Trish Wood
Trish Wood
Rescuing Canada's Beluga Whales
Rescuing Canada's Beluga Whales
Rescuing Canada's Beluga Whales
Friday 30th January 2026
Phillip Demers shares his journey from trainer to whistleblower, helping end cetacean captivity at Marineland. A powerful story of advocacy and change.
108 minutes
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Trish Wood
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Get the buttons here!Phillip Demers: The Man Who Helped Free Canada's Belugas
Episode Overview
- Phillip Demers' transition from trainer to whistleblower was crucial in ending cetacean captivity at Marineland.
- Bill S-203 prohibits the captivity of cetaceans for entertainment purposes in Canada.
- The episode highlights the harsh realities faced by marine animals in captivity.
- Demers discusses the ethical considerations of keeping intelligent creatures like whales in captivity.
- The episode underscores the power of individual advocacy in effecting legislative change.
"We're moving beyond a national moral crime with this move."
What drives someone to make a difference in the lives of animals? In this episode, Trish Wood sits down with Phillip Demers, a former trainer turned whistleblower, who played a pivotal role in ending the captivity of cetaceans at Marineland, Ontario. The episode takes listeners through a heartfelt journey of advocacy, revealing the grim realities faced by beluga whales and other marine creatures held in captivity.
Demers shares his personal experiences and the challenges he faced while exposing the truth about Marineland's practices, including the harsh conditions that led to the suffering of these majestic creatures. Listeners will be moved by Demers' dedication to animal welfare and his relentless pursuit of justice, which ultimately contributed to the passage of Bill S-203. This legislation marks a significant step in Canada's history, as it prohibits the captivity of cetaceans for entertainment purposes.
Trish and Phillip discuss the implications of this bill and what it means for the future of marine animals in Canada. Throughout the conversation, Demers offers insights into the emotional and ethical considerations of keeping intelligent creatures like whales and dolphins in captivity. His stories paint a vivid picture of the bond between trainers and animals, while also highlighting the moral dilemmas faced by those working within such environments.
This episode is a powerful reminder of the impact that dedicated individuals can have on changing societal norms and protecting vulnerable creatures. It’s an inspiring tale of courage, perseverance, and hope for a future where all animals are treated with respect and dignity. How do we ensure that this progress continues and that the lessons learned are not forgotten?