‘What you’re seeing is their swan song,’ activist says: Scaled-back Marineland opens for 63rd season as ‘transition’ to new ownership continues

“As a consequence of the transition, Marineland will be having a very limited opening.”

Certain attractions and facilities are no longer available, including land animal exhibits and rides, its restaurant, aquarium and Penguin Palace.

Visitors can view dolphins at King Waldorf stadium and beluga whales at Friendship Cove, but there will be no “educational presentations.”

The 0.8-hectare Polar Splash splash pad is open, as well as picnic areas, concessions and a retail store.

Admission prices have been reduced to $14.95 for ages 13 and older and $9.95 for seniors and children aged five to 12.

Last year, admission was $52.95 and $45.95, respectively.

Changes to the tourist attraction’s 63rd season are necessary as the sale of the park progresses, Marineland’s spokesperson said.

“That process, given the size of Marineland, takes a considerable amount of time and effort, but everything is moving ahead smoothly at this time.”

The park, founded in 1961, formally announced it was for sale in 2023, seeking new ownership to “transition” the attraction into the future.

Marie Holer took the helm of Marineland Canada Inc. following the death of her husband, founder John Holer, in 2018.

Former employee turned activist Phil Demers said Saturday the attraction has reopened in name only.

“This is no longer Marineland,” he said. “It’s a shell of it.”

“What you’re seeing is their swan song. A final chance for the public to say goodbye.”

Demers said he hopes the property will be developed into a project which will benefit the community while “ending the senseless use of animals.”

He said he’s heard some of the land mammals have been relocated and is “hoping for the best outcome” for the remaining animals.

The park will be open seven days a week through the Labour Day weekend. 

Marketa Schusterova, who co-founded not-for-profit organization UrgentSeas with Demers, which hosted a protest Sunday in front of Marineland, said transitioning to a new owner won’t “mean much” unless all the remaining animals are moved from the facility.

“We don’t really care who owns this place, we care about what’s going to happen with the remaining animals that are inside,” she said.

“If the animals are staying inside, we’re going to keep coming. Captivity is captivity. Exploiting animals for profit — that’s what we’re we are trying to stop and change.”

— with files from Ray Spiteri