Wikipedia

Marineland of Canada

Marineland (official name Marineland of Canada Inc.) is a themed zoo and amusement park in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. It is operating on a reduced scale while it is slated for redevelopment. No amusement rides are operating and it is claimed that all land animals have been transferred from the facility, however videos in 2024 showed large numbers of deer and some bears still on site. The park continues to exhibit dolphins and beluga whales.

Marineland of Canada Inc.
Previously known as
  • Marine Wonderland and Animal Farm
  • Marineland and Game Farm
The Marineland logo in red
Location7657 Portage Road
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
L2E 6X8
Coordinates43°03′56″N 79°04′21″W / 43.06556°N 79.07250°W / 43.06556; -79.07250
StatusOperating
Opened1961; 63 years ago
Owner
  • John Holer (1961–2018)
  • Holer Family Amusements (2018–present)
SloganUnderwater Fantasy at Marineland!
Operating seasonMay–October
Attractions
Total15
Roller coasters2
WebsiteOfficial site
A 1967 flyer for Marineland, using the older name "Marineland and Game Farm"

In the past, the park had performing marine animal shows, exhibits of marine and land animals, and amusement rides. The marine mammals included dolphins, sea lions, and beluga whales. Until 2023, the park also kept walruses and orcas.[1] The park also kept bears, deer, and other land animals.

It was founded and operated by John Holer, a Slovenian immigrant, from 1961 until his death in 2018. He started with one tank and built the operation into a major attraction and employer.

The park's keeping of marine mammals is controversial, and the park has been involved in several lawsuits related to the practice. The keeping of the sea mammals is opposed by animal rights activists, and Marineland has been the site of numerous animal rights demonstrations.

Facility

edit

As of 2018, Marineland of Canada kept about 4,000 land and marine animals.[2] Marineland operates 16 theme park attractions for children and adults.[3] The park does not release annual attendance figures. Published amounts range from an estimated 250,000[4] to 500,000 people annually.[5] Marineland is a former member of Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA). The company "voluntarily and temporarily" withdrew from CAZA in May 2017, stating it was expanding the area for animals and "will be continuing to work with CAZA to ensure that the expansion is successfully harmonized with CAZA principles".[6]

In 2020, however, the facility did not open in spring as planned because of the restrictions required by the COVID-19 pandemic. The facility remained closed due to restrictions placed by the Government of Ontario.[7] Marineland reopened for its 2022 season.[8]

John Holer's widow, Marie Holer, owned the park from John Holer's death in 2018 until her own death on September 6, 2024. The park has been for sale since at least 2023.[9]> All of the rides present in the park were closed as well as some of the exhibits featuring animals.[10] In 2024, the park was only open for two months with a significant portion of the park remaining closed and admission being sold at reduced rates.[9]

Marine exhibits

edit

Marineland keeps beluga whales, bottlenose dolphins, grey seals, harbour seals, penguins and sea lions. The belugas are kept in Arctic Cove, Friendship Cove and King Waldorf Stadium. As of August 2021, Marineland had 40 belugas.[11] Marineland at one time had several walruses and orcas.

 
Dolphins of Marineland

Kiska was the last orca kept at Marineland until her death in 2023.[12][11][13] She was nicknamed the World's Loneliest Orca because she spent the last 12 years of her life completely alone.[14][15] Kiska was the last captive orca to be held in Canada as a result of the Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act.[14]

Land animals

edit

In addition to marine exhibits, Marineland hosts land animals at its park, such as black bears and deer. In 2023, Marineland was charged by the province of Ontario for providing inadequate care to their black bears under the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act.[16] Marineland was charged $85,000 in 2024 for failing to improve conditions for their black bears after the previous visit. Provincial inspectors concluded that these animals had minimal access to water, were being kept in unsuitable enclosures, and were unable to fulfill their psychological needs.[17]

Rides

edit

Marineland has a collection of different rides, including a pair of roller coasters and a large launched free fall.

Ride Manufacturer Model Year Description
Boat Carousel Mack Rides Wikingefahrt 1982 Carousel composed of ornate boats.[3][18]
Bumble Bee HUSS Troika 2006 Spinning flat ride with bee-shaped vehicles.[3]
Dragon Mountain Arrow-HUSS Custom Looping Coaster 1983 Opened as the world's largest non-stop roller coasters by area, covering 30 acres (1,300,000 sq ft).[3] It features tunnels that lead to the queue area, has two consecutive vertical loops and a bow tie loop. A section of the roller coaster passes through a back section of Marineland and may not have been finished.[19]
Eagle Tower Zierer Family Freefall Tower 2022 Miniature drop tower.[3][20]
Flying Dragon Zierer Magic Carpet 1983 A flat ride that raises and drops riders in a circular motion.[3][21]
Kandu's Twister Mack Rides Tea Cups 2002 A classic tea cups-style ride with vehicles with orcas on them.[3]
Lady Bug Coaster Zierer Tivoli 1979 Small family roller coaster with a series of turns.[3] Originally known as Tivoli Coaster.[22]
Magic Experience HUSS Magic 1991 A spinning flat ride with a large black bear perched atop the centre.
Ocean Odyssey Zierer Flying Gondolas 2010 Rotating flat ride themed to a giant purple octopus with 12 fish-shaped vehicles.[23][24][25][3]
Orca Screamer Zierer Family Freefall Tower 2006 Miniature drop tower.[3][26]
Sky Hawk HUSS Condor 1989 Spinning ride that lifts riders up to a high height.[3][27]
Sky Screamer S&S - Sansei Technologies Space Shot 2004 300 feet (91 m) high launched free fall situated on a 150-foot-tall (46 m) hill, making the total height of the ride 450 feet (140 m). Ascending riders experience 4Gs, while descending riders experience a -2Gs.[3][28]
Star Voyager Zierer Star Shape 2022 92 feet (28 m) tall rotating mast with fully rotating gondolas. [29]
Tivoli Wheel Zierer Ferris Wheel 1979 Small Ferris Wheel with 8 arms.[3][30][31][27]
Viking Adventure Zierer Kontiki 2006 Spinning flat ride that rocks back-and-forth.[3][32][21]
Wave Swinger Zierer Chairswing 1983 Classic spinning swings ride.[3][27]

Defunct rides

edit
Ride Manufacturer Model Year Opened Year Closed Description
Space Avenger Zamperla Flying Gondolas 1990 2019 Circular flat ride that allows passengers to control a spaceship. Replaced by Eagle Tower.
Topple Tower HUSS Topple Tower 2007 2011 The topple tower suffered extensive self-inflicted damage to its support structure, and last operated in 2011. It never re-opened and sat vacant.[33] Replaced by Star Voyager.
Hurricane Cove Mack Rides Sea Storm 1983 2022 A flat ride with boat-shaped cars that travel around a central point.[3]

