Captivity News Archive 2006

Too little too late for the Cayman Islands
(Added:- 30 October 2006)
The Marine Connection are pleased to report that on 27 October 2006 the Caymanian Government said that no more captive dolphin entertainment parks would be established in the Cayman Islands. However, very disappointingly the two dolphinariums that were approved under the previous Government administration will still go ahead.
For more information please click here

Marine parks proposed for Sentosa development, Singapore
(Added:- 24 October)
Kerzner-CapitaLand and Genting Group have each proposed over US$3.2billion for the contract to build a resort on the island of Sentosa in Singapore. Each company is vying to develop the harbour front area of the island. However, each has opted to develop an marine park containing marine mammals among other sea life.
Click here for more information and to take action

Futo vows to continue drive hunts - 30 dolphins "ordered"
(Added:- 16 October 2006)
On October 11, the Ito City Fishing Cooperative held a meeting at its Futo branch, inviting media reporters. After explaining a brief history of the drive fishery in Futo they declared that they would continue the drive hunt this season. According to the Cooperative, aquariums have already ordered 30 bottlenose dolphins from the Ito City Fishing Cooperative. About 20 fishing boats with 40 fishermen will participate in the drive hunt this season, and if necessary, spotter boats will go out to sea and try to find pods of dolphins. The Japan Fisheries Agency permits Futo a quota of how many animals it can take during the drive hunts - this season (Oct 06 - Mar 07) their allowance is: 600 dolphins: 70 striped dolphins, 75 bottlenose dolphins and 455 spotted dolphins. According to the local people, they saw pods of dolphins off the shore of Futo three weeks ago.
Click for more information on the annual dolphin slaughter in Japan

Immune system failing for beluga whale at Georgia Aquarium
(Added:- 09 October 2006)
Gasper, one of the beluga whales at the Georgia Aquarium, is enduring more health problems in the form of a failing immune system. Tim Binder, the aquarium's director of husbandry, said the situation is "very critical." On Friday (6 October 2006) Binder said "We're not on a death watch, but it's another aspect of the animal's health that caused us to be even more concerned". "It's something we have to resolve. If the immune system continues to be suppressed, it's unlikely the animal will survive."
For more please click here

Scrap over dolphin petition
(Added:- 03 October 2006)
The fight to get new dolphins for Napier's Marineland has turned into a nasty scrap with the local Labour MP. A petition of 13,000 signatures calling for new dolphins was given to List MP Russell Fairbrother in June but organisers now want it back because of the time it is taking. Spokesman Harry Lawson says that after three months waiting they have run out of patience and just want the petition presented to parliament. Fairbrother says the reason for the delay is because he wants to put a strong case to government for Marineland. He says that takes a bit of time. The MP says they could be looking at millions of dollars if the plan goes ahead. The petition follows Conservation Minister Chris Carter's rejection of two earlier attempts by Napier City Council to import dolphins.
Click for original article from One News

Misery in Paradise
(Added:- 03 October 2006)
In recent years the Caribbean cruise industry has thrived and with this has come the heavy promotion of captive dolphin facilities. Despite successes in opposition to captive facilities within the Caribbean, proposals for further facilities are still being put forward. The Marine Connection is supporting a booth at the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association conference in Grand Cayman where many groups welcome the opportunity to discuss the issues surrounding captive facilities with the cruise industry.
Please click here for further information on the Caribbean, the cruise industry and captive dolphin facilities

Dolphin therapy facility proposed for Jamaica
(Added:- 26 September 2006)
Pending approvals, a $500 million dolphin attraction will be developed at a seaside community in Hanover, Jamaica, later this year for a Miami and Key Largo based rehabilitation company which plans to set up its practice in Jamaica. The plan will give effect to a health tourism product that to now has only been talked about by policymakers. Dr. David Nathanson, who runs a practice offering Dolphin Human Therapy (DHT), says he will be relocating his business to Jamaica once the therapy centre is built.
Click here to read the full article and take action
Please click here for the Marine Connection view on dolphin therapy

Government of St. Maarten says no to captive dolphins
(Added:- 21 September 2006)
The Caribbean island of St. Maarten breathed a sigh of relief on Tuesday when it was reported that the government made the decision not to allow captive dolphin facilities on the island. After a long campaign by local people and support from international NGO's this was a welcome decision. 4000 people on the island of St Maarten signed a petition opposing the dolphinarium and to receive this news means St Maarten will ensure its reputation as an ethical, sustainable, environmentally friendly and now, captive dolphin free, place to visit.

