California has approved a multimillion-dollar expansion of the killer whale habitat at SeaWorld in San Diego, but it banned the breeding of the whales in captivity and restricted how the whales may be brought into the park.

The conditions placed on the project by the California Coastal Commission, met late Thursday at a public hearing in Long Beach, mean that the 11 whales now in the park will not be replaced by breeding, calling into question the future of the killer whale shows that are a centerpiece of the marine parks.

SeaWorld said on Friday that it was disappointed in the decision and that it was reviewing its options. Animal rights activists applauded the decision.

The hearing on Thursday was attended by hundreds of protesters, highlighting the controversy over keeping wild creatures in captivity for entertainment. Protesters packed the meeting, holding up signs calling for the mammals to be set free.