The plan to build North America's first wild refuge for whales retired from marine parks was poised to take a big step forward on Friday, October 29, 2021, in a remote corner of northeastern Nova Scotia.
Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut is preparing for the arrival of five Beluga whales from Canada after navigating approval processes on both sides of the U.S. border and overcoming legal challenges from environmental groups.
Marineland has applied for permits to sell five beluga whales to a U.S. facility that plans to use them for research and breeding, which is currently banned in Canada.
The latest charges, filed by the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, relate to a number of land animals kept at the tourist attraction in Niagara Falls, Ont.
The Ontario SPCA said the charges against the Niagara Falls, Ont., tourist attraction relate to peacocks, guinea hens and black bears — and noted that further charges are pending.
Keeping whales and dolphins in captivity will no longer be allowed across Canada under legislation that passed on Monday, June 10, 2019, drawing celebrations from activists and politicians who called it a significant development for animal rights.