Week-old whale calf dies at SeaWorld
(Added:- 18 September 2006)
An infant beluga whale calf at SeaWorld San Antonio died Friday, according to SeaWorld officials.The male calf was born Sunday to first-time mother Sikku but hadn't established a normal nursing pattern with its mother."The staff is disheartened when we lose any animal," said Dave Force, vice president of zoological operations.Force said a necropsy would be performed to determine the cause of death. Final results are expected in four to six weeks. (mySA.com)

Bahrain Dolphin Park update
(Added:- 15 September 2006)
The Marine Connection received a letter on behalf of the Bahrain Prime Minister acknowledging the recent issues surrounding Bahrain Dolphin Park and asking his government to look into the situation. Read the letter here. There have also been reports that the beluga whale has been taken back to Russia. This letter and the reports on the beluga whale presents a good opportunity to encourage the government of Bahrain to permanently close Bahrain Dolphin Park and consider a ban on the display, import and export and capture of cetaceans in Bahrain.
To take action and see the letter from Bahrain please click here

Japanese dolphin drive hunt in Taiji begins early
(Added:- 13 September 2006)
This year the dolphin hunt in Taiji, Japan has begun one month early, on 6 September. It has been reported that 25 bottlenose dolphins were driven into Hatakejiri Bay, by 13 fishing boats. Six of these dolphins were purchased by the Taiji Whale Museum which will train and display them in captivity. We are unaware as to why the hunt has begun early - it has been reported by authorities that the quota for dolphins has not been filled in previous hunts, therefore more time was needed. However, considering the worldwide condemnation this hunt brings, the early start could be a tactic in order to disrupt the campaign against this brutal practice. (Information courtesy of Elsa Nature Conservancy of Japan)
To learn more and take action please click here

Possible closure of Manati Park dolphin facility
(Added:- 4 September 2006)
The Eastern Zone Association of Hoteliers and Tourism Projects has proclaimed that the decision by the Environment Ministry to discontinue the permit that allows import of dolphins could lead to closing down the Manati Park, Dominican Republic.
For more information click here

Sharm el Sheikh and marine tourism
(Added:- 1 September 2006)
The Marine Connection is pleased to launch their report into ethical marine tourism in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt. This report aims to highlight the many opportunities for holidaymakers to make use of the impressive natural environment which can be enjoyed in and around Sharm el Sheikh. There is no reason to visit an artificial and contrived dolphin show where the animals have become shadows of their wild counterparts
To view the report please click here

Captive dolphin facilities defended
(Added:- 31 August 2006)
Minister for Tourism and the Environment of the Cayman Islands, Charles Clifford, says he believes the environment will not be negatively impacted by proposed captive dolphin facilities. Nor does he believe the dive industry will be negatively affected by the setting up of such facilities in the Cayman Islands, besides, perhaps, increased competition in the water activities' market.
For the full article and the Marine Connection response click here

No "Liberty" for the dolphins
(Added:- 31 August 2006)
"Come Alive Cruises" has announced a Western Caribbean cruise which incorporates "close encounters" with captive dolphins, within both the Bahamas and Mexico. The cruise will be taking place on the "Liberty", a cruise ship supplied by Carnival Cruise Lines. This cruise will also be a potential client for any new facilities within the Cayman Islands as they visit Grand Cayman
For more information and to take action click here

Dominican Government bans import of dolphins for theme park
(Added:- 23 August 2006)
The Dominican Government's Environment Ministry prohibited the import of four dolphins headed for a theme park in the Punta Cana tourism region (east), measure which a local trade union affirmed would cause the park's bankruptcy.
For more information click here

A second boy is bitten by a SeaWorld dolphin
(Added:- 22 August 2006)
The Chicago Tribune reports that a boy celebrating his birthday at SeaWorld Orlando was bitten on the hand Sunday by a dolphin he was petting. It took two adults to pry the dolphin's mouth open so that 7-year-old Hunter Hovan Quidor's hand could be freed, his mother, Hollie Bethany, said. It was the second incident in three weeks in which a dolphin bit a child at SeaWorld's Dolphin Cove, a popular dolphin-petting attraction (See report below of 2 August). SeaWorld spokeswoman Becca Bides said no changes are being planned for the attraction.