History

edit
See also: § Animal controversies

The park was founded by John Holer, a Slovenian immigrant who had worked in circuses in Europe.[4] Holer and a partner bought a portion of the Harry Oakes estate near the falls. The park opened in 1961 as "Marine Wonderland and Animal Farm".[34][35] Holer welded two large steel tanks together and brought in three sea lions and charged one quarter for admission and another to feed the animals.[34] The attraction also featured an underwater show featuring two female swimmers.[36] In 1963, a trained sea lion "Jeff" escaped from Marine Wonderland and made it to the Niagara River and went over the falls. Holer offered a CA$50 reward and organized a helicopter search.[37] The seal was recaptured by Holer a few days later in Queenston, where it was found sunning itself with teenager Tommy Haines, who was given the reward.[38] In 1964, Holer added two dolphins, along with a few other animals and the attraction became known as "Marineland And Game Farm".[36] By 1966, a 2,000-seat "aquatheatre" was completed along with a "grotto" of aquariums and shops.[36] The grotto in the new Aquarium Dome contained eight tanks used to display fresh-water fish.[39] The park became a popular family attraction and recorded an annual attendance of 250,000 for the 1967 season.[40] In 1968, the park added alligators.[39] Neighbouring attraction "Niagara Falls Indian Village" closed down after the 1968 season and Marineland purchased their property.[41]

In 1971, Marineland added orcas. "Kandu" became the park's major attraction. In 1973, the aquarium purchased Kandy, a 4,000-pound (1,800 kg) female orca captured off Vancouver Island in 1973, to mate with Kandu,[42] but she died later that year. Kandu lived until 1979 and was replaced by Nootka, captured and brought to the park in 1981. Nootka lived until 2008.[11] By 1975, the park kept over 1,000 animals and claimed to be Niagara Falls' "most popular attraction after the falls."[43] In 1975, Marineland became involved in a controversy over another orca captured off Vancouver Island. The capture of 'Kanduke' by the Sealand of the Pacific aquarium of Victoria, British Columbia, for purchase by Marineland was blocked by the Government of British Columbia, at the instigation of Greenpeace activists. Claimed to be property by the BC government and resources by the Government of Canada, the orca eventually was transported to Marineland after it was determined that orcas were a resource under the control of the Canadian government.[44] The incident led to the ending of the capture of orcas in British Columbia waters.

In 1976, Marineland announced a CA$50 million expansion on 1,000 adjacent acres, to include a 400-acre "safari park" and amusement centre.[45] Construction began on a new 15,000-seat stadium and pool for killer whales.[46] Marineland purchased two locomotives for a steam train railroad.[47] When plans for Canada's Wonderland were announced, Holer decided to further increase the park's expansion plans, adding a Gothic castle, canals and the world's largest roller coaster, for a total cost of CA$80 million.[48] The "Dragon Mountain" roller coaster opened in 1983 along with other rides. At a cost of CA$9 million, the roller coaster opened without CA$3 million reproductions of the American and Horseshoe falls, postponed to the future.[49] In 1984, Holer announced the postponement of part of the expansion, citing an 86% increase in municipal property taxes, and threatened to move the facility across the river to the United States.[50]

In 1982, Marineland purchased Keiko, a killer whale, from an aquarium in Hafnarfjörður, Iceland. Keiko started performing for the public and developed skin lesions indicative of poor health. He was then sold for $350,000[51] to Reino Aventura (now named Six Flags México), an amusement park in Mexico City, in 1985.[34] Keiko was the star of the movie Free Willy in 1993. After spending 1996–1998 at Oregon Coast Aquarium, Keiko was returned to a sea pen in Iceland and was released to the ocean in July 2002. He swam to Norway, eventually settling in the Taknes fjord in November 2002, where he was not catching fish and had little contact with wild Orcas; until his death, Keiko was fed daily by the Keiko Project group.[52][53] Keiko died of pneumonia in December 2003.[54]

In 2001, Marineland added walruses to the marine mammals it kept. The first walrus was Sonja, from the Moscow Zoo. It was joined by Zeus and Apollo two months later and Pandora, Buttercup and Buddy in 2002. Marineland added Smooshi and Azul in 2004.[55] Sonja died in 2017,[56] and Zeus died in 2018.[57] In 2003, Marineland opened the "Arctic Cove" beluga whale exhibit. Beluga whales were held in Friendship Cove from May 30, 1999, until the opening of Arctic Cove in late 2003. Belugas returned to Friendship Cove in December 2008 following the importation of eight individuals. In 2014, several belugas were switched between Arctic Cove and Friendship Cove.

In 2004, Marineland opened the "Sky Screamer" triple tower ride. That same year, Marineland bought the Green Oaks Mobile Home Park across the street from the park with plans to relocate maintenance buildings to the site. In 2009, Marineland evicted 47 families that were tenants at the park. The tenants appealed to the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board, lost their case and were ordered off the property by March 2010. One tenant committed suicide while others continued to fight Marineland but had to leave in 2011.[58] Holer was ordered to pay $11,000 each to several tenants for harassment.[34]

Beginning in 2012, the park has been the subject of several allegations of poor conditions for its animals by former employees and animal activists have protested outside its gates on several occasions. The park stated that it had been inspected by the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) and Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA),[59] many times over the years, some leading to orders issued by the OSPCA.[60] Marineland has filed nine lawsuits against activists, former employees and the media,[61] and a further lawsuit against the OSPCA for malicious prosecution and reputational damage.[62]

In 2012, articles were published by the Toronto Star alleging animal mistreatment, resulting in negative publicity.[63] An inspection by the OSPCA and CAZA, however, found "no issues of concern".[59] The Star reported that the OSPCA issued orders to Marineland to improve the water conditions for animals at the park and address specific issues with other animals, and that Marineland complied.[60]

In 2015, the Government of Ontario banned the practice of breeding and keeping orcas in captivity, while allowing the existing one to remain at Marineland. Marineland's last orca, Kiska, died at the park in March 2023, having not interacted with another orca since 2011.[64]

In November 2016 and January 2017, the OSPCA received a complaint from a former employee through the animal rights organization Last Chance for Animals. The OSPCA filed some charges against the park in late 2016 and early 2017, but all of the charges were withdrawn by government prosecutors later that year.[65]

Holer died on June 23, 2018, aged 82.[4][66] He was praised as an "immigrant success story" by Senator Don Plett (Manitoba).[67] Holer had been seriously ill for five months and died at his home on Chippewa Parkway.[68] Holer was survived by his wife Marie and son Peter. Another son, John Mark Jr., died in 2013.[69] The Mayor of Niagara Falls, Jim Diodati, sees Marineland at a "crossroads" with three options: to continue the current business model, to sell its 1,000 acres of land to real estate developers, or to become an amusement park without animals. Diodati favours the latter option.[69] Marineland's lawyer Andrew Burns said that there would be no immediate changes to the business.[66] At the time of his death, Holer was working on a new aviary attraction for Marineland.[70] According to testimony before a Senate of Canada committee in May 2017, the 100-acre (40 ha) expansion was described as being one of the largest expansions Marineland has ever made. Holer himself described the overall park as only "half-developed."[71]

On opening day in May 2019, two deer died in a stampede in the deer enclosure, which was reopened for the 2019 season. According to Marineland, a father and son caused the stampede, laughed at staff, and refused to leave the enclosure, then slipped away while staff quieted the animals. Marineland closed the deer enclosure afterwards until modifications were implemented to prevent a future stampede.[72] On May 22, it was announced that the 18-year-old walrus Apollo had died of heart failure. It was the fourth walrus to die at Marineland within two years, after Zeus, Buttercup and Sonja, and left Marineland with a single walrus, Smooshi.[73][74] In June 2019, Marineland opened its new "Polar Splash" splash park attraction at a cost of CA$6 million.[75] In June 2019, Marineland signed a ten-year partnership agreement with the Mystic Aquarium's Sea Research Foundation (a subsidiary of Ocean Wise Inc.) for beluga research.[76] In September 2019, it was announced that Marineland had sold two beluga whales to Oceanographic, a Spanish facility owned by Ocean Wise Inc., with the permission of the Canadian government.[77]

