An Ontario amusement park, Marineland, is threatening to euthanize 30 beluga whales after the Canadian government denied its request to transfer them to a Chinese theme park and refused to provide federal funding for their care. The government cited concerns about substandard treatment and the perpetuation of captive entertainment. Marineland claims financial distress has made it unable to provide adequate care, leading to the potential euthanasia as a "direct consequence" of the government's decision. The park has faced numerous animal welfare criticisms and whale deaths in recent years.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.