NIAGARA FALLS, ONTARIO (WKBW) — 30 beluga whales at the now-defunct Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, could be euthanized, as reported by Buffalo Toronto Public Media.
The park said that if it doesn't get a commitment for financial help, it would have to start euthanizing the whales.
"We need humane solutions for these animals. It's not easy by any means; it's going to be messy and some animals might not survive. But they shouldn't be euthanized for financial reasons," said Melissa Matlow, World Animal Protection Canada Campaign Director.
WATCH: 'We need humane solutions': 30 beluga whales could be euthanized at Marineland
The Canadian Fisheries Minister stated that Marineland is responsible for the whales, but Marineland claims it had no other option after its permits to send the whales to China were denied.
"I don't think we should be bailing out Marineland," said Wayne Gates of the Canadian Parliament. "There's a thousand acres of land there that I'm sure they'll sell at some point in time. But, the government in Ontario has a responsibility under the PAWS Act to make sure that these whales are safe, and they can put procedures in place to make sure that whatever they do, whatever money they spend, they can recoup it from Marineland. "
Animal rights groups are now calling on the Canadian government to intervene and seize the whales.
