CAZA says its members are standing by should they
be needed to help Marineland with its animals

Ottawa (June 25, 2018) — John Holer, the 83-year-old founder of Marineland, died at his Niagara Falls home Saturday morning after falling ill in recent weeks.

“This must be a very difficult time for Mr. Holer’s family and friends,” said CAZA Executive Director, Dr. Susan Shafer. “Today, we offer our condolences.”

“While our thoughts are with Mr. Holer’s family and friends, we are also concerned about the animals, of course,” said Dr. Shafer. “What the future holds, we don’t know,” Dr. Shafer added. “What we do know, however, is that our accredited members and their experts are standing by should the facility need assistance.”

Marineland voluntarily withdrew its CAZA membership in May 2017, just one month before the five-year re-accreditation process began.

“Our standards help ensure that all zoo and aquarium animals receive the care they deserve,” said Dr. Shafer. “Our hope is that the new ownership will work with us to ensure that happens.”

The family’s attorney, Andrew Burns, spoke to The Standard of St. Catherines. “The park is continuing to operate, and will continue to operate,” said Burns, who added it is too early to comment on the status of the park’s ownership.

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Founded in 1975, CAZA is the leading animal welfare standards-development organization in Canada. Its standards-development process includes expert opinions from researchers, biologists and academics to ensure the standards reflect the latest in animal-welfare research, organizational management and public-safety protocols. Through a science-based approach, CAZA’s standards bridge the ethical concerns regarding zoos and aquariums. These standards are currently the only pan-Canadian set of standards mandating zoological facilities in the country.
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For More Information

Dr. Susan Shafer
Executive Director
Canada’s Accredited Zoos & Aquariums (CAZA)

613-627-3779 ext. 221
sshafer@caza.ca