Either you let the whales go now, or some kid’s gonna free them later.

Canada has passed a “Free Willy” bill, making it illegal to hold whales and dolphins captive. However, there are exemptions. Some places like Marineland, just north of the border, may not be affected by this new law. Now thousands of people are petitioning to have Marineland shut down.

Marineland is Canada’s largest marine park, just across the border in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

“No more whales, no more dolphins, no more porpoises will be taken from their homes in the wild,” said Care2 Organizing Strategist Lacey Kohlmoos.

Canada’s parliament passed the Free Willy bill on Monday. According to Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the park cares for more than 60 marine mammals, but it will not have to close down for this bill. They can continue to house the whales and dolphins, but they will not be allowed to acquire more.

Marineland released a statement saying, “Parliament sought to include exemptions to what is otherwise a criminal act. Doing so acknowledged Marineland’s role as a custodian for the cetacean populations that call Marineland home, and specifically, acknowledged that Marineland Canada’s actions are not inherently animal cruelty.”

However, some activists think otherwise.

“This movement is inspiring people to recognize the value of the wild and the greater purpose in life that it saves humanity,” said former Marineland employee Phil Demers. He has spent the last seven years advocating to free these animals. He says the science is indisputable that keeping these marine animals in tanks is animal cruelty.

Animal activist group Care2 started a petition to shut down Marineland.

“There are already more than 120,000 signatures,” said Kohlmoos. “Despite the bill being passed, we want Marineland to start releasing their marine mammals to sanctuaries.”

Marineland says they are proud of their work and contribution to research, education, and conservation.