The federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) has denied Marineland Canada's request to export its 30 remaining beluga whales to a theme park in China.
In a statement, DFO Minister Joanne Thompson said she could not "in good conscience" approve the export and that her decision aligned with regulations in the Fisheries Act to protect marine mammals from exploitation.
"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," she said.
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