Niagara Falls, Friday, 17 October 2025.
Canada’s federal government has refused Marineland Niagara Falls’ request to export its remaining beluga whales to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China, invoking the 2019 prohibition on cetaceans in entertainment and existing welfare safeguards. The decision, announced by Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, keeps Canada’s last captive belugas in situ and establishes a regulatory precedent that will tighten cross-border transfers of cetaceans from commercial parks. For operators, licensors and retail partners that rely on marine attractions, this signals heightened scrutiny over long-term care obligations, transport permissions and reputational exposure in international deals. Immediate implications include more conservative permits, stricter welfare clauses and contingency funding demands; longer term, expect higher due diligence costs for global partnerships and potential restrictions on admissions-driven revenue models. Accredited zoo networks have offered rescue support, underscoring alternatives to overseas export. Retail and entertainment buyers should reassess risk pricing, contractual warranties and exit strategies tied to animal-based attractions now.