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Read an article from our SPCA Bulletin, January 2011 issue - Is Captivity So Captivating?
It was reported in the press on 18 December, that in October 2010, two of the seven bottle nosed dolphins destined for Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) died from an acute bacterial infection of Melioidosis, in a holding area in Langkawi Island, Malaysia. Although RWS claims that the remaining five are in good condition, it is noteworthy that the two dolphins that died were in ‘perfect health’ before this as well. Dolphins are known by all to be very intelligent animals with an impressive level of emotional capacity. What escapes many people is that dolphins being very sensitive animals, suffer greatly during capture and captivity. RWS states on their website that they are committed to marine conservation but catching dolphins in the wild and forcing them into a life a captivity goes against this very ideal.
The death of these beautiful creatures has clearly reignited opposition, but not without reason. In a country like Singapore, with laws in place prohibiting the taking of animals from the wild, it is extremely disappointing that we are accepting these wild caught dolphins for the purpose of forcing them to adapt to an unnatural lifestyle in RWS's Marine Life Park attraction.
RWS has to act before it is too late, and rethink its decision before more deaths occur. ‘If RWS could change its stand on whale sharks, why couldn’t they on dolphins?’ is the question Deirdre Moss, Executive Director of SPCA, has for them.
Countries that have banned live imports and exports of cetaceans include countries as diverse as India (imports) and Costa Rica (imports and exports). The United Kingdom and Brazil do not hold cetaceans in captivity, and Italy has banned swim-with-dolphins programs. Chile has prohibited the commercial display of all cetacean species.
These countries have demonstrated that animal welfare ranks high where the welfare of cetaceans is concerned.
SPCA has written to Today and Straits Times on 10 January reiterating its stand.
'Say no to dolphins in captivity' t-shirts are on sale for $8.00. You can help spread the word by purchasing one from the SPCA or from one of our sales events.
SPCA has recently written (February 2011) to the Chairman of Resorts World Sentosa, Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay to appeal against the importation of the wild caught dolphins for the Marine Life Park.
An official from Resorts World replied, emphasising that there is a role for zoos and aquariums in the conservation of wildlife and in education, and that the dolphins are receiving round-the-clock veterinary care in the Philippines. As much as Resorts World claims that the well-being of all animals at its planned Marine Life Park is a top priority, the example it has set by capturing wild animals for the public's entertainment and compromising their welfare contradicts its aim of educating and conserving the species.
How you can help - Show your support for the dolphins and write in to the following to express your stand:
Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay
Chairman
Resorts World Sentosa
39 Artillery Avenue
Sentosa
Singapore 099958
Permanent Secretary Ministry of National Development
Mr Tan Tee How
tan_tee_how@mnd.gov.sg
Second Permanent Secretary Ministry of Trade and Industry
Mrs Ow Foong Pheng
ow_foongpheng@mti.gov.sg
CEO Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority
Ms Tan Poh Hong
tan_poh_hong@ava.gov.sg
Chairman Singapore Tourism Board
Mr Chew Choon Seng
choonseng@stb.gov.sg
Find out more about dolphins in captivity:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p008x76w/The_Interview_Ric_OBarry/
http://animal.discovery.com/tv/blood-dolphins/dolphins/opposition-dolphins-captivity.html
ACRES launches “ Save Our World’s Saddest Dolphins” campaign in May 2011. SPCA supports and endorses ACRES efforts.
http://www.saddestdolphins.com/
"SPCA's response to the article - RWS: Marine parks contribute to Conservation" (Straits Times 5 June 2011)
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