Dolphin, beluga whale die at Marineland

Marineland has confirmed the deaths of a bottlenose dolphin and a beluga whale at the Niagara Falls attraction.

In a statement released to The Review Monday, the park said staff is devastated" at the death of 26-year-old dolphin Sonar and 28-year-old beluga Kodiak last week.

Both animals spent several years at the park.

Sonar, one of the four remaining dolphins at the facility, was part of the educational presentations" at King Waldorf Stadium and her energetic and playful personality will be greatly missed by those that had the opportunity to know her, Marineland said.

Sonar's animal caretakers had the privilege of working with her every day and feel a deep sense of loss."

Kodiak was a wonderful ambassador animal" and a favourite at Arctic Cove before moving to Friendship Cove in 2018. He was among 36 beluga whales at the park.

He will be remembered fondly by his care team and the thousands of guests he impacted over his many years at Marineland."

Both animals have been sent for a necropsy (animal autopsy) to confirm the cause of death. Complete results can take up to eight weeks.

The deaths come two months after the death of Marineland's 47-year-old killer whale Kiska. She was Canada's last remaining orca in captivity and had been at Marineland since 1979.

In a statement released Monday, the Canadian non-profit organization World Animal Protection said it was deeply disturbed" by more deaths at the park and called on tighter regulations and urgent" investigation by the province.

It raises many questions around the state of care and reinforces ongoing concerns around the well-being of the rest of the animals at the facility," said Michele Hamers, World Animal Protection's wildlife campaign manager.

She urged Canada's solicitor general, Michael Kernzer, to take measures that will protect the health and welfare of the remaining animals at Marineland and in other underregulated zoos and facilities across Ontario before more animals suffer and someone gets hurt."

Marineland said it is regularly inspected by Provincial Animal Welfare Services and that it seeks to meet or exceed all applicable welfare regulations."

Reached Monday, a spokesperson for the park said the recent spate of deaths is likely due to old age.

These animals are going to pass away in the same way that family pets eventually and sadly pass away. It is unavoidable, it is sad, but it is part of life."

Despite being for sale, Marineland will open for its 62nd season later this month. Earlier this year, a park spokesperson said owner Marie Holer - widow of Marneland founder John Holer - was seeking a buyer to transition" the massive property and possibly make it a year-round attraction.

John Law is a St. Catharines-based reporter for the Niagara Falls Review. Reach him via email: john.law@niagaradailies.com