Two sea lions previously residing at Marineland have been relocated to the Vancouver Aquarium. Holly and Maui, both 18 years old, are currently acclimating to their new environment in a separate pool and will soon meet Señor Cinco, the male sea lion already at the aquarium. This move is part of a coordinated effort by Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums to find permanent homes for animals from Marineland, including 30 belugas, four dolphins, seals, bears, and deer. The exact number of sea lions remaining at Marineland post-Holly and Maui’s transfer is unknown.
The Vancouver Aquarium’s Director of Animal Care, Mackenzie Neale, emphasized that Holly and Maui, being mature animals, require support for their long-term health and well-being. The aquarium’s team is dedicated to promoting natural behaviors among these social species through daily enrichment activities and tailored wellness plans. Annually, the aquarium rescues over 150 marine animals, with more than 80% successfully released back into the wild, while those unfit for release find a lifelong sanctuary at the facility.
Despite inquiries from CBC Hamilton, Marineland has not provided information concerning recent animal relocations or the remaining animal count. Recent drone footage captured by CBC News showcases beluga whales being fed and deer roaming the Marineland property. Notably, twenty whales have perished at Marineland since 2019, prompting the park’s closure in 2024. Facing financial strain, Marineland has sought approval to export its whales to other facilities, with conditional approval granted by Ottawa for the transfer of belugas and dolphins to select U.S. aquariums. The park aims to transition to animal-free attractions, as revealed by Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati to CBC Hamilton.