Overview

• Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson denied export permits for Marineland’s 30 beluga whales to the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom aquarium in China.
• Thompson said approving the transfer would perpetuate captivity for entertainment purposes and noted she visited the facility before making the decision.
• The 30 belugas are the last captive whales in Canada, and 20 whales have died at Marineland since 2019, according to compiled records.
• Ontario’s animal-welfare probe has logged more than 200 inspections and 33 compliance orders, with outstanding orders on water systems, records and enclosure conditions.
• Marineland has not commented on the ruling, the proposed Nova Scotia whale sanctuary is not operational, and the minister remains open to welfare-focused transfer applications.