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'The Walrus and the Whistleblower': Who is Phil Demers? All about ex-Marineland employee's fight to save Smooshi

He is a former employee of Marineland who attempted to blow the whistle on the alleged inhumane treatment of animals at the establishment

‘The Walrus and the Whistleblower’ is a 2020 Canadian documentary film directed by Nathalie Bibeau. It profiles Philip Demers. He is a former employee of Marineland who attempted to blow the whistle on the alleged inhumane treatment of animals at the establishment.

According to a CBC report, Bibeau’s younger brother's friend, Demers, began working there as an animal trainer in March 2000 and made international headlines for his bond with a walrus named Smooshi. So, when Demers quit after about 12 years later and became an open critic of the company, Bibeau wanted to explore the complexities of our relationship with animals. And, that resulted in the documentary, ‘The Walrus and the Whistleblower’.

Phil Demers and his bond with Smooshi

A 2007 story in The Star details the incredible bond between the animal trainer and the walrus. The article notes that the bond between Smooshi and Demers had surprised marine biologists and veterinarians and defies the norms of the animal/human relationship. "There has never been a bond like this," Demers had said. He had also stated, "She will follow me anywhere. In marine biology you're in a stimulus-controlled setting where the primary reinforcement in training is the use of fish. That's not the case with Smooshi. She responds to me by sight, smell and voice. If she hears me in the building she barks until I attend."

The article had also described that Smooshi's bond with Demers was so great that he was able to take her into the park for walks. It's was an attraction that caught the fancy of the visitors.  

In a 2012 blog which he had written for Huffington Post, headlined ‘Why I Left Marineland, and My Beloved Walrus Smooshi’, he wrote: “In May of 2012, I made the difficult and desperate decision to leave Marineland.” He alleged, “Many failed efforts by myself, and other current and (consequently) former employees to enlist the help of authorities, and/or have the problems resolved properly in-house proved futile. Many of the animals were aversely affected by the negligent use of chlorine added to the water, and Smooshi was no exception. I could no longer bear witness to the suffering, and could ill afford to waste any more time. I simply didn't have a choice anymore.”

Demers further claimed, “Lastly I need to be reunited with Smooshi the walrus. Her health concerns me, and the quality of her life is greatly negotiated in my absence. She needs me as much as I need her. Her vulnerability humbles me, and she makes me a better human being. She has offered me so many amazing experiences and opportunities, and I value her life as I do the lives of my very own family.”

In 2013, The Star reported that Marineland had filed a case against Demers for trespassing on the park’s property, and alleging that he also plotted to steal Smooshi. The $1.5 million suit against Demers, accused that he had unlawfully entered the park during a live stadium show. Demers was with other activists, the suit had claimed.

The report stated that Demers was one of eight initial whistleblowers who told the Star and alleged that sporadically poor water had caused blindness and other health problems among seals, sea lions and dolphins. That time, Demers said he “never went in” and has proof from others who were involved that day in a protest outside the park. “The notion that I’m ‘plotting’ to steal Smooshi is absurd,” he said. “I also doubt my second floor apartment would hold a walrus.”

Demers even set up a GoFundMe page titled ‘Defend animal abuse whistleblower’. The goal is to raise $200,000,of which more than $170,000 has been raised.

The Globe and Mail in 2017 had reported that animal cruelty charges that had been leveled against Marineland were dropped after prosecutors informed that there was no reasonable chance of conviction on most of the 11 counts faced by the Ontario tourist attraction. The 11 charges against Marineland were the outcome of an investigation by the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

In June 2020, it was reported by The Standard, that Smooshi gave birth to a 45-kilogram calf. In a statement, the Niagara Falls park said the mom and newborn are "doing well" as staff and veterinarians keep an eye on them from a "respectful distance." However, a November 2020 report in CBC stated that animal rights activists, for at least two months, have been asking for an update about Smooshi and her baby, out of fear that the pair of walruses have died. There haven't been any updates since Smooshi gave birth in June, notes the report.

Demers even tweeted, “Despite multiple attempts by media, patrons and even my lawyer, MarineLand refuses to reveal what’s happened to Smooshi the walrus and her newborn baby June. If their lawyer Andrew Burns made good on his promise, then It’s impossible not to consider the worst. #SaveSmooshi” He also said, “OFFER: Anyone who comes forth with evidence backed information regarding the whereabouts of Smooshi the walrus and her baby June will receive a significant reward. I will also protect anyone with information should they be fired/sued by MarineLand. Please talk to me. #SaveSmooshi.”

These remarks were made by a third-person and individual organizations, MEAWW cannot confirm them independently nor does it support these claims and the respective references are linked in the article.