Canadian amusement park threatens to euthanise 30 beluga whales

The Canadian government blocked Marineland's attempt to export the animals to a park in China.

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Marineland in Ontario had hoped to offload the cetaceans on a theme park in Zhuhai, after suffering years of animal welfare concerns and financial woes.

But their transfer was denied by the Canadian government last week over concerns they would face similarly substandard treatment as "public entertainment".

The park then asked for federal funding to be able to continue caring for the animals - but this was denied, being branded "inappropriate" by Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson.

In the absence of funding as it winds down operations, Marineland has now said it may have to put the belugas to sleep, according to the New York Times and CBC News.