Federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson has given conditional approval for Marineland’s remaining beluga whales to be exported to the United States.
Thompson says she will issue final permits once the Niagara Falls park provides additional details.
The decision follows Marineland’s “urgent rescue solution” proposal to protect the 30 belugas.
The park plans to send the whales and four dolphins to U.S. institutions including Shedd Aquarium, Georgia Aquarium, Mystic Aquarium, and SeaWorld.
Marineland expressed gratitude to the federal government for prioritizing the animals’ lives.
(Written by Brandon Warby)