NIAGARA FALLS – Tofino, a massive beluga weighing more than 1,500 kilograms, has made history as the last captive whale in Canada to be relocated from Marineland's waters. This monumental event marks the culmination of Marineland’s efforts to move its marine mammals and follows a 2019 federal law that prohibits any future captivity of whales and dolphins in Canada.
The now-closed tourist destination in Niagara Falls, Ontario, successfully executed the largest mass relocation of captive whales in history, transferring a total of 30 belugas and four dolphins to five aquariums in the United States and Spain over the span of several weeks. With this operation, no marine mammals are known to remain in captivity in Canada.
On a historic Monday, a team of experts gathered to move the last six belugas from Marineland. Two of the belugas, Yukon and Gimli, will find a new home at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, while Tank, Odin, Orion, and Tofino will be relocated to SeaWorld San Antonio. The complex operation required about 12 skilled individuals to safely wrangle the whales into slings using a net, followed by a crane that lifted each whale into transport tanks.
Trainer Taylor-Lee Dell shared an emotional farewell with Odin, with whom she had developed a close bond over the past five years. As Odin was being raised from Friendship Cove, Dell expressed her love and sadness, stating, “All I’m trying to do is be that voice of someone that he knows and he finds comfort in.” As the reality of losing what she regarded as family members sank in, she mentioned that doing such work with whales is an experience few can understand, especially in light of the growing anti-captivity movement in Canada.
The relocation of these whales came only as a last resort, with Marineland's adviser Andrew Burns revealing that the whales would have faced euthanasia had they not been moved. He attributed the urgency of the situation to inadequate financial resources and time constraints. Over six separate relocations, the marine mammals were distributed across prominent facilities including the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta and Oceanogràfic València in Spain.
Founded by John Holer in 1961, Marineland was once a thriving amusement park, showcasing marine mammals alongside various rides. However, after the 2019 legislation banned captivity and breeding, the park began its slow decline. Additionally, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic compounded the challenges faced by Marineland, culminating in its eventual closure and sale.
In recent years, the conditions for the animals at Marineland came under scrutiny. A government inspector cited poor water quality that led to distress among the marine mammals, with a number of deaths reported since the law was enacted. As of early 2024, prior to the park being put on the market, it was revealed that numerous animals had died at Marineland, highlighting the dire circumstances surrounding their care.
Continued efforts to relocate the animals faced obstacles when Marineland sought to sell its belugas and dolphins to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China. The Canadian federal government, however, blocked this transfer, citing disparities in animal welfare laws between the two countries. After threatening to euthanize the whales, Marineland found support through a collaborative effort with various North American aquariums, leading to the ultimate successful move.
While the transfers have not been without complications, such as the recent death of Peekachu, a 23-year-old beluga shortly after moving to the Shedd Aquarium, the relocation has brought a sense of relief to former trainers. Kristy Burgess, who worked at Marineland until her firing in February 2025, echoed mixed feelings, feeling relieved yet saddened by the departures.
As supporters of the anti-captivity movement celebrated the relocation of the remaining whales, former trainers like Phil Demers noted the significance of the event. "Wishing my friends a safe trip," he posted on social media, acknowledging the end of an era as Marineland’s tanks were completely emptied. This unprecedented culmination represents not just the end of captivity for these intelligent creatures, but also a new beginning as they transition into more suitable environments.
