NIAGARA FALLS, ON (WKBW) — Charges have been filed against Marineland in connection with the recreational use of dolphins and whales earlier this year, the Niagara Regional Police Service announced Monday.
According to police, detectives began investigating the Niagara Falls theme park in October over allegations that captive dolphins and whales were being used. It found the animals had been used for entertainment at the park without a permit in August.
The law that Marineland is accused of violating is the result of the so-called “Free Willy” bill, which was passed in Canada in 2019. The law prohibits the capture of whales, dolphins and seals for entertainment. At the time of the bill's passage, Marineland released a statement saying it was an exception to the bill and would continue to remain open.
Parliament sought to include exceptions to an otherwise criminal act. In doing so it recognized Marineland's role as a custodian for the cetacean populations that call Marineland home, and specifically recognized that Marineland Canada's actions are not inherently animal cruelty.
-Marineland, June 2019
Marineland is now closed for the season. Her representatives will answer the charges in court in February.
