Yesterday Canada made history when it’s Parliament banned the captivity and breeding of whales, dolphins and porpoises. For animal rights activists, this is a big one. What exactly doees the ban entail? The animals are not allowed to bred or held in captivity and if found guilty of doing so, you can face a fine of up to 200,000 Canadian dollars. 

Of course there are exceptions. Any of the animals already being held can stay in captivity under the new ban. If the purpose of captivity is licensed scientific research or rehabilitation from injury, then it is okay to hold the animals. 

Whales, dolphins and porpoises are known as cetaceans. In Canada, there are only two facilities that have cetaceans in captivity. Marineland in Ontario has over 50 beluga whales and the Vancouver Aquarium has one dolphin. Based on the rules on the new ban, both facilities can keep them as long as they don’t breed more. National Geographic reports that close to 60 orcas are in captivity at parks and aquariums around the world. One third of that population is held in the United States.