It all started in 2015, with the launch of the “Free Willy” bill. Organizations and activists around the world lobbied Canadian authorities to ban the confinement of marine animals in entertainment centers and several years later it was official: Canada ended marine captivity. whales and dolphins.

This is the great victory claimed by thousands of animal defenders. Not only have the ecosystem and these beings been protected, but it is a sign of recognition of the value and importance of marine animal life.

#Breaking: When we work together, good things happen.

This is a combined effort by @ElizabethMay, Senators Moore and Sinclaire, key Liberal and NDP MPs, NGOs, marine scientists and ordinary citizens across Canada.#FreeWilly pic.twitter.com /RRPB91tT9y — Green Party of Canada (@CanadianGreens) June 10, 2019

The law protects whales, dolphins, porpoises and other animals from breeding and captivity for entertainment purposes. In addition, care is taken to ensure that aquatic mammals are not forced to stay in aquatic centers.

Likewise, the project prevents marine animals from being bred in captivity, captured alive, used in import and export markets, as well as reproduced for profit.

The path forward to banning the captivity of dolphins and whales

Although there are still some gaps in the project, thousands of marine mammals could be released and put into rehabilitation for later release. No park will be allowed to replace animals to continue the chain of animal exploitation.

“We have a moral obligation to phase out the capture and retention of animals for profit and entertainment. Canadians are asking us to do better, and we have listened to them,” announces Senator Wilfred Moore.

So far, the list of countries banning cetacean captivity focuses on: Canada, Costa Rica, Switzerland and some states in the United States. In short, there is still much to do. The living conditions of marine mammals in captivity are not comparable to those in their natural oceanic environment, despite the extraordinary care they provide.

We want more dolphins, whales and other animal species roaming free. To achieve this change, we must stop the consumption of entertainment based on animal exploitation. Our immense curiosity about them may make us want to see them, but there's nothing like an animal in its own ecosystem.

If you would like to join the campaign, visit Empty The Tanks and help free marine animals from captivity.