Board votes to keeps whales out of Vancouver Aquarium

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation reached a decision on Thursday night to push to keep whales and dolphins out of the Vancouver Aquarium.

During a meeting, they moved a motion for an amendment to the Parks Control Bylaw to prohibit the Aquarium from bringing in whales and putting them on display.

#VanParkBoard votes to direct staff to bring forward bylaw change by May 2017 prohibiting display of cetaceans at Vancouver Aquarium. pic.twitter.com/Tk1MiI0ZKo

— Vancouver Park Board (@ParkBoard) March 10, 2017

The decision is expected to be finalized by May 15th, 2017.

So far, Vancouver Aquarium is pushing back on the motion, saying that their whale conservation, education and research are all of critical importance.

In 1996, Vancouver Aquarium committed to no longer capturing whale and dolphins (cetaceans) from the wild.

“None of the beluga whales at Vancouver Aquarium, or currently living in other facilities, can live in the wild,” the Aquarium wrote in a recent blog post.

With the recent deaths of two Vancouver Aquarium belugas in November, the Board said they are concerned over keeping animals in captivity.

@ParkBoard Incredibly disappointed in you. Ignoring scientists around the world, impeding research & disappointing BC kids. #ISupportVanAqua

— Krista Magnusson (@KristaMagnusson) March 10, 2017

@Narf442 so we should make animals suffer for our benefit? They deserve better than a tank.

— Christine (@Kleinclaythe_II) March 10, 2017

@cbcnewsbc @ParkBoard First of all @vanaqua is a non-profit. Has lead the world in research and inspired thousands to study marine science.

— dR (@XLDubbleDubble) March 10, 2017

@ParkBoard Thank you for this! Few animals thrive in captivity, and cetaceans are too highly intelligent, social and wild to live in tanks.

— jodimurphy604 (@jodirmurphy) March 10, 2017

What do you think should be done? Let us know in the comments below.