An Entertainment Abuses Article from All-Creatures.org

Historic First: Marineland Ordered to Pay $85,000 for Neglecting Black Bears

From AnimalJustice.ca
August 2024

On August 15, the Court sentenced Marineland to a $15,000 fine on three counts (for a total of $45,000), a 25 percent victim surcharge, and ordered $28,000 in restitution to reimburse the government for caring for the bears, named Sasha, Sugar, and Maple (formerly known as Slash, Lizzie, and Toad), after they were seized by authorities. 

Rescued Black Bear, Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

Marineland has just been sentenced in court over the poor treatment of three black bears who were neglected under their former care.

On August 15, the Court sentenced Marineland to a $15,000 fine on three counts (for a total of $45,000), a 25 percent victim surcharge, and ordered $28,000 in restitution to reimburse the government for caring for the bears, named Sasha, Sugar, and Maple (formerly known as Slash, Lizzie, and Toad), after they were seized by authorities.

This is the first time Marineland has faced legal penalties after causing decades of suffering and incurring over a dozen animal cruelty charges in recent years.

Animal Justice sought to intervene in the sentencing to give the animals a voice in the proceedings, but we were denied by the Court.

Animal Justice is pleased to see Marineland finally be held accountable for their actions, but is disappointed that the Crown did not seek a probation order or a ban on Marineland from owning other animals.

This means that unfortunately there are no remedial measures to prevent the future distress of animals at the infamous marine park.

Marineland Finally Faces Legal Penalties After Long History of Cruelty Charges

Marineland’s recent conviction marks a significant milestone, as the marine park has long evaded accountability for unlawful animal cruelty.

In 2022, Animal Justice released the largest zoo exposé in Canada, which showed the brutal reality for black bears at Marineland, who were forced to live in a barren pit. These naturally solitary animals bore visible wounds on their faces from fighting, as confirmed by employees.

Back in 2016, Marineland was charged with five counts of animal cruelty related to the mistreatment of black bears, guinea hens, and a peacock. The following year, more charges were filed against the park for the improper care of elk and deer. Unfortunately, the Crown prosecutor later dropped all charges.

In 2021, Marineland was ordered to fix its water system after belugas were found to be in distress due to poor water quality. Later that year, the company faced criminal charges for forcing dolphins to perform in shows for entertainment purposes, a practice banned in Canada since 2019. This came after Animal Justice lodged a legal complaint with police. Regrettably, the prosecutor chose to drop the case, citing concerns that a trial would be too lengthy and complex after Marineland threatened to complicate the proceedings.

Animal Justice also filed multiple legal complaints with Animal Welfare Services in 2021 and 2022, following the release of distressing footage of Kiska, known as the world’s loneliest orca. The videos showed Kiska floating listlessly and repeatedly slamming her body against her tank, a clear indication of extreme distress. Tragically, Kiska passed away in March 2023 after more than 40 years in captivity, over a decade of which she spent in solitary confinement.

Kiska’s death is not the only recent tragedy at Marineland—a staggering 17 whales, one dolphin, two seals, and two sea lions have died at the park since 2019. Though the park has announced a “transition” to new ownership, leaving the future of Marineland uncertain, there is still much more work to be done to protect the animals still held at Marineland. Animal Justice will continue working to improve the well-being of belugas, dolphins, and other animals at the facility and to ensure that as many as possible are relocated to sanctuaries. 

Sasha and his best friend Clover at Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. Photo: Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

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Posted on All-Creatures.org: August 20, 2024
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