Still-shuttered Marineland puts its amusement park rides up for sale

Marineland, the still-shuttered Niagara Falls aquarium and theme park where 18 beluga whales have died since 2019, has put its rides up for sale. 

News of the rides being on the market was published Tuesday in Amusement Today, an industry publication. It comes as animal advocates continue to express concerns about living conditions for the numerous water and land mammals still at Marineland, which has not indicated plans to open this summer.

"For decades, Marineland has been home to a collection of beloved rides that have brought joy to millions of guests," stated a news release posted on Amusement Today. "As the park evolves, it is now offering buyers the opportunity to own a piece of amusement park history. The sale includes a range of classic attractions, from thrill rides to family-friendly [favourites]."

It states the rides will be sold to amusement operators, entertainment companies and "qualified buyers."

CBC Hamilton reached out to Marineland but did not hear back before publication. Bill Ossim, of the company Rides Plus, LLC, confirmed to Radio-Canada he had been contracted by Marineland to sell its rides. 

'Still animals there'

Phil Demers, a former Marineland walrus trainer who has been campaigning against the facility since 2012, says it's looking less and less like the park will ever open again. 

CBC has previously reported that according to a local employment office, Marineland was not hiring any seasonal employees this year. The park also has a registered lobbyist to help the company obtain permits to export animals from the federal government. It also recently sold an office building.

The company has not publicly confirmed whether it plans to close permanently. It told CBC earlier this month "no final decision has been made" on whether it will open this season. On Friday, its phone number listed on its website remained out of service. 

Demers said he wouldn't be surprised if the company tried to quietly fade away.

"There might not even be an announcement," said Demers, who was sued by his former employer in 2013.

The company alleged Demers trespassed and plotted to steal the 800-pound walrus he used to train, Smooshi. Demers filed a counterclaim, also in 2013, for defamation and abuse of process, he told CBC Hamilton. 

"It does seem a bit surreal," he said on Thursday. "Every once in a while you have to remind yourself there's still animals there."

He said the remaining aquatic animals that live there include 31 beluga whales, four dolphins, two sea lions and three seals – including one named Larry. There are also numerous red deer, fallow deer, elk and bears, he said, noting he plans to keep monitoring and speaking out on behalf of the facility's animals "until that place is dust ... I'm married to that place in a weird sense."

New complaint filed against park

Advocacy group Animal Justice filed a complaint with Ontario's Animal Welfare Services (AWS) on June 11. It said in a news release about the complaint that it has seen drone footage, posted on Instagram, that shows about four dolphins "circling a cramped tank" next to where a stage is being demolished. 

"Marine mammal welfare experts who reviewed the video say the noise, vibrations, and disruption from the demolition activity would likely cause the animals' psychological suffering, adding to the harm caused by years of confinement, lack of enrichment, and inconsistent care," Animal Justice's statement. 

In response to the complaint, as seen by CBC Hamilton, AWS told Animal Justice it has inspected Marineland more than 220 times since January 2020. 

The province declared in 2021 that all marine mammals at the park were in distress due to poor water, but told The Canadian Press last year the water issue had been brought up to standard.

AWS has not shared details publicly about its enforcement and no charges appear to have been laid against Marineland related to its aquatic mammals. 

Last year, Marineland was found guilty under Ontario's animal cruelty laws over its care of three young black bears.

AWS also said in its response that it is not involved in any rumoured plans to relocate Marineland's animals, but that it continues to monitor the site.

"The ministry also has experts who provide us with advice on marine mammals, their living conditions and their health and welfare," it said. "Please be assured that the government continues to look at ways to make sure that the animals at Marineland continue to receive the care they need."

CBC Hamilton reached out to AWS for comment but did not hear back before publication.