Marineland ordered to fix water system after welfare inspection finds marine animals in distress

Ontario's animal welfare watchdog found that poor water quality at Marineland was causing distress among the marine mammals that live at the popular tourist attraction, leading to the park being ordered to fix its water system.

The Canadian Press has learned that an investigation into Marineland by Animal Welfare Services is ongoing, but two orders were issued by welfare inspectors on May 10. The orders deal with fixing the water system in the pools where the beluga whales, dolphins, walruses, sea lions, and the one killer whale can be found.

Marineland denied that the animals were in distress and appealed the order on May 18. The park said that water issues were not the cause of an unknown number of whale deaths. However, animal welfare inspector Alanna Goziaman said that the life support systems for marine mammals at Marineland "have been found to be in need of repair, and parts have not been maintained."

Sherry Davidson, one of Marineland's veterinarians disagrees though, stating that the park does "not have any animals in immediate distress and that the animals under care are stable." Davidson added that "we are monitoring the animals and Marineland is taking corrective measures."

Marineland noted that the inspectors did not have the proper expertise when it came to evaluating the marine animals. The park says inspectors also did not examine the animals and, hence, do not have the jurisdiction to issue the order.