Marineland Seeks $10M-$20M Federal Loan to Export Belugas to US

A senior government source says Marineland requested up to $20M in federal loan to relocate 30 belugas to the U.S., but the park denies the claim. The Silicon Review reports on the standoff over transparency and animal welfare.

A senior government source has confirmed to multiple media outlets that Marineland requested a federal loan in the range of $10 million to $20 million to relocate its remaining 30 beluga whales and four dolphins to aquariums in the United States.

The source said the funds were intended to cover the "significant" logistical and financial requirements of transporting the animals, which include veterinary care, specialized transport, and coordination with receiving U.S. facilities. However, the source added that the loan has not been approved because Marineland is "unwilling to open their books" and provide financial transparency required for the deal to proceed.

"Canadians would expect a higher level of transparency for the loan of these funds," the source told Global News.

Marineland has strongly denied the claims, calling the reports an "amalgamation of confusingly inaccurate rumour."  In a statement, the park said no one in the federal government has confirmed that a loan has been "approved in any amount." It added that discussions with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and U.S. facilities are ongoing and that "everything is on track for safe rehousing." 

The federal government conditionally approved the export of the belugas to the U.S. in January 2026. Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson said the approval was subject to health assessments of the animals and a finalized transport plan. The receiving U.S. institutions reportedly include Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut, and SeaWorld.

Animal welfare group Animal Justice condemned the proposed loan, urging the government to reject the request. "The money it is asking for would be better directed toward the seaside sanctuary in Nova Scotia that is actually prepared to help whales live out the lives they deserve," said Kaitlyn Mitchell, director of legal advocacy at Animal Justice.

The controversy dates back to October 2025, when Marineland warned that without federal funding or export permits, it would be forced to euthanize the whales. The park, which closed to the public in 2024, said caring for the whales costs approximately $2 million per month and that it was in a "critical financial state." 

As Marineland seeks up to $20 million in federal loans to relocate its captive belugas to the U.S. while refusing to open its books The Silicon Review examines the standoff between animal welfare advocates, government transparency requirements, and a closed theme park racing against time to save its whales.

 About the Author

Sashindra Suresh is an experienced writer specializing in artificial intelligence, software development, and emerging technologies. With a strong ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, engaging insights, she has contributed to a wide range of publications and platforms. Her work focuses on making cutting-edge innovations accessible to both industry professionals and curious readers alike.