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at the now-shuttered Marineland zoo and amusement park in Niagara Falls. it will have to euthanize the whales if it doesn't receive the necessary financial support to relocate them.

The park has come under intense scrutiny recently due to the ongoing struggle to relocate its remaining whales amid .

Canada passed the that prohibits whales, dolphins and porpoises from being taken into captivity. However, the law does not apply retroactively, meaning whales already held in facilities such as Marineland were allowed to remain there.

Marineland, , was once a massive tourist attraction that to see its choreographed aquatic shows. But the park has been closed to the public since the end of summer 2024 after years of controversy .

The park's reputation has unraveled over the years following and other .

Marineland's decline is emblematic of the broader debate over and the ethics of keeping animals in captivity for entertainment.

Understanding zoo tourism

There are . Accreditation is assigned through , a not-for-profit organization that ensures the health and welfare of captive wildlife with a mission of "."

Zoo tourism is an industry that is both economically and culturally significant in Canada. Roughly in zoos across Canada, which attracted .

But even accredited facilities are not immune to ethical and welfare concerns. In 2022, the B.C. SPCA opened an investigation into the following allegations of animal cruelty. Marineland, another accredited zoo, has also appeared to .

The ethics of zoo tourism have come under increasing scrutiny as a result of incidents like these. animals and marine life in zoos and parks should not be viewed solely as sources of human entertainment, but as beings that deserve ethical stewardship.

Conservation, education-focused facilities

Zoo tourism must shift to providing educational and research opportunities to shape the way people think about zoo tourism. Across Canada, several facilities are redefining what ethical captivity can look like.

Ecological reserves and conservation parks such as the and the are examples of educational conservatories for animals.

The BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops was recently , a designation that recognizes its commitment to sustainability, wildlife conservation and alignment with the .

Further north, the ethos of the is firmly rooted in the principles of animal welfare and ecological conservation. Established in 2003 , the preserve focuses on the rehabilitation and preservation of animals that are native to the region. Its mission includes cultivating "reciprocal, respectful relationships between people and the natural world."

Reciprocity between species is a concept that most people are not thinking about when visiting a zoo or aquarium. .

As this concept gains traction, institutions like the Yukon Wildlife Preserve are working to ensure encounters between visitors and wildlife contribute to animal welfare, education and ecological understanding.

Toward a more ethical future for zoo tourism

We cannot undo the past but we can influence the future of animal welfare and conservation. Efforts are already underway to redefine how wildlife is experienced and protected.

In British Columbia, a 274-acre property dedicated to creating a humane habitat for rescued grizzly bears. In Victoria, the to raise funds to support dolphin rescue and rehabilitation work worldwide.

Innovations like , demonstrate how technology could replace live animal performances.

Public attitudes are shifting as people become more aware of ecological protection and animal welfare. What has clearly fallen out of public favor are animals trained to perform in captivity for their food and our entertainment.

The transformation of aquariums and zoos will not happen overnight. But continued investment in ecological education and public involvement can help create a more balanced relationship between humans and wildlife. A balanced approach to zoo tourism will require conservation efforts by experts in the field of research, education and animal well-being.