Protesters in front of Marineland theme park. Photograph: Tara Walton/Toronto Star via Getty

Canadian zoo to be shut down after deer die in stampede

A theme park in Canada, Marineland, is facing criticism and fresh calls from activists for the attraction to be shut down regarding the deaths of three animals in recent weeks. 

Two deer were killed in a stampede caused by a father and son taunting the animals last weekend when the attraction opened for the season, and has lead the staff to temporarily close the deer park area. Days after the stampede, Apollo, an 18-year-old walrus died, citing a heart attack. Apollo is the fourth walrus to die in the park over the last two years, leaving only one walrus called Smooshi.

Activists argued that Marineland has a moral responsibility to release the animals it keeps in captivity. During the opening weekend, small groups of demonstrators seek to damage Marineland. However, Marineland dismissed the protests outside its gates.

Phil Demers, Marineland’s most vocal critic stated that there has been no investment in improvement to the animal life support systems. However, Marineland denied the claims and has been in a legal battle with Demers.
Despite the critics and calls from the activists, Marineland continues to house 51 beluga whales and five bottle-nose dolphins along with a single orca.