There will be a steep decrease in the price of admission to Marineland this summer — but with it comes a park that will be barely recognizable from what it was in recent years.
The park updated its website Wednesday, announcing a “modified experience” for visitors when it opens June 28.
“Notably, certain attractions and facilities will not be available, including land animal exhibits, rides, the Hungry Bear restaurant, the Aquarium, the Penguin Palace and educational presentations,” a post on the website reads.
It means the end of popular Marineland rides such as Sky Screamer and Dragon Mountain roller-coaster.
Still being offered will be the Polar Splash Pad, picnic area and Friendship Cove containing the park’s beluga whales.
To go with the changes, ticket prices will come down 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.
The drastic changes for the park’s 63rd season come during an imminent sale of the attraction by owner Marie Holer. She took over ownership of the park after the death of her husband, Marineland founder John Holer, in 2018.
The park formally announced it was for sale in early 2023, seeking new ownership to “transition” the attraction into the future.
But even before Wednesday’s announcement, Marineland has been through significant changes the past two years.
In March 2023, 20-year-old walrus Smooshi and her three-year-old calf Koyuk were moved to a new home at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. Shortly after, the park’s famed killer whale, Kiska, died after 40 years in captivity.
Two months ago, Marineland was found guilty of three charges under Ontario’s animal cruelty laws over the living conditions of three black bears. All three have since been removed by Animal Welfare Services.
In late March, two of the park’s remaining beluga whales died, sparking an angry response among animal rights groups that claim the park’s animals are being ignored while the property goes through its sale.
- Article was updated
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Melissa Matlow, campaign director for World Animal Protection Canada, was dismayed the park will still reopen with animal attractions instead of a “complete transition” away from them.
“Marineland is doubling down on its so-called ‘Friendship Cove,’ which is nothing but a substandard venue for innocent beluga whales to be exploited for entertainment purposes,” she said in a statement released Wednesday.
“Animal welfare groups like us have been concerned for years, and after recently being found guilty of animal neglect, Marineland has lost public trust in its ability to care for animals.
“The fire sale of Marineland is being done with little to no transparency or oversight from the Government of Ontario and that must change.”
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