There were rumours in 2023 that the park would be sold, but no sale was announced. Marineland registered with the Government of Ontario in January 2023 as a lobbyist, to assist in the sale of the property.[78]

In 2024, the park opened on a reduced scale, with no rides and no animal shows. In September 2024, Marie Holer passed away. The future of the park is unresolved, although the park says it has a succession plan.[79]

Animal controversies

edit

Marineland and its owner John Holer have been involved in many controversies throughout the park's history. Animal rights activists have picketed regularly outside the park property for several years and continue to protest as of 2018.[80] In 1977, the U.S. Department of Fisheries seized six bottlenose dolphins that had been illegally caught by John Holer in the Gulf of Mexico.[34] In 1983, Niagara Falls mayor Wayne Thomson resigned amid controversy over a vacation given as a gift by a Toronto development firm and a land purchase made by his then-fiancé Bonnie Dickson. His fiancé bought some land in Niagara Falls from a seller who did not want it to be sold to Marineland. Seven months later, she sold the plot to Marineland. Holer stated she acted as trustee and was accompanied by Thomson.[81] In the 1980s, Greenpeace was the first activist group to raise concerns about keeping killer whales in captivity. It objected to the keeping in principle, although it stated that Marineland was one of the better facilities. The level of concern grew in the 1990s. In 1997, a protest was held outside the park by Ric O'Barry, the trainer of Flipper of the television series. Other organizations present at the protest included Friends of the Dolphins, Zoocheck Canada and Earth Island Institute. The protesters alleged that Marineland separated mother and child killer whales too quickly and four other whales were stored in unsuitable facilities.[82]

In September 2011, SeaWorld won a court battle with Marineland over the fate of Ikaika, a killer whale. Ikaika had been originally loaned to Marineland under the terms of a breeding loan agreement between the two organizations, but SeaWorld decided to terminate the agreement due to concerns about Ikaika's mental and physical well-being due to deteriorating conditions at the park. Marineland initially refused to return Ikaika, but was eventually ordered to by the Ontario Superior Court as well as pay $255,000 in compensation to SeaWorld for legal expenses.[83] On September 10, 2012, the Toronto Star published an article quoting former Marineland supervisor Jim Hammond alleging that Marineland owner John Holer had shot one of the baby deer in his park through the windpipe with a 12-gauge shotgun, leaving it to choke on its blood without dying. Hammond claimed the park owner refused his pleas for humane euthanasia.[84] On December 20, 2012, the Ontario Ministry of the Environment announced an investigation into several mass animal graves at the park. The ministry had no previous knowledge of the graves, as Marineland lacks permits for such use.[85] After an investigation by the ministry, Marineland was allowed to continue using a section of the site for animal burials.[86]

On March 5, 2013, the Toronto Star published an article quoting Hammond and a local resident alleging that John Holer had shot two Labrador Retrievers that had escaped a neighbour's house and entered Marineland property. The article also mentioned that Hammond was told by Holer "to check if there were any collars ... around their necks and if there were, to remove them."[87] In September 2013, it was reported that the Ontario Veterinary College was investigating an unspecified number of veterinarians at Marineland.[88] Also in 2013, OSPCA investigated the claims of some former employees of Marineland claimed that the animals' health was being put at risk by low water quality. OSPCA used the results of the investigation to make suggestions to the subsequent provincial review of its animal welfare laws.[89]

In April 2014, the Vancouver newspaper The Georgia Straight published an article alleging that five harbour seals transferred from the Vancouver Aquarium had fallen ill at Marineland due to "poor water chemistry". According to the article, one, Pepper, died in 2006 from the conditions while the rest were blind. Marineland filed a CA$600,000 lawsuit in July 2014 against The Georgia Straight and the article's writer for defamation and damages. According to Marineland, Pepper did not die as described in the article and the others were not blind but were in fact generally healthy. It was the eighth lawsuit filed by Marineland since 2012, and the third against a media outlet.[90] In 2015, the Government of Ontario took up debate of the keeping of orcas.[91] Bob Barker urged Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne to order Marineland to give up Kiska and other animals.[92] On May 28, 2015, the Legislative Assembly of Ontario passed the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment Act. The act prohibits the possession or breeding of orcas in Ontario but allowed Marineland to keep its orca.[93][94] On May 10, 2016, Marineland filed a lawsuit against filmmaker Zach Affolter to prevent the release of his documentary, Black Water. The park alleges that the film contains footage illegally taken at Marineland and is a violation of their policy preventing the use of footage for commercial purposes. Affolter responded by asserting that "Black Water is meant as an educational, non-commercial film that dives into the moral question behind keeping cetaceans in captivity."[95] Marineland demanded CA$1 million in damages for breach of its intellectual property rights. Affolter denied the allegations and said he had found the video of Kiska on Facebook. Until the lawsuit was resolved, the film's release was on hold.[96]

Demers allegations

edit

In May 2012, Philip Demers, trainer of the walrus Smooshi, resigned from Marineland. He had been an employee of Marineland for 12 years and had been noted for his close relationship with Smooshi. Demers made public his concerns about Marineland and has been sued by Marineland.[61] In Demers' version of accounts, Smooshi was moved from Marineland's barn to the Aquarium, where Demers said she deteriorated because of problems with the water. Smooshi was returned to the barn but problems returned. He asked for more walrus trainers, but his request was denied. By 2012, he had had responsibilities for hiring and training employees taken away, and he chose to resign.[97] On August 15, 2012, the Toronto Star published an article of Demers' account, alleging that many sea mammals at Marineland live in inhumane conditions and suffer from a variety of illnesses caused by problems with water quality and chronic understaffing. Holer denied the allegations in the report, which was largely based on interviews conducted with former Marineland employees.[98] The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals declined to press charges, but did order changes in park procedures that were then implemented by Marineland.[99] The controversies led to Suzie McNeil, singer of the park's jingle, "Everyone Loves Marineland",[100] to ask the park to no longer use her recording.[101]

Demers's campaign against the institution is profiled in the 2020 documentary film The Walrus and the Whistleblower.[102] It was released as part of the Hot Docs Documentary Film Festival. It documented the relationship former Marineland trainer Phil Demers had with the walrus Smooshi before he quit in 2012 and became a vocal critic of the park.[103] In June 2020, the film was named as the winner of 2020 Rogers Audience Award and as Overall Favourite at the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival. The Audience Award allowed the film to be fast tracked in the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature category, "provided it meets all other criteria for eligibility".[104]

The CBC's Documentary Channel item about the film stated that Demers had "appeared four times on the Joe Rogan show, has testified before the Canadian Senate, and is being sued for $1.5 million for plotting to steal Smooshi, the walrus".[105] On September 20, 2022, Demers and the park reached a non-costs agreement where the walrus Smooshi and her calf Koyuk would be rehomed.[106] The two walruses were removed to SeaWorld Abu Dhabi in March 2023.[107]

Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act

edit

In 2015, then-Senator Wilfred Moore of the Senate of Canada introduced Bill S-203, the Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act. Marineland would be one of two facilities in Canada to be affected by the law after the bill is passed. Marineland, along with the Vancouver Aquarium, opposed the bill. According to Marineland, the Act advances an agenda of entrenching animal rights into the legal framework: "the granting of the rights of a person to whales—what activists call a 'non- human person'—and then to other species".[71] The bill would "fundamentally and critically damage Marineland" and "essentially destroy Marineland's future".[71] Marineland stated that it had enough belugas, but it wanted to get more porpoises in the future and a companion for its one orca.[71] In September 2017, Green Party of Canada leader Elizabeth May filed a complaint to the Parliament of Canada's Lobbying Commissioner about Marineland's breaches of the Canadian Lobbying Act. Marineland had privately lobbied Members of Parliament and Senators without registering with the Lobbying Commissioner in efforts to stop Bill S-203. Marineland's lawyer Andrew Burns registered as a lobbyist in May 2018.[108] Progressive Conservatives in the Senate, led by Sen. Don Plett, used procedural obstruction to keep the bill from moving to a vote. In June 2018, the senators added amendments intended to exclude Marineland and the Vancouver Aquarium from being covered by the bill.[109] The bill was passed by the Senate in October 2018 and was sent to the House of Commons of Canada.[110] Andrew Burns, Marineland's lawyer appeared at a House Fisheries Committee meeting in March 2019, to propose an amendment regarding future beluga births at Marineland, claiming the new law is unconstitutional. Senator Murray Sinclair, the bill's second sponsor in the Senate and a former judge, told MPs no one is going to be prosecuted when currently pregnant belugas give birth. In the opinion of Sinclair and May, Burns was only intending to delay the bill, so that it could not be passed before the end of the current session of the Parliament of Canada.[111] The bill was passed by committee without amendments.[112] The bill passed third and final reading in the House of Commons on June 10, 2019.[113]

Animal abuse charges and complaints

edit

In 2012, the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals received complaints of animal abuse at the park from former employees and issued orders to Marineland as to the standard of care they should be following. At that time, a full investigation was not conducted. On November 10, 2016, however, the agency received a formal 35-page complaint—compiled by California-based group Last Chance for Animals—which included photographs and videos taken by a former Marineland employee whose identity has not been revealed to the public. (The Canadian Press obtained a copy of the complaint file which was reviewed by some members of the news media; only excerpts have been published.) At that time, the OSPCA began an investigation of possible animal abuse at the park using its staff and a veterinarian.[114]

On November 25, 2016, the OSPCA charged Marineland with five counts of animal cruelty under the Ontario SPCA Act over their treatment of peafowls, guineafowls, and American black bears in the zoo portion of the park. The Ontario SPCA alleged that the animals were distressed and did not receive the required standard of care from Marineland. The company denied the allegations.[89][115]

Marineland also provided a statement to The Canadian Press: "(Last Chance for Animals) is working together with the fired former employee to exact revenge over his firing and advance their radical cause and goal to shut Marineland."[116] The company also posted a commentary on their Web site indicating that it is "being attacked by disgruntled former employees again, who are working with a professional activist group that raises just under 2 million dollars per year to share their distorted view of facts about others." The post indicated that the company would "vigorously defend ourselves against these charges laid by the OSPCA".[117]

A news article on August 10, 2017, stated that the park had started a lawsuit against former employee Philip Demers, one of those who had filed complaints with the OSPCA, for $1.5 million and that this is only one of nine lawsuits against activists, former employees and the media since 2012. None of the suits has been resolved in court.[61]

Six additional counts of animal cruelty were laid by the OSPCA on January 9, 2017.[118][119] The new charges related to the treatment of elk, red deer and fallow deer. Deputy chief Jennifer Bluhm of the OSPCA provided the following comment: "While the investigation is still ongoing, these are all the charges we expect to be laid in this case." On previous occasions, Marineland had stated that it would defend against charges in court. The company's first appearance to plead to the charges was set for January 26, 2017.[120]

On the same day, Marineland posted another response on its website, critical of the OSPCA handling of the investigation and the charges, including the following comment: "We believe the OSPCA is continuing a publicity campaign at the behest of a band of discredited activists with little relevant expertise or knowledge, in an effort to avoid further embarrassment related to an ongoing investigation into the OSPCA’s perceived failure to protect animals that is being led by the same activists they are now firmly in bed with. ... We will hold the OSPCA to the high standards of Ontario’s legal system and require them to defend their charges to the fullest extent possible."[121]

On August 10, 2017, all charges were withdrawn in Niagara Falls Provincial court. The prosecutor stated that there was no likelihood of conviction and pursuit of the matters was found to not be in the public interest[122] The OSPCA inspected the park a week later and did not find any issues of concern.[123]

In October 2017, Marineland filed a lawsuit against the OSPCA, alleging that the OSPCA launched its investigation purely to harm Marineland. "It was motivated by a series of improper objectives, including a desire to accomplish its own policy agenda, to mollify the animal activist community, to please its donors, and to effectively destroy Marineland." Marineland is seeking CA$21 million in damages.[62] The OSPCA responded publicly that it "vehemently denies all of the allegations and will defend itself."[62]

A subsequent pleading by the OSPCA's stated that any losses suffered by Marineland due to the charges "are entirely the result of its own misconduct and that (Marineland) is the author of its own misfortune."[124]

In January 2020, Ontario's Animal Welfare Services took over enforcement of anti-cruelty laws from OSPCA. Subsequently, it opened an investigation into Marineland, which is ongoing as of May 2023. Since then, Marineland has been inspected at least 160 times, but the government has so far refused to reveal any details. However, in May 2021, an affidavit obtained by The Canadian Press revealed that inspectors had issued two orders to Marineland to repair water systems in animal enclosures. Court documents also revealed that inspectors found all marine mammals in the park to be in distress. Marineland appealed the orders, denying the distress and any relation between water quality and recent deaths, but dropped the appeal a few weeks later.[125][126]

On May 31, 2023, the Government of Ontario charged Marineland over the care of its black bears. "Marineland of Canada, Inc. in Niagara Falls, Ontario, has been charged with three counts of failing to comply with an order, related to the care of American Black Bears," said Brent Ross, a spokesman for the ministry. [127][128]

Beluga whale deaths

edit
  • Dee, a beluga whale imported from Russia, died in August 2000 after a petting session.[129] At the time, news reports indicated that this was the third recent death; in December 1999 another female beluga died from liver failure and in March 2000, Malik, a three-year-old orca, died.[129] This led two animal rights groups to urge the Government of Canada to issue a moratorium on the import of belugas.[130]
  • Sasha, a beluga whale born in 2008 at Marineland, died around October 10, 2011, several days before the off-season.
  • On May 28, 2012, a nine-month-old beluga, Skoot, born to Skyla, succumbed to its injuries after a two-hour attack by two adult males in a shared tank. Only an untrained guide was on hand to try to stop the attack and he said it took a long time for trainers to respond. By that time, the calf had already died. Marineland's John Holer told the news media that the calf died because of meningitis.[131]
  • In May 2013, an aquatic inventory website (Ceta-Base.org) reported that belugas Luna and Charlotte were both deceased and said these were the latest of 18 other beluga deaths over the years. The site's August 2017 report indicates additional beluga deaths, some without a date, with the most recent (named R1) having been on July 30, 2015.[11] Charlotte died from a metabolic disorder; the cause of death for Luna was not known.[132]
  • In August 2017, Gia (who had been born at the park) died suddenly. A preliminary report indicated that the cause may have been a twisted small intestine that resulted in a fatal blockage.[133] The Ceta-Base site indicates that Gia had been born in 2012.[11]
  • In May 2023, Kodiak, a 28-year-old beluga, and Sonar, a 26-year-old dolphin, died.[125]
  • In August 2023, The Canadian Press reported that thirteen beluga whales had died at the park since 2019.[134][135]
  • In March 2024, two more beluga whales died, bringing the total number of deaths to 17 since 2019.[136]

