"Canada's government has refused a request by the beleaguered Marineland theme park to export its remaining 30 beluga whales to China due to concerns that the whales will face further mistreatment. Marineland, an amusement park, zoo and aquarium in Niagara Falls, has one of the largest captive whale populations in the world, and has long been mired in controversy amid reports of poor conditions for the animals on display."
"I could not in good conscience approve an export that would perpetuate the treatment these belugas have endured, she said, adding: To approve the request would have meant a continued life in captivity and a return to public entertainment. Thompson said: Like many of you, I am angered that these whales have lived a life of captivity and as a result their health has deteriorated."
"What precipitated the park's decline was a 2019 federal law that banned the sale, captivity and breeding of dolphins and whales. When the legislation was enacted, it meant that Marineland could not acquire any new animals. According to the Canadian Press, Ontario provincial inspectors have attended the park more than 200 times since 2020 and issued 33 orders for compliance."
Canada's federal government refused Marineland's request to export 30 remaining beluga whales to China because of concerns they would face further mistreatment. Marineland in Niagara Falls holds one of the largest captive whale populations and has faced long-running controversy over poor conditions; 20 whales, including 19 belugas and one killer whale, died at the park since 2019. Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China considered buying the belugas. Federal minister Joanne Thompson said approving the export would perpetuate the belugas' mistreatment and amount to continued captivity for public entertainment. A 2019 federal law banned sale, captivity and breeding of dolphins and whales, and Ontario inspectors issued multiple compliance orders.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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