Canadian theme park says it will be forced to euthanize 30 beluga whales if it does not receive urgent financial support

ISTANBUL

A Canadian amusement park warned that it may be forced to euthanize 30 beluga whales unless it receives emergency financial support from the federal government by the end of Tuesday.

Marineland, a zoo and theme park that has faced widespread criticism for its treatment of animals, shut its doors to the public last year and has reportedly been trying to sell off its assets, CBS reported.

The facility still houses the last remaining captive whales in Canada but claims it no longer has the means to care for them.

Earlier this month, the government rejected Marineland’s request to transfer the whales to the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China. Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson said that approving the export would only continue the mistreatment the belugas have suffered.

Since 2019, 20 whales, including one orca and 19 belugas, have died at the park, according to the Canadian Press.

That same year, Canada passed legislation banning the captivity of whales, dolphins and porpoises, with violations punishable with fines of up to $150,000.

Previous inspections found that all animals at Marineland were in distress, largely due to substandard water conditions.

On Friday, the park management addressed the federal government, asking for a cash infusion by Oct. 7, CBS reported.

"If we do not receive a response by that date, we will have no choice but to presume that the answers to our inquiries are negative," Marineland reportedly said.