Marineland needs to change, Niagara Falls mayor says

The Mayor of Niagara Falls, Ont., says it's time for Marineland to change its ways.

"It's run its course and it's time to change direction," Jim Diodati told CBC Hamilton during a phone interview on Thursday.

"I'd like to see them move right away from animals."

The once-beloved theme park, which became a national attraction known for its aquatic animals, has faced scrutiny for years amid allegations of animal cruelty, which the park has always denied.

Diodati's comments also come as a protest is set to take place outside the park Saturday as Marineland opens for the first time this year. 

He said the theme park has been a "huge economic generator" in Niagara Falls and has been "part of the fabric of our city" but it's clear there's a public appetite for change.

Mayor says Marineland is 'actively for sale'

Diodati said the theme park full of aquatic animals has been looking for a new owner since its founder John Holer died in 2018, but recently the park has been "actively for sale" and there have been discussions from groups around the globe to take over the park.

"I'm sure a new owner will take the operation in a different direction and focus more on … a Canada's Wonderland approach or a Six Flags," he said.

Marineland didn't respond to numerous inquiries from CBC Hamilton about a potential sale.

The park also hasn't offered many details about the recent death of a bottlenose dolphin and a beluga whale.

Ontario's Ministry of the Solicitor General said Animal Welfare Services has been doing compliance inspections to ensure the park is meeting standards of care.

The ministry previously ordered Marineland to fix a broken water system that was leaving animals in distress. Marineland appealed the order and it's unclear what has happened since as neither the park, nor the province, have offered details.

Animal Justice lodged a legal complaint in July 2021 against Marineland's treatment of Kiska, the last captive killer whale in Canada who died in March, accusing the park of breaking the law by not meeting her physical and mental needs.

The complaint followed videos posted by Phil Demers, a former Marineland trainer-turned-whistleblower, that appeared to show Kiska floating listlessly and moving slowly.

Later that same year, Marineland was charged criminally after Animal Justice filed another complaint alleging dolphins were being forced to perform for entertainment despite a national ban.

The charges were stayed in December 2022.