Canadian lawmakers have decided to take a stand against keeping certain animals in captivity soon.

According to WIVB, the law was just passed and will take effect once it goes through what they call royal assent.

It's the "Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act" but it's also known as the "Free Willy Act."  Canadians will now be prohibited from keeping whales, dolphins, and porpoises in captivity.

So what does that mean for aquariums and theme parks like Marineland?

It looks as though they will be able to keep their animals for now, however, they will not be allowed to add new ones by capturing them in the wild or breeding them.

The movement started with animal rights activists who argued that containing marine mammals and training them to entertain amounts to cruelty.

Marineland (right across the border in Niagara Falls, Ontario) will definitely be impacted by the new law.  They have 55 beluga whales, five bottlenose dolphins and one orca, according to the CBC.  They replied with a statement:

"Marineland began an evolution in our operation some time ago, and as that evolution continues we are confident that our operations remain compliant with all aspects of (the bill).  Marineland Canada continues to be a facility where children can learn about and be inspired by cetaceans without invading their natural habitats or disturbing cetacean populations that live in the ocean. We're proud of our work, and our contribution to research, education, and conservation."

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