Don’t Let Another Beluga Whale Die in Captivity

Target: Michael Kerzner, Ontario Solicitor General

Goal: Rescue animals at risk of death and neglect at controversial park.

Five captive beluga whales have died at Canada’s Marineland park within the last year. In total, the park has seen the deaths of 17 whales in the past 15 years. The passing of Kiska, dubbed “the world’s loneliest whale,” from a bacterial infection was particularly tragic because the whale had spent more than four decades in captivity and more than a decade in isolation.

The park itself is once again under fire. It remains the only venue in Canada to still hold captive whales. And concerns about the welfare of these whales, as well as other animals in the park, have long been a point of contention. Just a few months ago, the park was given three animal cruelty violations in regard to black bears on the site.

Both animal welfare advocates and politicians have called for actions to save the remaining animals. Sign the petition below to echo these pleas for needed intervention.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Solicitor General Kerzner,

“It is deeply saddening that the many beluga whales still believed to be trapped at Marineland are being left to die one by one. These highly intelligent, social animals are suffering, and it’s long past time for Ontario’s Animal Welfare Services to step in and put an end to this tragic cycle of neglect and death.” A spokesperson for Animal Justice joined the mounting calls for urgent action at Ontario’s Marineland.

Just within a year’s time, this park has been cited for animal welfare violations three times and has overseen the deaths of five beluga whales. Even after the citations, the animals in distress still had to be removed because of the park’s alleged failure to comply with court demands for improved living conditions. The many tragedies that befell “world’s loneliest whale” Kiska (who lost five calves to death) should have been enough for intervention.

When will enough be enough? The passage of the Free Willy bill was supposed to begin a new era for animal welfare in Canada. Honor this effort and save the many animals whose lives remain in limbo at this reportedly neglectful facility.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Diego F. Parra