Canada's famous Marineland Oceanarium has threatened to kill 30 whales due to a severe financial crisis, Bild reports.
The management reported that if the federal government does not provide assistance or does not permit the export of animals abroad, they will be forced to make a "catastrophic decision." This was announced in an official letter sent to the government.
According to reports, Marineland previously attempted to donate animals to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China, but Canadian Fisheries Minister Joan Thompson rejected the proposal. He emphasized that "whales will not be allowed to suffer in captivity again."
The oceanarium has been criticized before - since 2019, 20 whales have died there. This summer, however, Marineland did not open its doors and was announced for sale.
Ontario Prime Minister Doug Ford said that all measures would be taken to save the animals. Human rights defenders are accusing the leadership of "blackmail" and demanding accountability.
