# 'an intentional effort to get shock value', 'pick fights':

There are 5 beluga whales on loan to other facilities, in preparation for the construction of new tanks in September.

Everyone agrees that the welfare of these whales is better served in those new tanks, than where they are currently staying. This ban prevents the return of the whales currently on loan. As I said, I am for a ban on cetaceans but this is a PR exercise and not about the whales.