Orca deaths

edit

A Toronto Star report in November 2012 stated that "Marineland has had 26 killer whales over roughly three decades, according to ... Zoocheck Canada. Of these, 17 died at Marineland. ... Six died in other parks after being transferred while one died en route from Marineland to Japan".[137] The following include orca deaths that were well documented.[11]

  • An unnamed whale died at the park in October 1992 from drowning.[138]
  • Junior, a wild Icelandic male orca, being kept in an indoor barn, died in June 1994.[139]
  • Kanuck, separated from mother, Kiska and stored in a warehouse. Died at age 4 in 1998.[140][141]
  • An unnamed whale born at Marineland died in June 1998.[142]
  • Malik, a three-year-old orca, died due to a deficient immune system in March 2000.[143][129]
  • Nova died in August 2001.[144]
  • Algonquin died in August 2002 due to a twisted intestine.[145]
  • April died in April 2004.[144][146]
  • Neocia died in August 2004 at Marineland.[144] The death of this 12 year old whale was reported as the fifth in five years at the Ontario park.[147]
  • Hudson died in October 2004 with the cause of death being meningitis.[148][149]
  • Kandu, a wild whale from Iceland that had been at the park since the 1980s, died on December 21, 2005.[144][150]
  • Katak/Splash was born at Marineland and was moved to SeaWorld in 1992 for health treatment. He died in April 2005.[144]
  • Nootka V died in January 2008 at Marineland. Nootka had been brought to Marineland in 1979 after being captured near Iceland.[151][152]
  • Athena died sometime in spring 2009. The cause of death was by infection.[153][152]
  • An unnamed whale died while being moved from Marineland to Japan.[citation needed]
  • Kiska, the park's last remaining orca, died from bacterial infection on March 10, 2023.[144][137]

Advertising

edit

Marineland's main advertising comes through a series of radio and television commercials with the jingle "Everyone Loves Marineland", an upbeat pop jingle originally sung by Eria Fachin and later by Ann-Marie McDonnell and Suzie McNeil.[154] Marineland has also used other slogans over the years in its advertising:

  • "Come to Marineland" (1980–1984)
  • "Where the Fun Never Stops" (1985–1988)
  • "Happiness is Marineland" (1987–1992)
  • "Everyone Loves Marineland" (1993–2024)
  • "A Magical Place Marineland" (1995)

