats of euthanasia.
Marineland of Canada has threatened to euthanize 30 beluga whales if they do not receive financial support from the Canadian government. This drastic measure follows the government’s refusal to allow the transfer of these whales to a Chinese amusement park, raising serious concerns about the welfare of these animals and the moral responsibilities of Marineland to provide adequate care. Since 2019, the park has faced tragic losses, with 20 animals, including 19 belugas and one orca, dying under its care. Activists argue it is time for these belugas to be relocated to a sanctuary, but their futures remain in jeopardy.
Marineland, which occupies nearly 1,000 acres in Ontario, was once a thriving amusement park that attracted millions of visitors. However, the park’s recent operational struggles and failure to open for the summer season have put the fate of its remaining animals in a precarious position. Marineland has profited for years while allegedly neglecting the well-being of these intelligent marine mammals. The letter from Marineland indicating that if no financial help is received, euthanasia would be considered for the whales, is not only shocking but deeply disturbing.
Immediate action is needed to ensure the safety and well-being of these beluga whales. The federal government is in a position to enforce measures to protect these animals and address the long-standing issues that have plagued Marineland. The call for appropriate intervention to prevent the euthanasia of these whales and ensure their well-being and safety is not merely urgent; it is essential.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Minister Thompson,
The troubling circumstances surrounding Marineland and its beluga whales demand your urgent attention. Recently, it was reported that Marineland has threatened to euthanize 30 beluga whales if the federal government does not provide immediate financial assistance. This revelation raises serious ethical questions about the treatment of these intelligent creatures, as they have suffered under poor conditions for far too long, with 20 deaths reported since 2019. The lack of viable options for their relocation only compounds this crisis, making their lives even more precarious.
Minister, the public has grown increasingly aware of the allegations against Marineland, and many believe the facility has a moral obligation to care for the whales entrusted to it. As you stated, the current state of the park is “just terrible.” This crisis is the result of decades of alleged neglect, and the threats to euthanize these whales are unacceptable. The responsibility lies with Marineland to ensure the proper care of these animals, and your position allows you to facilitate change for their welfare.
Therefore, we urge you to take decisive action to protect the beluga whales at Marineland. There must be adequate funding not only to prevent euthanasia but also to ensure these animals are safely and properly relocated to a sanctuary or that their welfare is assured under humane conditions. The time for action is now.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pixabay
