On Monday, Jan. 26, Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson said she had given "conditional approval" for export permits that would allow Marineland to relocate its remaining animals — 30 beluga whales and four dolphins — to accredited U.S. facilities. The decision came after Thompson met with Marineland officials to review what the company described as an urgent rescue proposal. "It was a constructive meeting, and I provided conditional approval for export permits," Thompson said in a statement shared publicly. "I will issue the final permits once the final required information is received from Marineland." Marineland has been closed to the public since September 2024, but the 30 animals have remained on site receiving care.