See also

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ "Kiska, the last captive killer whale in Canada, has died". CBC. The Canadian Press. March 10, 2023. Archived from the original on March 11, 2023. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
  2. ^ Casey, Liam (January 5, 2018). "OSPCA responds to lawsuit: Marineland 'the author of its own misfortune'". The Globe & Mail. Toronto, Ontario. Archived from the original on January 12, 2018. Retrieved March 7, 2018.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p "Marineland Canada - You can ride and ride and ride again". www.marinelandcanada.com. Archived from the original on August 12, 2017. Retrieved August 12, 2017.
  4. ^ a b c Ferrier Mackay, Susan (July 22, 2018). "Entrepreneur John Holer created Marineland". The Globe & Mail. Archived from the original on September 18, 2019. Retrieved July 30, 2018.
  5. ^ Anderson, Dale (June 27, 2018). "John Holer, 83, built Marineland into major tourist attraction in Niagara Falls, Ont". The Buffalo News. Archived from the original on August 25, 2023. Retrieved May 15, 2019.
  6. ^ Hutton, Richard (May 4, 2017). "Park renovations behind break with CAZA: Marineland - NiagaraThisWeek.com". Archived from the original on August 12, 2017. Retrieved August 12, 2017.
  7. ^ Law, John (July 13, 2020). "Marineland changes gears, won't reopen this weekend". Niagara Falls Review. Archived from the original on July 17, 2020. Retrieved April 13, 2023.
  8. ^ O'Brien, Abby (May 20, 2022). "Marineland opens for 2022 season facing animal cruelty charge". CTV News. Archived from the original on April 13, 2023. Retrieved April 13, 2023.
  9. ^ a b "Marineland owner Marie Holer dies, park says 'succession plan' in place". Toronto Star. September 6, 2024. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
  10. ^ Mitchell, Don. "Scaled down Marineland to open in June without rides, animal exhibits". Global News. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  11. ^ a b c d e f "Ceta Base: Captive Cetacean Database - Marineland Canada". Ceta-Base. Archived from the original on August 12, 2017. Retrieved August 14, 2017.
  12. ^ "Friendship Cove". www.marinelandcanada.com. Archived from the original on August 26, 2017. Retrieved August 14, 2017.
  13. ^ "Kiska, last captive orca in Canada, has died at Marineland". ABC News. Associated Press. March 13, 2023. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
  14. ^ a b Tretheway, Laura (March 17, 2023). "Death of 'world's loneliest orca' sparks calls for change". The Guardian. Retrieved April 25, 2024.
  15. ^ Speakman, Kimberlee (March 11, 2023). "Kiska, 'World's Loneliest Orca,' Dead at Ontario Marine Park". Peoplemag. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  16. ^ "Ontario charges Marineland over care of its black bears". CBC News. The Canadian Press. Archived from the original on June 17, 2023. Retrieved June 17, 2023.
  17. ^ Fung, Nathan. "Marineland ordered to pay $85K after failing to improve living conditions for 3 young bears". CBC News. Retrieved August 18, 2024.
  18. ^ "Mack Wikingerfahrt". www.flatrides.com. Archived from the original on August 25, 2023. Retrieved March 30, 2020.
  19. ^ "Dragon Mountain Roller Coaster". Ultimaterollercoaster.com. Archived from the original on June 19, 2009. Retrieved July 10, 2009.
  20. ^ "Family Freefall Tower – the thrill of free falling & much fun - Achterbahnen, Karussels, Wellenflieger, Fun & Major Rides". www.zierer.com. Archived from the original on October 18, 2018. Retrieved March 30, 2020.
  21. ^ a b "Happiness Is...fun-filled rides". The Ottawa Citizen. June 20, 1992. Archived from the original on April 7, 2023. Retrieved March 30, 2020.
  22. ^ "Lady Bug Coaster - Marineland Theme Park (Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada)". rcdb.com. Archived from the original on January 19, 2021. Retrieved March 30, 2020.
  23. ^ DiBattista, Mike (August 27, 2010). "Going for a spin at Marineland". Niagara Falls Review. Archived from the original on August 15, 2017. Retrieved August 14, 2017.
  24. ^ "Ocean Odyssey opens at Marineland". Park World Online - Theme Park, Amusement Park and Attractions Industry News. September 7, 2010. Archived from the original on December 4, 2020. Retrieved March 30, 2020.
  25. ^ "Flying Fish – a roundabout with a lot of custom-made features - Achterbahnen, Karussels, Wellenflieger, Fun & Major Rides". www.zierer.com. Retrieved March 30, 2020.
  26. ^ "Family Freefall Tower – the thrill of free falling & much fun - Achterbahnen, Karussels, Wellenflieger, Fun & Major Rides". www.zierer.com. Archived from the original on October 18, 2018. Retrieved March 30, 2020.
  27. ^ a b c "Happiness is Marineland". Detroit Free Press. June 17, 1990. Archived from the original on April 7, 2023. Retrieved March 30, 2020.
  28. ^ "Thrilling Rides". visiting-niagara-falls.com. Archived from the original on May 19, 2009. Retrieved July 10, 2009.
  29. ^ "The ultimate adrenaline rush - Star Shape". www.zierer.com. Archived from the original on July 7, 2022. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
  30. ^ "Zierer Panoramic Wheel". flatrides.com. Archived from the original on February 23, 2020. Retrieved March 30, 2020.
  31. ^ "Ferris Wheel – a traditional attraction for every amusement park - Achterbahnen, Karussels, Wellenflieger, Fun & Major Rides". www.zierer.com. Archived from the original on February 9, 2018. Retrieved March 30, 2020.
  32. ^ "Kontiki – a bestseller among ZIERER's amusement rides - Achterbahnen, Karussels, Wellenflieger, Fun & Major Rides". www.zierer.com. Archived from the original on October 18, 2018. Retrieved March 30, 2020.
  33. ^ "12 Reasons Why Marineland is Equally Awesome and Disappointing". coaster101.com. Archived from the original on July 25, 2016. Retrieved January 10, 2016.
  34. ^ a b c d e Casey, Liam (October 3, 2011). "The man behind Marineland: 50 years of controversy". Toronto Star. Archived from the original on October 5, 2011. Retrieved October 3, 2011.
  35. ^ "Attraction is being expanded". Reading Eagle. July 18, 1976. p. 52. Archived from the original on December 1, 2021. Retrieved October 3, 2011.
  36. ^ a b c Canadian Press (August 28, 1970). "Niagara Exhibit plans call for big expansion". Windsor Star. p. 18. Archived from the original on December 1, 2021. Retrieved October 3, 2011.
  37. ^ "Trained Seal Flips Over Falls". Toronto Star. May 24, 1963. p. 1.
  38. ^ "Flying Tackle Nabs Falls-Flipping Seal". Toronto Star. May 27, 1963. p. 5.
  39. ^ a b Dempsey, Lotta (August 18, 1968). "51,200 pounds of choice fish that's no fun shopping spree". Toronto Star. p. 55.
  40. ^ Dempsey, Lotta (August 17, 1968). "The new look at Niagara for children". Toronto Star. p. 36.
  41. ^ Nicks, Joan; Grant, Barry Keith (2010). Covering Niagara: Studies in Local Popular Culture. Wilfrid Laurier Univ. Press.
  42. ^ "Whale by mail is bride-to-be for killer". Toronto Star. October 30, 1973. p. A6.
  43. ^ Marineland (June 30, 1975), "Make friends with our animals in our beautiful game farm", Toronto Star, pp. D18-19
  44. ^ Wilson, Deborah (February 18, 2018). "B.C.'s pipeline battle has parallels in 1975 standoff over killer whale capture". CBC News. Archived from the original on February 26, 2018. Retrieved March 6, 2018.
  45. ^ "$50 facelifting for aquatic show". Toronto Star. January 15, 1976. p. E11.
  46. ^ "No hardhat for friendly Freda". Toronto Star. July 22, 1976. p. E6.
  47. ^ "All A-B-O-O-O-A-R-D For Wild West in 1981". Toronto Star. July 12, 1978. p. B8.
  48. ^ Dimanno, Rosie; Dampier, Bill (May 26, 1979). "A Place to Stand .. In Line". Toronto Star. p. I14.
  49. ^ "Marineland builds thrillseeker's dream". Toronto Star. April 13, 1983. p. A3.
  50. ^ Gray, James (October 14, 1984). "Niagara Falls tourist dollar booty in cross-border battle". Toronto Star. p. B3.
  51. ^ Lemieux 2009, p. 271.
  52. ^ Lusher, Adam (December 14, 2003). "Whale star of 'Free Willy' dies after return to wild". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on August 13, 2017. Retrieved August 14, 2017.
  53. ^ Lemieux, Leah (2009). Rekindling the Waters: The Truth about Swimming with Dolphins. Troubador Publishing Ltd. p. 271. ISBN 9781848760578. Archived from the original on August 25, 2023. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  54. ^ Evans, Andrew (2014). Iceland. Bradt Travel Guides. p. 67. ISBN 9781841624990. Archived from the original on August 25, 2023. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  55. ^ Marineland (May 30, 2017). "Marineland Canada: Demonstrating A Commitment to Walrus Care Since 2001" (Press release). Canadian Newswire.
