The Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums on Thursday regained its membership in the global industry body after it ordered its members to cease acquiring dolphins from a controversial drive hunt.

The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums announced its decision to end JAZA's suspension in a statement on its website.

"We feel relieved and are very pleased to hear about WAZA's decision," JAZA Secretary-General Naonori Okada told The Japan Times.