Canada’s last captive belugas at risk of euthanasia after export denial

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00:00Canada's Marineland says it may have to euthanize 30 beluga whales after Ottawa blocked their export to China.

00:09Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson says she denied the permit in good conscience, citing Canada's 2019 Free Willy Law,

00:18which bans breeding or shows and carries fines up to $150,000.

00:23The Niagara Falls Park, now closed and near bankruptcy, says it is seeking emergency funding.

00:30CBC reports whale care alone costs about $2 million a month.

00:34Marieland calls euthanasia a last resort after the permit was denied.

00:39At least 19 belugas have died at the park since 2019.

00:43Animal welfare groups, including Animal Justice and World Animal Protection,

00:47are urging Ontario to step in or relocate the belugas to a sanctuary.

00:53Thompson says she's open to future applications focused on the whale's health

00:57and to discussions about a potential sanctuary site in Nova Scotia.

01:02A marine mammal expert at the University of British Columbia says any move would depend on veterinary tests,

01:08including blood work, feeding records and overall fitness to travel.

01:12Ontario Premier Doug Ford called the federal decision disappointing

01:16and says he wants the whales moved in small groups to better conditions.

01:20For now, it's unclear whether the province or Ottawa will take custody of the animals.

01:25A reminder, download the Straight Arrow News app or go to san.com for more stories.

01:29Music

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