  56. ^ "Marineland mourning death of walrus". Niagara Falls Review. May 28, 2017. Archived from the original on February 20, 2019. Retrieved February 19, 2019 – via Toronto Sun.
  57. ^ Marineland of Canada (January 21, 2019). "Marineland Mourns The Passing Of Zeus The Walrus" (Press release).
  58. ^ "Green Oaks Homeless". Archived from the original on August 11, 2017. Retrieved August 10, 2017.
  59. ^ a b Law, John (May 4, 2017). "Marineland bows out of CAZA". Niagara Falls Review. Archived from the original on May 4, 2017. Retrieved August 10, 2017.
  60. ^ a b Diebel, Linda; Casey, Liam (January 18, 2013). "OSPCA orders Marineland overhaul". Toronto Star. Archived from the original on August 11, 2017. Retrieved August 10, 2017.
  61. ^ a b c Law, John (August 10, 2017). "Animal cruelty charges dropped against Marineland". Niagara Falls Review.
  62. ^ a b c "Marineland sues OSPCA, saying agency was out to 'destroy' theme park". Toronto Star. October 26, 2017. Archived from the original on October 27, 2017. Retrieved October 31, 2017.
  63. ^ Hutton, Richard (May 21, 2016). "Hundreds turn out for opening day protest at Marineland". Niagara This Week. Niagara Falls, ON. Archived from the original on January 10, 2017. Retrieved January 9, 2017.
  64. ^ Casey, Liam (September 28, 2011). "Send killer whale back to Florida, court tells Marineland". Toronto Star. Archived from the original on June 13, 2023. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  65. ^ Casey, Liam (August 10, 2017). "Animal cruelty charges dropped against Marineland". Global News. Archived from the original on August 11, 2017. Retrieved August 11, 2017.
  66. ^ a b "Marineland founder John Holer dead at 83". CBC News. Archived from the original on June 25, 2018. Retrieved June 24, 2018.
  67. ^ Lowrie, Morgan (June 24, 2018). "Marineland founder John Holer dies at 83, lawyer says". CTV News. Archived from the original on June 25, 2018. Retrieved June 25, 2018.
  68. ^ "Marineland owner John Holer dies at 83". St. Catharines Standard. Archived from the original on July 31, 2018. Retrieved July 30, 2018.
  69. ^ a b "Marineland owner John Holer has died at 83". Toronto Star. June 24, 2018. Archived from the original on June 25, 2018. Retrieved June 25, 2018.
  70. ^ "John Holer Obituary". ObitTree. Archived from the original on July 31, 2018. Retrieved July 30, 2018.
  71. ^ a b c d "Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans: Issue No. 16 - Evidence - May 16, 2017". Senate of Canada. Archived from the original on April 14, 2019. Retrieved April 14, 2019.
  72. ^ Taekema, Dan (May 21, 2019). "2 deer killed at Marineland after park claims men caused 'stampede'". CBC. Archived from the original on May 25, 2019. Retrieved June 5, 2019.
  73. ^ O'Brien, Cillian (May 22, 2019). "Marineland confirms walrus death, two deer killed in opening day stampede". ctvnews.ca. CTV News. Archived from the original on March 26, 2020. Retrieved March 26, 2020.
  74. ^ Mitchell, Don (May 22, 2019). "Marineland confirms Apollo the walrus has died from a heart attack". globalnews.ca. Global News. Archived from the original on March 26, 2020. Retrieved March 26, 2020.
  75. ^ Fink, James (June 28, 2019). "New Marineland attraction making a splash in Niagara Falls, Ont". Archived from the original on May 25, 2022. Retrieved July 4, 2019.
  76. ^ Spitteri, Ray (June 28, 2019). "Marineland partners with Sea Research Foundation". St Catharines Standard. Archived from the original on June 29, 2019. Retrieved July 4, 2019.
  77. ^ Howse, Alyssha (September 6, 2019). "Marineland Canada Is Sending 2 Belugas To Spain, Despite Ban On Exporting Live Whales". NarCity. Archived from the original on March 26, 2020. Retrieved March 26, 2020.
  78. ^ The Canadian Press (January 24, 2023). "Marineland registers to lobby Ontario government with goal of selling Niagara tourist attraction". CBC News – via cbcnews.ca.
  79. ^ Casey, Liam (September 6, 2024). "Marineland owner Marie Holer dies — unclear who will now lead controversial park: Park says it has a 'robust succession plan'". CBC News. The Canadian Press – via cbcnews.ca.
  80. ^ "Demonstration at Marineland on opening day". St. Catharines Standard. May 21, 2018. Archived from the original on May 24, 2018. Retrieved May 23, 2018.
  81. ^ "Mayor's resignation puts a stop to probes of land deal, free trip". Toronto Star. December 21, 1983. p. C10.
  82. ^ "Marineland picketed by Flipper's 1st trainer". Toronto Star. July 6, 1997. p. A4.
  83. ^ "Send killer whale back to Florida, court tells Marineland". Toronto Star. September 28, 2011. Archived from the original on January 13, 2013. Retrieved November 14, 2013.
  84. ^ "Marineland: Allegations of poor treatment of deer, bears". Toronto Star. September 8, 2012. Archived from the original on December 25, 2012. Retrieved November 14, 2013.
  85. ^ "Marineland: Environment ministry launches probe into mass animal graves | Toronto Star". Toronto Star. December 20, 2012. Archived from the original on January 22, 2013. Retrieved November 14, 2013.
  86. ^ "Environmental Compliance Approval" (PDF). Marineland. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 24, 2016. Retrieved August 11, 2017.
  87. ^ "Marineland owner John Holer shot dead neighbours' dogs, according to witnesses". Toronto Star. March 5, 2013. Archived from the original on August 25, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2013.
  88. ^ Diebel, Linda (September 13, 2013). "Marineland: College investigating Marineland veterinarians". Toronto Star. Archived from the original on September 17, 2013. Retrieved September 15, 2013.
  89. ^ a b McLaughlin, Amara (November 25, 2016). "Marineland charged with animal cruelty related to peacock, guinea hens and bears". CBC News. Archived from the original on November 26, 2016. Retrieved November 25, 2016.
  90. ^ Law, John (November 19, 2014). "Marineland sues Vancouver paper, eighth lawsuit since 2012". Niagara Falls Review.
  91. ^ Csanady, Ashley (May 29, 2015). "'People don't love Marineland anymore': Ontario law leaves orca floating alone in Niagara Falls". National Post. Archived from the original on August 25, 2023. Retrieved August 14, 2017.
  92. ^ Casey, Liam. "Bob Barker wants killer whale included in ban". The Canadian Press.
  93. ^ "Bill 80, Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment Act, 2015". Ontario Legislature. Archived from the original on June 15, 2015. Retrieved June 13, 2015.
  94. ^ The Canadian Press. "Ont. passes killer whale ban, other animal protection measures". CTV News. Archived from the original on June 17, 2015. Retrieved June 13, 2015.
  95. ^ Law, John. "Marineland files lawsuit against teen filmmaker". Niagara Falls Review. Postmedia Network. Archived from the original on May 14, 2016. Retrieved May 15, 2016.
  96. ^ "Marineland sues college student for $1M over unreleased orca film". Archived from the original on August 12, 2017. Retrieved August 10, 2017.
  97. ^ Diebel, Linda (August 15, 2012). "Marineland: Heartache for Smooshi the walrus as top trainer quits". Toronto Star. Archived from the original on August 11, 2017. Retrieved August 11, 2017.
  98. ^ "Marineland animals suffering, former staffers say". Toronto Star. August 15, 2012. Archived from the original on January 22, 2013. Retrieved November 14, 2013.
  99. ^ Alam, Hina (November 25, 2016). "Marineland charged with animal cruelty". Toronto Star. Archived from the original on November 26, 2016. Retrieved November 25, 2016.
  100. ^ Law, John (March 30, 2010). "Marineland jingle McNeil's biggest hit". Niagara Falls Review. Archived from the original on August 15, 2017. Retrieved August 14, 2017.
  101. ^ Slaughter, Graham (August 16, 2012). "'Everyone loves Marineland!' singer wants voice pulled from commercials". Toronto Star. Archived from the original on August 19, 2017. Retrieved August 19, 2017.
  102. ^ "'Walrus and the Whistleblower' profiles 'walrus whisperer's' battle with Marineland" Archived June 6, 2020, at the Wayback Machine. CBC Hamilton, June 3, 2020.
  103. ^ Law, John (June 3, 2020). "Marineland walrus Smooshi is a new mom". St Catharines Standard. Archived from the original on June 18, 2020. Retrieved June 17, 2020.
  104. ^ Mullen, Pat (July 3, 2020). "Northern Banner Picks Up Hot Docs Champ 'The Walrus and the Whistleblower'". POV Magazine. Archived from the original on July 10, 2020. Retrieved July 10, 2020.
  105. ^ "The Walrus and the Whistleblower". Documentary Channel. June 30, 2020. Archived from the original on June 16, 2020. Retrieved July 10, 2020.
  106. ^ "WALRUS WHISPERER' AND MARINELAND SETTLE DECADE-LONG LAWSUIT: PHIL DEMERS". iheartradio. September 20, 2022. Archived from the original on September 21, 2022. Retrieved September 21, 2022.