Lolita's closer to coming home
(Added:- 17 August 2006)
Whale lovers migrated to Coupeville last week to pay tribute to the majestic gentle giants slain or captured during the infamous Penn Cove orca captures of the 1970s. The Orca Network's annual commemoration was both melancholy and optimistic. Attendees remembered the late orca Luna, who was tragically killed in a March tug boat accident in Canada, and learned that Lolita, the sole survivor of the Penn Cove captures, may one day be returned home from her current confinement at Miami Seaquarium.
For more information click here

Dolphin cruelty at aquatic park in Nanjing, China
(Added :- 10 August 2006)
The Marine Connection is appalled to read that an aquatic park in Nanjing, China, has put a dolphin into isolation in a dark pool as punishment for aggressive behaviour. For a dolphin to become aggressive would imply a psychological and/or physical problem which stems from its environment, in this case a captive environment in "scorching heat".
For further information please click here

New Zealand a step closer to becoming a dolphin-free zone
(Added :- 10 August 2006)
Napier City Council, New Zealand is investigating a proposal to keep Marineland afloat without its performing dolphins. Marineland has one elderly dolphin, called Kelly, left since her performing partner Shona died in April. Napier Mayor Barbara Arnott said the council was looking for ways to keep Marineland going without the dolphins. "We won't see performing dolphins there ever again."
For further information please click here

Deadly inferno at Bahrain Dolphin Park
(Added :- 7 August 2006)
In recent months, the Marine Connection, and other marine mammal welfare organisations worldwide, have become very concerned over reports of poor conditions with regards to the animals being held at the Bahrain Dolphin Park. Now, a fire has broken out within the facility engulfing the two-storey building, killing one of the marine mammals and seriously endangering the only beluga whale which has now been moved to a "private pool".
For further information please click here

Cyprus say no to dolphin import and dolphin therapy centre
(Added :- 3 August 2006)
The Marine Connection are delighted to hear that Cyprus has made a forward-thinking and responsible decision over applications to open a dolphin therapy centre in Cyprus. The government of Cyprus has refused the applications to develop a dolphin therapy centre which would require the import of dolphins and have stated that the importation of dolphins into Cyprus is 'strictly forbidden'.
For further information please click here

Scientists seek buried orcas on Whidbey
(Added :- 3 August 2006)
A research project being carried out on Whidbey Island by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration fisheries scientists could yield vital information about the orca community decimated by captures for marine parks three decades ago. The scientists are working feverishly to recover skeletal remains of the four or five orcas killed during the infamous 1970 Penn Cove orca capture. If the remains are successfully located, DNA testing should provide insight into the mystery of the Southern Resident orca community's decline.
For further information please click here

Dolphin boycott forwarned for Cayman Islands
(Added :- 3 August 2006)
Three prominent figures in the dive industry have come together to speak out against the introduction of captive dolphin facilities in the Cayman Islands, warning the country's tourism could suffer from it in the long term.
For the full story please click here

SeaWorld dolphin grabs boy's arm
(Added :- 2 August 2006)
It has been reported that a SeaWorld dolphin has grabbed a terrified boy's arm at the theme park's "Dolphin Cove" dolphin petting attraction in Orlando, USA.
For the full story please click here
Read Marine Connection's views on this type of attraction here

Pools completed and ready for dolphins in Dubai
(Added :- 2 August 2006)
Construction of pools that will house three dolphins at Dubai's new dolphinarium has been completed as officials insist the controversial project will open by the end of November. The three dolphins are to be imported from the Ukraine. Construction of the 1,500-seat stadium and the two pools, which will be part of Dubai Marine World, started in March after months of delay due to issues with contracts and municipality licences, said Rashid Bukhash, the municipality's project director. This is the first of four potential dolphinariums to be constructed in Dubai.
For further information please click here

Survey finds Calgarians don't want whales or polar bears in Zoo
(Added :- 31 July 2006)
A new survey shows most Calgarians don't support plans by the Calgary Zoo to aquire whales and polar bears for an arctic display. Zoocheck Canada commissioned the survey, which finds 71 percent of Calgarians saying the best way to learn about these animals is in the wild. More than 75 percent of respondents say the needs of the animals can not be accomodated in captivity. 75 percent also say they don't support keeping wide-ranging carnivores in captivity. Zoocheck says it used a professional research company to conduct the survey to make sure the results are not biased.

