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RIAU24.COM – A dolphin and 14 whales have died at Marineland, a theme park in Ontario, Canada, since 2019.

The Ministry of the Attorney General created a list containing details of the animal deaths after a request for information. Two of these 15 marine mammals are among the beluga tourist attractions. In addition, twelve deaths occurred within a two-year period.

According to the document, a beluga named Ikora died on October 24, 2019, followed by ten others. Later, a beluga named Bull died on November 23, 2021, it was reported. The Canadian Press.

The ministry also confirmed the death of Kiska, the park’s only killer whale, a dolphin and another beluga.

In recent years, the provincial government has expressed concerns about the park’s water quality. They declared all marine animals in distress.

In 2021, the province requested the creation of a national park to improve water quality for marine animals. However, Marineland called on the animals to stay out of trouble. They also rejected the existence of a link between the death of the whales and the state of the water.

Their website states that they prioritize the health and well-being of their animals.

A provincial-level investigation began in January 2020 and Animal Protection Service inspectors have visited the park at least 160 times.

Marineland has not yet commented on the health of its animals. Reportedly they have made some changes to the theme park. They have reduced the duration of the dolphin and sea lion shows.

According to staff, there are 37 belugas in the park. Among them, nine male belugas swam in Friendship Cove and 28 female belugas swam in Arctic Cove.

Four years ago, Marie Holer, president of Marineland, submitted a written statement to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

According to the affidavit, there are 54 belugas in the park. This testimony was part of the US import process when Marineland sold five beluga whales to mystical aquarium in Connecticut.

Two of the five belugas removed in 2021 have died, prompting a US government investigation.

Following the death of its founder, John Holer, in 2018, Marie Holer became the owner of Marineland. Earlier this year, the park announced it was for sale.

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