Animals at MarineLand in Niagara Falls, Ontario are being kept in appalling conditions, according to former staff.
Ex-employees have revealed that unhealthy water caused Marineland's animals to develop severe health problems. The victims include Larry, a harbour seal, who has gone blind and 5 female dolphins who have lost skin.
The sea lions, Baker and Sandy, have also suffered damage to their eyes and were kept for more than 2 months in dry cages to recover from the bad water. In the last ten years, over a dozen whales have died of questionable causes.
MarineLand is licensed by the self-regulating Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and there are no government regulations for keeping sea mammals in captivity in Canada.
The staff quitting in protest won't save the seals, whales, and dolphins whose health continues to deteriorate. In fact, MarineLand owner John Holer has plans to expand.
We can't let this cruelty and neglect continue. Demand that MarineLand clean up its act!
We the undersigned are horrified to read about the atrocious conditions in which your animals are kept.
The reports by the Toronto Star detail animals that have gone blind, lost fur and had skin damaged as a result of being kept in unhealthy water. Many of your ex-employees say that animals had severe reactions to the chemicals in the water and that in several pools a safe balance was not achieved.
We call on you to admit there is a problem with the water quality, take urgent action to remedy the situation and ensure that no more animals suffer.
Thank you for your attention.