Dolphinarium proposed for Cleveland Aquarium, Ohio
(Added :- 27 July 2006)
Proposals for a new aquarium in Cleveland, Ohio, now include plans to include a dolphin exhibit. This aquarium is still in the planning stages, several years from actual construction, and we are hoping to remove the plans to keep dolphins before the Cleveland Aquarium actually invests in the animals.
To sign the petition opposing this proposed dolphinarium click here

Renewed dolphinarium proposals for Panama
(Added :- 21 July 2006)
The Marine Connection is concerned to hear of renewed requests to capture dolphins from Panamanian waters for a dolphinarium. Using the camouflage of "scientific" reasons, the company (Ocean Embassy Panama Inc.) looking to construct the dolphinarium is rumoured to have been involved in dolphin captures undertaken in the Solomon Islands.
For more information click here

Argentina to import Cuban dolphins?
(Added :- 21 July 2006)
The Marine Connection is disappointed to learn that the Mar del Plata Aquarium in Argentina plans to import nine bottlenose dolphins from Cuba. With Cuba's poor reputation with regards to the capture of wild dolphins, the Marine Connection is urging the Argentinean government to refuse to authorise the permit.
For more information click here

University of Hawaii face federal fine over dolphin deaths
(Added :- 20 July 2006)
The Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Laboratory in Hawaii closed after the death of their last dolphin in February 2004. For almost 30 years animal welfare campaigners had questioned the treatment of, and conditions for, the animals at Kewalo and demanded an investigation after it was revealed that 4 dolphins had died at this facility within a two and a half year timespan. The University now face a fine of $65,000, however it is not yet know whether they will pay the fine or appeal the decision. Dr Carolyn J McKinnie, a vet previously employed at Kewalo, has also filed a 'whistleblowing' lawsuit against them, claiming that she was dismissed after raising concerns over conditions at the facility.
View news video footage of the story

Bahrain dolphin park concerns
(Added :- 19 July 2006)
The Marine Connection have serious concerns about a lone beluga whale, two dolphins and a sea lion reportedly being kept in poor conditions in a captive facility in Bahrain.
For more information please click here

Vancouver Aquarium expansion decision deferred
(Added :- 12 July 2006)
The public consultation on Vancouver Aquarium's plans to expand their facilities and introduce further dolphins and whales has been unanimously deferred by the Vancouver Parks Board until September. Board members also voted to include a review of the city's bylaw on marine mammals in the technical review.
For more information please click here

New dolphinarium planned for France
(Added :- 07 July 2006)
Planète Sauvage, a zoo situated between Nantes and Pornic in France, has put forward plans to obtain 12 dolphins for a new dolphinarium. Questionably the Zoo is "justifying" the keeping of these animals by stating research will be undertaken into dolphins' communication abilities. However, this could never justify keeping the wide-ranging and complex animals in an area a fraction of the size of its usual range.
For more information please click here

No dolphins for Hilton (Cleo Park), Sharm el Sheikh
(Added :- 03 July 2006)
The Marine Connection is delighted to hear that the Hilton Sharm Dreams Vacation Club in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt has taken the decision not to accommodate any type of marine mammals on site either now or in the future.
For more information please click here

Good and bad news for captive dolphin week
(Added :- 03 July 2006)
On Friday 30 June the Marine Connection spoke, at length, with reporter Jonathan Owen on the plight of dolphins in captivity, specifically in relation to World Week for Captive Dolphins 1-7 July. More

1st-7th July: World week for captive dolphins!
(Added :- 30 June 2006)
Since the last dolphin show in the UK closed its doors 1993, July 4th has been marked as "World day for captive dolphins". This day is the brainchild of Alan Cooper of Cetacea Defence, and so important is the issue that this has now developed into a full week of activities to highlight the plight of dolphins and whales in captivity - inviting the general public to become involved in campaigns worldwide.
To support the "World week for captive dolphins" please click here

