Marineland, Ontario
Official logo of Marineland
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| Slogan | Everyone Loves Marineland! |
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| Location | Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada |
| Coordinates | 43°03′56″N 79°04′21″W / 43.06556°N 79.07250°WCoordinates: 43°03′56″N 79°04′21″W / 43.06556°N 79.07250°W |
| Owner | John Holer |
| Opened | 1961 |
| Previous names |
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| Operating season | May – October |
| Rides | |
| Total | 15 |
| Roller coasters | 2 |
| Website | Official site |
Marineland (official name Marineland of Canada Inc.), is a themed amusement park and zoo for both marine and land animals, in the city of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. Opened in 1961, it is considered one of the main tourist attractions in Niagara Falls. The primary attractions at the park include the “world’s largest steel roller coaster” Dragon Mountain, “the world’s highest triple tower ride” the Sky Screamer, and its marine shows and exhibits of dolphins, walruses, sea lions, an orca, and beluga whales. The park also keeps bears, deer and other land animals.
Since 2012, the park has been the subject of several allegations of poor conditions for its animals by former employees and animal activists have protested outside its gates on several occasions. The park has been inspected by the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) and Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA), many times over the years, some leading to orders issued by the OSPCA. In 2015, the Government of Ontario banned the practice of breeding and keeping orcas in captivity, while allowing Marineland to keep its one orca. Marineland's orca is therefore forced to live in captive social isolation, a situation with which Marineland itself has voiced displeasure. In November 2016 and January 2017, the OSPCA filed 11 animal cruelty-related charges against the park mainly related to land animals and birds. In February 2017, the OSPCA inspected Marineland again but found no issues of concern at that time. In May 2017, Marineland withdrew from CAZA claiming this was due to expansion-related work happening at the park, but stated that they would re-apply to CAZA once the work was completed. In August 2017, all of the charges were withdrawn.
Marineland has repeatedly stated publicly that the allegations are the work of disgruntled former employees, who have teamed up with activists wholly opposed to the keeping of animals in captivity and organizations which "seem to financially benefit from any resulting downturn in public opinion towards park operations". Marineland has further maintained that they make every effort to ensure the animals in their care are well provided for. The park employs a number of people who care for the animals day-to-day, as well as an experienced and qualified veterinary staff. Although it is a private facility, Marineland must comply with federal and provincial regulations, as well as comply with several animal welfare enforcement agencies, including regular and "snap" inspections. Marineland has filed nine lawsuits against activists, former employees and the media, and a further lawsuit against the OSPCA.
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