> all five of the transported whales’ mothers are from this stock, although it’s unclear where their fathers came from.

Lack of documented heritage would be a red flag for any official breeding program.

The department making the rules likely wouldn't have any federal jurisdiction over any offspring, as they'd be privately owned, and would not be "imported wildlife." They do, however, have (an absurd & abusive amount of) power over the initial import permits.

At least that's the "loophole" that has allowed all other marine mammal exhibits to remain open, even after their capture has been illegal for decades.

If the goal is to reduce the overall number of cetaceans in captivity, breeding more of them directly goes against that.