  107. ^ Hristova, Bobby. "Smooshi the walrus leaving Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ont., for SeaWorld Abu Dhabi". CBC News. Archived from the original on April 14, 2023. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
  108. ^ Lake, Holly. "Marineland adds its name to federal lobby registry". iPolitics.ca. Archived from the original on May 24, 2018. Retrieved May 23, 2018.
  109. ^ Lake, Holly (October 4, 2018). "Bill to ban whale and dolphin captivity is being stalled in the Senate — again". Toronto Star. Archived from the original on October 5, 2018. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
  110. ^ Tasker, John Paul (October 10, 2018). "Senate passes bill that would ban whale, dolphin captivity in Canada". CBC News. Archived from the original on February 4, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2019.
  111. ^ Lake, Holly (March 19, 2019). "Marineland says 'Free Willy' bill is unconstitutional". Archived from the original on April 1, 2019. Retrieved April 1, 2019.
  112. ^ "Ban on whale, dolphin captivity poised to become law in Canada". CBC News. Archived from the original on April 10, 2019. Retrieved April 14, 2019.
  113. ^ "Bill banning whale and dolphin captivity to become law". ipolitics.ca. June 10, 2019. Archived from the original on June 10, 2019. Retrieved June 10, 2019.
  114. ^ Liam Casey, The Canadian Press (December 4, 2016). "Marineland charged for five counts of animal cruelty in ongoing investigation". Toronto Star. Toronto. Archived from the original on January 12, 2017. Retrieved January 10, 2017.
  115. ^ Alam, Hina. "Marineland charged with animal cruelty". Toronto Star. Archived from the original on November 26, 2016. Retrieved November 26, 2016.
  116. ^ Liam Casey, The Canadian Press (December 4, 2016). "Complaint alleges animal cruelty at Marineland; park denies all accusations". CTV News. Archived from the original on January 12, 2017. Retrieved January 10, 2017. The former employee, who requested anonymity for fear of being sued, said he quit on good terms and is not an animal activist and doesn't want the park to close.
  117. ^ "What's Really Going On At Marineland Canada" (Press release). Marineland Canada. December 1, 2016. Retrieved January 9, 2017.
  118. ^ "The Ontario SPCA charges Marineland with six counts of animal cruelty". Marketwired. OSPCA. January 9, 2017. Archived from the original on January 10, 2017. Retrieved January 9, 2017. an additional 6 counts of animal cruelty under the Ontario SPCA Act; totaling 11 counts of animal cruelty.
  119. ^ Hudes, Sammy (January 9, 2017). "Marineland charged with 6 new counts of animal cruelty". Toronto Star. Toronto. Archived from the original on January 9, 2017. Retrieved January 9, 2017.
  120. ^ Liam Casey, The Canadian Press (January 9, 2017). "Marineland charged with 6 new counts of animal cruelty, says OSPCA". Sudbury.com. Retrieved January 9, 2017. A conviction on all counts could result in a fine up to $60,000, a lifetime ban on owning animals and up to two years in jail, according to the OSPCA.[permanent dead link‍]
  121. ^ Marineland (January 9, 2017). "OSPCA Lays Strangest Charges Yet Against Marineland Canada" (Press release). Retrieved January 9, 2017.
  122. ^ Casey, Liam (August 10, 2017). "All animal cruelty charges dropped against Marineland". Globe and Mail. Archived from the original on August 10, 2017. Retrieved August 11, 2017.
  123. ^ "Surprise inspection of Marineland by the OSPCA". CHCH-TV. August 17, 2017. Archived from the original on August 19, 2017. Retrieved August 18, 2017.
  124. ^ "Marineland 'the author of its own misfortune': OSPCA". Brampton Guardian. January 5, 2018. Archived from the original on January 8, 2018. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  125. ^ a b "Beluga, dolphin die at Marineland, Ontario government says". thestar.com. May 8, 2023. Archived from the original on May 12, 2023. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  126. ^ "Province orders Marineland to fix water system after watchdog finds animals in distress | Globalnews.ca". Global News. Archived from the original on May 12, 2023. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  127. ^ "Ontario charges Marineland over care of its black bears". CTV News. May 31, 2023. Archived from the original on May 31, 2023. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
  128. ^ Canadian Press (May 31, 2023). "Ontario charges Marineland over care of its black bears". Global News. Archived from the original on May 31, 2023. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
  129. ^ a b c "Beluga dies at Marineland Canada". whales.org. August 31, 2000. Archived from the original on August 14, 2017. Retrieved August 14, 2017.
  130. ^ "Abstract: Third whale dies at Marineland; Animal rights groups call for moratorium on imports". The Record. August 19, 2000. Archived from the original on September 6, 2014. Retrieved September 3, 2014.
  131. ^ Diebel, Linda (August 16, 2012). "Marineland baby beluga's death raises as many questions as answers". Toronto Star. Archived from the original on August 12, 2017. Retrieved August 12, 2017.
  132. ^ Law, John (May 31, 2013). "Beluga whales deaths at Marineland spark outrage". Toronto Sun. Archived from the original on August 12, 2017. Retrieved August 14, 2017.
  133. ^ The Canadian Press (August 14, 2017). "Beloved beluga whale Gia has died, says Marineland". Toronto Star. Archived from the original on August 14, 2017. Retrieved August 14, 2017.
  134. ^ Casey, Liam (August 24, 2023). "14 whales, one dolphin have died at Marineland since 2019: ministry documents". The Canadian Press. Archived from the original on August 25, 2023. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
  135. ^ Lindeman, Tracey (August 24, 2023). "Canada: 14 whales have died at aquarium since 2019, exposé reveals". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on August 25, 2023. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
  136. ^ "Two more belugas dead at Marineland, bringing total whale deaths to 17 since 2019". Toronto. March 26, 2024. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  137. ^ a b Diebel, Linda; Casey, Liam (November 14, 2012). "Marineland owner John Holer trying to acquire another killer whale". Toronto Start. Archived from the original on August 15, 2017. Retrieved August 14, 2017.
  138. ^ "Cetacean Cousins: Captive Orcas: MLC-OO-B9201". Archived from the original on July 9, 2012. Retrieved February 9, 2012.
  139. ^ Diebel, Linda (August 25, 2012). "Marineland: Readers, activists demand change regarding care of sea mammals". Toronto Star. Archived from the original on August 15, 2017. Retrieved August 19, 2017.
  140. ^ "~Orca Spirit~". ~Orca Spirit~. Archived from the original on May 13, 2012. Retrieved November 14, 2013.
  141. ^ "About Kanuck". Cetacean Cousins. Archived from the original on March 11, 2010.
  142. ^ "Cetacean Cousins: Captive Orcas: MLC-OO-B9801". Archived from the original on July 8, 2012. Retrieved February 9, 2012.
  143. ^ "More Whales Die at Marineland". CFHS. Archived from the original on October 28, 2010. Retrieved July 10, 2009.
  144. ^ a b c d e f "Marineland Cetacean Inventory" (PDF). zoocheck.com. Zoocheck Canada. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 30, 2012. Retrieved August 28, 2012.
  145. ^ "About Algonquin". Cetacean Cousins. Archived from the original on March 11, 2010.
  146. ^ "About April". Cetacean Cousins. Archived from the original on March 11, 2010.
  147. ^ "Canada - orca dies at Marineland". uk.whales.org. Archived from the original on August 14, 2017. Retrieved August 14, 2017.
  148. ^ "About Hudson". Cetacean Cousins. Archived from the original on March 11, 2010.
  149. ^ "Orca News 2004". www.orcahome.de. Archived from the original on December 6, 2017. Retrieved August 14, 2017.
  150. ^ "Kandu dies - NiagaraThisWeek.com". January 11, 2006. Archived from the original on August 14, 2017. Retrieved August 14, 2017.
  151. ^ Draper, Doug (February 1, 2008). "Marineland's Nootka should have lived free". Niagara This Week. Thorold, Ontario.
  152. ^ a b Casey, Liam (October 21, 2011). "Marineland Sues SeaWorld Orlando over killer whale custody". Toronto Star. Archived from the original on August 15, 2017. Retrieved August 14, 2017.
  153. ^ "About Hudson". Cetacean Cousins. Archived from the original on March 11, 2010.
  154. ^ Law, John (March 30, 2010). "Marineland jingle McNeil's biggest hit". Niagara Falls Review. Archived from the original on August 15, 2017. Retrieved August 14, 2017.
edit
 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Marineland of Canada.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Marineland_of_Canada&oldid=1259740596"