Vote now: Petition to replace Marineland's dolphins, NZ
(Added :- 28 June 2006)
Napier's historic Marineland may yet get another dolphin. More than 13,000 people have signed a petition to parliament that calls on the government to let Marineland replace 36-year-old Shona, who died in April. Her companion Kelly is now performing alone and Marineland says without a second dolphin it won't survive. "Our dolphins are the superstars of Marineland. Could you imagine people lining up to see the Rolling Stones if Mick Jagger wasn't there? They are the Mick Jagger of Marineland, they are the star attractions," says petition organiser Harry Lawson. Hawke's Bay MPs are backing the petition.
To vote and to see the original article please click here
To read more about this and our other campaigns please click here

A new dolphinarium for Germany?
(Added :- 27 June 2006)
The Marine Connection are disappointed to receive information that there is plans to build a new dolphinarium, to be completed in Autumn 2007, on the isle of Rügen, a famous holiday resort in the north of Germany. Major German magazines and newspapers have already reported quite critically about the plans. Besides the "usual" dolphin shows, the company behind the construction project is keen to offer commercial dolphin therapies for disabled children. It has been indicated that six children per day are planned to be treated.
To take action opposing this dolphinarium please click here
For Marine Connection views on dolphin therapy please click here.

Dolphin petition leaves council unmoved
(Added :- 23 June 2006)
A 12,000-signature petition calling for Marineland dolphins to be replaced has left Napier city councillors unmoved. In an speech, petition organiser Clr Harry Lawson yesterday told councillors this was their last chance to give the petition of 12,227 signatures their backing.
More

Questions continue regarding Zoomarine, Rome
(Added :- 23 June 2006)
Since the opening of this facility in September 2005, the Marine Connection has supported the campaign spearheaded by our colleagues at Animalisti Italiani, to investigate why Zoomarine continue to be allowed to operate without a licence and ask for an investigation into rumours of a dolphin death at the facility recently.
More

Susan Sarandon recalls dolphin attack
(Added :- 14 June 2006)
Susan Sarandon was nearly killed when she was attacked by a jealous female dolphin. In the 1970s the star was invited by writer Timothy Leary to interact with dolphins in a San Francisco, California, lab and she struck up a bond with a friendly dolphin called Joe. The Oscar-winning actress was enjoying holding onto Joe's fin when the mammal's jealous mate suddenly lunged, taking a chunk out of her wrist.
For the full article click here

Permit sought to import Arctic cetaceans
(Added :- 9 June 2006)
The charity is disappointed to hear that Sea World Orlando is applying to import three beluga whales from Marineland Canada in Ontario. Beluga whales are a species adapted over many many years to the ice-covered water of the Arctic Ocean. To be subjected to a restrictive, articifial environment where a beluga whale's wide-ranging and specific needs could never be catered for is damaging enough but to transport the large marine mammals, which can grow to five metres long, across countries provokes unnecessary stress and suffering.

Press Release: Coalition oppose Sea Life Centre Plans
(Added :- 8 June 2006)
In light of the recent decision by Brighton and Hove City Council's planning Sub-Committee to grant planning permission to Brighton Sea Life Centre to construct new enclosures for common seals and Asian short-clawed otters, a coalition of concerned organisations is requesting clarification over why animal welfare is not taken into account when planning committees consider structures to accommodate animals.
To read the Press Release and for further information click here

Vancouver Aquarium calf stillborn
(Added :- 8 June 2006)
Hana the dolphin was in labour for more than 10 hours and gave birth to a stillborn calf. She is an 11-year-old Pacific white-sided dolphin who came from Japan last year after being caught in a fishing net. When she came to the Vancouver aquarium she was already pregnant, but staff did not know about her pregnancy until a few months after she arrived.
For more information click here

First Choice Holidays PLC stop promoting Dolphinella
(Added :- 6 June 2006)
The Marine Connection have received excellent news that First Choice Holidays PLC, and their subsidiary companies such as Hayes & Jarvis and Sovereign will no longer be promoting the captive facility Dolphinella, in Sharm El Sheikh. This is a real step forward for First Choice and we applaud them for their decision. Sadly, several other Tour Operators such as Thomson and TUI still continue to sell Dolphinella as an excursion. If you see these companies or any other Tour Operator promoting or selling Dolphinella in Sharm El Sheikh as an excursion, please contact us with full details including any leaflets, video or photographs. Write to our Captivity Officer Andrina Murrell via mail at Marine Connection, PO Box 2404, London W2 3WG or via email here.
For more information on the Tour Operators which continue to promote Dolphinella click here.

