In a recent report for the Ontario Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, it was determined that the conditions in which marine mammals in captivity are kept are oftentimes insufficient for ensuring their well-being. The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) led the inquiries, which include unannounced inspections as part of the process. The report, summarizing the findings and recommendations of an investigative work group, forms the basis upon which new standards for the responsible care of these animals are to be made. In it, different environmental stressors are explored for the animals, as well as their life histories, and the physiological, psychological, and behavioural damage that may occur.
Community Safety Minister Yasir Naqvi announced Tuesday, January 27, that changes will be underway, with the advisory group presenting their final suggestions and timeline estimation in the summer. With this overhaul, Ontario becomes the first province to impose standards of this nature. These rules will include guidelines for water quality, bacteria concentration, pool size, and dictate veterinary programs and practices for their proper handling.
The standards are meant for theme parks, zoos, and aquariums, of which Ontario has 60. While they are intended to protect a wide range of animals, including whales, dolphins, porpoises, sea lions, seals, and walruses, orcas in particular were singled out for bans. The rest will at least have their living conditions improved. This is due to the ‘uniqueness’ and intelligence or the orcas, which one might argue is shared with at least the bottle-nosed dolphins in captivity. Orcas are dolphins, after all. Currently, there is only one killer whale left in Ontario. Kiska, a 38-year-old female, still remains in Marineland, along with several belugas, and various other marine mammals.
In response to the announcement by the Ontario Government, Marineland released a statement welcoming the changes, assuring the public of their prioritization of animals’ welfare, affirming that they “have always, and will always live up to the highest, achievable, science-based standards in the world.” They also pointed out that they employ approximately 700 people, the majority of whom are students and seniors. Should economic damage result from these new regulations, a number of people may become unemployed. They are currently conducting million-dollar lawsuits against several whistleblowers, including former trainers that have blamed poor water quality and short staffing for illness and death in animals.
It’s a fantastic and long-awaited step for those concerned with the health of captive marine mammals, setting precedence for other provinces, and some stated to look into similar regulations. There is still some distance to go, however, but perhaps more stringent bans in the future will free all captive animals in similarly poor conditions.
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