Ottawa denies Marineland request to export 30 beluga whales to China

Fisheries and Oceans Canada has denied a request by Marineland to export thirty beluga whales to a theme park in China.

Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson said the federal government will not grant an export permit to ship the whales to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom aquarium, in Zhuhai, China.

A statement from the minister’s office reads in part, “To approve the request would have meant a continued life in captivity and a return to public entertainment.”

“The decision to not export these mammals aligns with the clear regulations laid out in the Fisheries Act, and the amendments made in 2019 which aim to protect marine mammals from exploitation,” further reads the statement.

The minister says that she could not in good conscience approve an export that would “perpetuate the treatment these belugas have endured.”

WATCH MORE: Animal rights groups demand faster relocation of Marineland animals

World Animal Protection, a global non-profit animal welfare organization, applauded the decision in a statement, saying it “reflected the compassion and accountability that Canadians expect from their leaders.”

“The federal government has acted decisively,” said Colin Saravanamuttoo, the Executive Director of World Animal Protection Canada.

“Now, the province of Ontario must show leadership and ensure these animals receive the best possible care. We should not export our animal welfare problems.”

The non-profit believes Marineland is still possibly in possession of hundreds of animals from a variety of species.

When the theme park was operational it had 50 beluga whales, but since its closing last year, there are only 30 left.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said last week that the situation at Marineland is “terrible” for the remaining beluga whales.

Meanwhile, the theme park has been up for sale for nearly two years, and has yet to announce a deal.

WATCH MORE: More whales at Niagara Falls’ Marineland will die without urgent action, expert says