Action Alert: Aquariums Export Beluga Whales as Canadian Bill to Ban Captivity Gets Closer
Bill S-203 would see the permanent end to cetacean captivity in Canada. If the bill becomes a law, the only two facilities in Canada that currently have dolphins, beluga whales, and orcas (the Vancouver Aquarium and Marineland in Ontario) could keep their current cetaceans, but not breed, import, or export them.
However, these facilities are not waiting for Parliament to act. According to the Canadian Press, Marineland, which currently has more than 50 beluga whales in captivity, is exporting two beluga whales to Valencia, Spain and wants to move five more to the United States.
The Vancouver Aquarium governs the facility in Valencia and owns the two Marineland belugas that are being sent there. "These two aquarium-born belugas will receive exceptional care at Oceanografic, where they will join a small social grouping of whales already in care there," claims the Vancouver Aquarium.
The Vancouver Aquarium moved to end display of whales and dolphins in their facility in 2018 after the unexplained deaths of several beluga whales occurred.
The legislation recently passed a key House committee without any amendments, paving the way for a final vote in the full House. Proponents have until July to gain final passage of Bill S-203 before the Canadian Parliament adjourns for the year.
“Confinement and social isolation are used as punishment for humans. When our species is kept in small indoor spaces without any control of our environment or food sources, we experience profound psychological harm. It’s clear that the same negative impacts occur for these highly intelligent creatures. Frankly, it’s cruel.”
Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith has also expressed support, saying that for many, including children, this issue is a no-brainer: “Kids get this. The number of letters written to MPs and senators from kids across the country is incredible, (as are) the drawings they have submitted. They understand this very simple but powerful idea that (when) animals think and feel; they deserve to be treated humanely, respectfully and with compassion. That’s exactly what bill S-203 will do.”
Once passed by the House of Commons, the bill must be signed by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Please send your support for Bill S-203 to:
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Office of the Prime Minister
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A2
Fax: 613-941-6900
https://pm.gc.ca/eng/connect (Use the Email Form under “Contact Prime Minister”)
If you live in Canada, please contact your House representative and urge them to support Bill S-203 without amendments. Dolphins, beluga whales, and orcas do not belong in small concrete tanks doing tricks to entertain us.
