It appears that Marineland is playing both sides?
In 2011, SeaWorld sued Marineland because they wanted "Ike" their killer whale back, which was lent to Marineland under a "Breeding Lone Agreement". You can read more on this story at the Toronto Star.
Marineland then filed a "Motion for a Preliminary Injunction"
Marineland tries to convince the public that the captivity of cetaceans is in the best interest of the public for both "Education" and "Science". Marineland also claims that they are very concerned about the health of their animals, and that "Kiska" being the only captive Orca at Marineland is healthy and in good spirits.
Marineland never publicly admits that their is huge profit in capturing and displaying these animals. Marineland never publicly admits that their is concern about "Kiska" being a lone killer whale in captivity.
However, in Marinelands own words, in a motion to attempt to keep "Ike". They indeed do have concerns both "Financially" and in the health and safety of "Kiska".
Marineland continues to uphold their belief that the captivity of cetaceans is for science and educational purposes. They continue to defend captivity by trying to convince the public that they are providing a space for our youth to view these animals as most of us would never have this opportunity.
Marineland attempts to back up their claims and convince the public that "Kiska" the lone killer whale that is left at Marineland is in good health and is doing fine.
Kiska Feeding
Kiska At Play
Marineland's killer whale exhibit features Ike and Kiska, the only two killer whales at Marineland.
This exhibit is one of Marineland's core attractions and a main draw of the park. It is advertised prominently on Marineland's website, on its television commercials, and on its advertising brochures and other marketing materials. The loss of Ike would cause significant disruption to one of Marineland's core attractions, would lessen customer satisfaction, and harm Marineland's image. This type of harm would be very difficult or impossible to calculate in terms of money damages.
Indeed, killer whales are very rare and nearly impossible to replace. If Ike is transferred to SeaWorld, there is no readily available market for killer whales for Marineland to procure a replacement for Ike. Marineland only has two killer whales in its possession, Ike and Kiska.
Additionally, removing Ike from Marineland would put Ike's and Kiska's health in serious jeopardy. Dr. Lanny Cornell, veterinary consultant for Marineland, explains that "Ike has been attempting to breed with Kiska, has shown her a great deal of attention, and appears to care for her a great deal. Separating the two whales would, in my opinion, be very upsetting, unsettling, and stressful for Ike."
In addition, "Ike's absence would have a similarly negative impact on Kiska.
"Whales are social creatures and require companionship." In his affidavit, SeaWorld representative Chuck D. Tompkins has agreed, stating that "killer whales are social animals and it is important to their psychological and behavioral health for them to live in a community that is stimulating and involves interactions with other whales and trainers."
If Ike were removed from Marineland, Kiska would remain in solitude.