Marineland’s ongoing efforts to relocate hundreds of animals have taken another unexpected turn. While public attention has largely focused on the park’s whales and dolphins, a months-long investigation involving more than 300 deer has raised fresh questions about how the animals have been moved and who legally owns them.
The situation has also left a small Ontario business facing significant financial losses after preparing to receive a large herd of deer that never arrived.
CFIA Investigates Movement of Hundreds of Deer
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is investigating the movement of more than 300 deer from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Officials are examining whether all federal requirements were followed during the transfer of cervid species, which include deer and elk.
While the agency confirmed the investigation is ongoing, it has released few details. It stated that more recent animal movements have occurred under CFIA-issued permits and that future requests will continue to be reviewed.
Marineland’s Animal Relocation Continues Ahead of Property Sale
Marineland has remained closed to the public since 2024 and is currently up for sale. According to sources, any sale agreement requires all animals to be relocated before the transaction can be completed.
Alongside approximately 30 beluga whales and four dolphins, hundreds of deer are expected to leave the property within the coming months. Earlier this year, the park also transferred 12 bears to a wildlife sanctuary in Colorado.
Small Business Invested Thousands to Receive Deer Herd
Carole Lyne Laramée, owner of Northern Antlers near Timmins, Ontario, spent more than $100,000 building a secure enclosure after reaching an agreement to receive approximately 150 red deer from Marineland.
The family planned to use naturally shed antlers for their handcrafted jewelry business. However, after months of preparation, they were informed that the deer had changed ownership and would no longer be transferred to them.
Ownership Dispute Adds More Questions
According to Marineland, the deer had previously been promised to longtime family friends Brian and Mike Hart through an agreement made by the park’s late founder, John Holer. The park says it discovered the arrangement after Marie Holer’s death and accepted documentation supporting the transfer.
Sources familiar with the situation claim hundreds of deer have already been moved from the property, although their destinations remain unclear. Mike Hart has not publicly commented on the allegations.
Future Plans Continue Despite Setback
Although disappointed by the outcome, Laramée says she and her husband plan to move forward. With the fencing and infrastructure already completed, they hope to eventually establish a smaller deer herd when finances allow.
In the meantime, the couple is exploring the possibility of transforming their property into a wildlife rehabilitation centre to care for injured or orphaned native animals, including moose and other wildlife.
Featured Image: Photo by Yevhen Kovalevskyi on Unsplash