Marineland NZ dolphin deaths
(Added :- 6 June 2006)
The widow of a former Marineland manager has broken the silence of almost three decades, claiming two dolphins - casualties of attempts to stock Marineland - are buried in her back garden. She says that up to 80 may have died since Marineland first began keeping dolphins.
For this story and more click here

First swim with captive dolphins' facility opens in Belize
(Added :- 1 June 2006)
The Marine Connection is disappointed to hear of the opening of Belize's new captive dolphin 'swim with' programme. Belize is calling their first swimming with captive dolphin facility a dolphin 'research, education and interaction project'. Four bottlenose dolphins (two male, two female) have been imported from Honduras to Belize where they are to be trained to take part in interaction sessions with the general public.

No public vote on Vancouver Aquarium expansion
(Added :- 31 May 2006)
In 1995, an agreement was put in place to ensure there was a public referendum if the Vancouver Aquarium put forward plans to expand. In addition, last year, a commitment was made to ensure a public referendum in 2008 on the subject of phasing whales and dolphins out of the Aquarium. Just four members of the Vancouver City Parks Board, voted to remove the rights of the Vancouver City public to this decision, and rescinded both referendums. Two members voted against this removal of public referendums.
For the full story click here

British tour operators continue to promote Dolphinella
(Added :- 31 May 2006)
With the exception of Kuoni Ltd., the Marine Connection received a poor response from British Tour Operators in reply to our investigative report into Dolphinella, Sharm El Sheikh. The report highlighted many problems at the facility, potentially jeopardising both the dolphins themselves as well as the human participants. In view of this, the Marine Connection met with the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) to discuss their members' inaction.
To read the full story and contact the Tour Operators click here

Update - Proposed seal and otter enclosure plans approved
(Added :- 18 May 2006)
The proposed plans for common seal and Asian short clawed otter enclosures by the Brighton Sea Life Centre were yesterday (17th May 2006) granted permission at the Council planning meeting. The Chairman maintained that animal welfare must not play a role in the councillors' decisions on planning applications. However, many councillors were still obviously concerned about the animal welfare implications of the plans. The close final vote reflected this - 6 councillors were against the plans and 7 councillors approved the plans. The Marine Connection still whole heartedly believe that these enclosures are unsuitable and will continue to be an active part in the coalition opposing these plans.
For further details and to take action click here

Update on the Risso's dolphin rescued in Spain
(Added :- 17 May 2006)
On 25th April 2006, the Marine Connection reported on the Risso's dolphin which was rescued from a beach in Benidorm and transferred to the Parque Oceanogràfic in Valencia. Sadly, despite being treated for several problems, the dolphin died on May 7th due to "multifunctional failure".
Please click here for more information

Vancouver Aquarium announces dolphin pregnancy
(Added :- 10 May 2006)
It has recently been reported in Canadian newspapers that the dolphin called 'Hana', one of two dolphins which they acquired from Japan 6 months ago, is pregnant. In fact, it turns out that Hana was pregnant even before she left Japan. The fact that Enoshima Aquarium was willing to subject Hana to this journey while pregnant and that Vancouver Aquarium failed to notice her pregnancy until six months later shows gross inefficiency and too much emphasis on profit rather than the animal's well-being. Three orca and two beluga whale calves have died previously at Vancouver Aquarium and the future seems bleak for this calf even if it does survive.
Please click here for more information

Will this be the end of captive dolphins in New Zealand?
(Added :- 8 May 2006)
The Marine Connection recently reported on the death of Shona the dolphin at Marineland in Napier, New Zealand. She left behind her companion, Kelly and at the age of 36, Kelly is not perceived to last much longer. Therefore the decision hangs in the balance to see if New Zealand decides to replace the dolphins. The Marine Connection believes Napier has an excellent opportunity to develop its ethical whale and dolphin watching tourism industry and that replacing these dolphins would serve as a stark contradiction to New Zealand's environmental status. New Zealand has the opportunity to become a "Captive dolphin free zone" and we urge the government to make the right decision.
Help try to make New Zealand a "Captive dolphin free zone" here!

