The federal government has denied Marineland’s request to export its 30 beluga whales to a Chinese theme park.

In a statement released Wednesday morning, Minister of Fisheries Joanne Thompson said approving the request would have meant “a continued life in captivity and a return to public entertainment” for the belugas

Under Bill S-203 — the Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act — it is illegal to use whales, dolphins and porpoises for breeding and entertainment in Canada. It became law in 2019.

Under the act, a special permit from the Minister of Fisheries is required to export the animals if it’s for the purpose of scientific research or is in the best interest of the animals to do so.

Thompson felt Marineland’s request didn’t fit the criteria.

“The decision to not export

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