Marineland agrees to external inspections of water quality
Zoo association pushes for ‘thorough update’ and OSPCA probe cites ‘deficiencies’
Marineland must “thoroughly update” its water quality protocols to ensure it has a healthy environment for marine mammals in the wake of a Star investigation.
In an interim report Wednesday, the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums said studies of water quality logs and animal health records “raise questions” about how effectively the park’s water quality systems are working in three pools.
The report said records revealed several instances in which water quality did not meet industry standards. Such lapses had an “impact on the wellbeing of the animals in the pools in question.”
CAZA said it “expects to see a solution to maintain water quality in the long term.”
The agency added that Marineland has agreed to an external evaluation of its water management system. CAZA added, however, that water quality was good during an on-site inspection in late August and that the animals had adequate veterinary care.
The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, also investigating Marineland, released its own update Wednesday that identified “areas of concern where certain deficiencies exist.”
No details were provided and its investigation is continuing.
Both agencies will conduct random spot checks throughout the winter after Marineland closes Monday for the season.
However, the OSPCA appeared to qualify its statement Wednesday by saying: “It is important that the public understands that any animal found to be under the care of a licensed veterinarian is exempt under the OSPCA Act . . . and therefore is removed from the society’s investigation.”
Asked in an interview if that means there’s a loophole in the OSPCA Act, Ontario Community Safety Minister Madeleine Meilleur said, “I have the same question, we are on the same wavelength.” She’s asked her staff for a review. Meilleur stressed that CAZA, a self-regulating business organization, is conducting a separate investigation from the OSPCA, which she cited as the only agency in Ontario responsible for the welfare of animals.
Asked if there should be government regulations for captive marine mammals in Ontario, Meilleur said, “I am considering it seriously,” adding her staff is also examining restrictions on the import of wild sea mammals.
She said the OSPCA brought in U.S. experts to inspect Marineland and that the agency would not simply write a report, but would “expect remedial action” in the case of any animal abuse. It is not clear when the OSPCA’s report — or CAZA’s final report — will be released.
Meilleur noted the OSPCA has a separate board and she’s not certain if she can order it to make its report public, but “it would be a good practice to publicize their report.”
The OSPCA is a provincial organi- zation that has police powers and can lay charges in cases of animal abuse and neglect. At Marineland, it is investigating the treatment of both sea and land animals. In the Star series, a dozen former employees, including trainers and supervisors, cited severe eye problems in sea mammals blamed on sporadically unhealthy water and attributed the death of a baby beluga to short staffing. As well, the series described the plight of deer kept on gravel, bears living in overcrowded pens and reports of unnecessary suffering when an animal had to be put down. Conservative MPP Frank Klees called the veterinary care clause in the OSPCA Act “typical double speak . . . It serves to underscore the need for a comprehensive reform and review of this act” to protect animals in Ontario. Klees added that if the OSPCA finds something in its own legislation that prevents it from doing its job, then “it’s up to its administration to go to the government and say, ‘Here is a problem that interferes with our work. Please fix it.’” NDP MPP Cheri DiNovo said the clause in the OSPCA Act is “outrageous and absurd.” “We need laws to protect these animals,” she added.
In a statement on Marineland’s website, marketing manager Ann Marie Rondinelli said “our primary concern continues to be providing a safe and healthy environment for our animals and a welcoming one for our guests.”
Bill Peters, CAZA’s national director, said the park has been given a list of independent water inspection engineers it must use, with his agency approving the final choice.
“There have been spikes in (chemical) levels in the water (which) caused damage to the animals,” Peters said. He said details are confidential. CAZA and the OSPCA inspected the park a week after the Star’s series broke, by which time, sources said, the park had been cleaned and scrubbed. On that day, Aug. 23, CAZA announced it was pleased with Marineland and had found “no major issues.”
Marineland pays unspecified annual dues to CAZA.
On Wednesday, CAZA found there was no evidence of animal abuse, but said further inspections would take place on a four-to-six week schedule to assess water quality and staffing levels.