The fate of Marineland’s 30 beluga whales remains unknown after the federal government denied the park’s request to send them to a theme park in China.

In a terse letter sent to Canada’s Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, the park said it was “profoundly disappointed” in her decision to deny a special permit which could have placed the whales at Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in Hengqin, Zhuhai.

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

The government will consider a permit to export the animals if it’s for scientific research or in the best interest of the animals.

Thompson denied the request Wednesday, saying she “could not in good conscience” approve

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