This weekend I attended the opening day protest at Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Armed with signs and plenty of spirit, my fellow whale, seal and dolphin sympathizers joined the hundreds of like-minded in front of the Marineland gates.

Marineland houses whales, dolphins, seals and walruses which have been stolen from their families and forced to live in cramped, chlorinated pools for the purpose of entertaining the public. They were also exposed last year when an ex-trainer opened the public’s eyes to additional cruelty going on at the park, such as untreated, painful medical conditions including skin disease and blindness. As well, he has also educated the public on Marineland’s owner, John Holer, who has not only imprisoned countless sea mammals but also allegedly shot two labs who ran onto Marineland property from their own neighbouring homes.

The attitude among protesters was a hopeful, positive one and although only two families turned around upon seeing us, I hope that the parents who did bring their children in past the protestors will at least explain to their children the reasons that we were there. There is another protest planned for late June. In short, Marineland won’t be rid of us.

The best shirt.

Our signs: “Teach your kids to respect nature”, “No excuse for animal abuse” and “Imagine living in your bath for the rest of your life”.

Young voices- this boy was about 10 or 11, holding his sign towards Marineland patrons in the parking lot: “Marineland is a Prison”

Posey’s Grade Six class was asked to present on a social justice issue- she chose Marineland, informing her fellow students and urging her school and classmates to boycott the cruelty there.

“End Captivity” sign directed at incoming Marineland customers.

Line-up of Protesters brandishing signs towards cars headed in Marineland’s direction.

“Close the Aqua Prison” and “Marineland is a Prison”

More signs held high, discouraging incoming families from giving their money to Marineland.

Marineland protesters “accidentally” entering their property.

No life at all.

Protesters young and old.

See next post for videos!