News update - the proposed Phuket Dolphin Centre
(Added :- 2 May 2006)
Following a meeting of potential committee members in Phuket on 29th April, the proposed plan for a dolphin centre in Phuket has been rejected. The Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC) decided it could not be associated with a profit-making venture such as this and there was also a lack of fund-raising committee members. Marine Connection will be following this situation and will report any further information.
For the original article click here

Brighton Sea Life Centre plans common seal enclosure
(Added :- 28 April 2006)
The Sea Life Centre in Brighton has put forward plans to build two new enclosures to accommodate common seals and Asian short-clawed otters. It is proposed that the enclosures should be built on the entrance steps to the Centre's Grade II Listed building. A coalition of concerned animal welfare and conservation charities including the Marine Connection has come together in opposition to the construction of this new exhibit.
For further details and to take action click here

Take Action! Proposed Dolphin Centre, Phuket
(Added :- 27 April 2006)
As previously reported on 19th April 2006, a new dolphinarium has been planned in Phuket, Thailand to promote tourism and provide therapy for ill patients. The Marine Connection have written letters to several Thai newspapers as well as to specific contacts concerned with the development. We will update you as information comes in.
Click here to take action
Read the recent news articles here

Killer whales not faring well in marine parks
(Added :- 27 April 2006)
Sarah, a three year-old female killer whale, died yesterday from illness at Seaworld Kamogawa (Japan). Also, in France, Wiki, a young female killer whale, has been isolated from the other orcas. She suffered from several injuries. She has been bitten by Sharkane, her own mother.

Risso's dolphin 'rescued' from Benidorm and transferred to Valencia marine park
(Added :- 25 April 2006)
A Risso's dolphin was rescued on 18th April 2006 from waters off Cala de Finestrat, taken to Terra Natura wildlife park and transferred to Parque Oceanográfico marine park in Valencia.
More

New dolphin park for Thailand?
(Added :- 19 April 2006)
The Marine Connection is concerned to learn that there are plans being proposed to build a new dolphin park in Thailand. A marine biologist from Denmark, Judith Kongsted, together with Phuket Marine Biological Centre, Director, Wannakiat Thubthimsang, recently proposed to the Phuket Governor, to build a new dolphin park project at Cape Panwa, near the Aquarium, for research on dolphin behaviour, therapy for ill patients and swimming with dolphins for visitors. The dolphins would come from those found stranded on beaches, and willing to interact with humans. Some of the building funds may come from Denmark and donations.
Click to read full article

Shona the dolphin dies at Marineland, New Zealand
(Added :- 19 April 2006)
Marineland is left with just one dolphin since Shona the dolphin died at the age of 36 on 7th April after being ill for seven weeks. The memorial for Shona is to be postponed until her companion in the pool, Kelly, dies. Kelly is currently being kept company by two seals while decisions are made over the future of the park.
More

Calgary Zoo plans an 'Arctic Shores' exhibit, including polar bears and beluga whales
(Added :- 12 April 2006)
Recently Calgary Zoo unveiled its proposals for its expansion. Marine Connection are particularly concerned to learn that the Arctic Shores exhibit will contain beluga whales and polar bears. Proposed to be the size of a football pitch, with 10 million litres of water to a depth of 10 metres, the Arctic Shores exhibit could never hope to match the niche requirements of these animals.
More

Orcas in Japan at risk from being captured for aquariums
(Added :- 12 April 2006)
Dolphins are still being rounded up with nets into shallow coves where the 'best' ones are picked out for aquariums and the others are slaughtered, if they have not already died from the stress. Orders from aquariums' have already been taken. However, it now appears that there are orcas in Japan's coastal waters which may also be at risk of being caught for the aquarium trade.
More

Mexico authorise dolphin exports
(Added :- 7 April 2006)
A while ago, Marine Connection reported on the success that Mexican authorities have decided to approve new legislation banning the import and export of marine mammals (and primates) unless for scientific purposes. Unfortunately, the day previous to the approval of the legislation (25th January 2006) Mexico authorised the export of 30 dolphins to several different places - Cayman Islands, Jamaica and St. Maarten, British Virgin Isles and Uruguay.
More

Dolphins captured from Taiji hunts to be exported
(Added :- 6 April 2006)
Plans are afoot to export eight female bottlenose dolphins captured during the traumatic Taiji dolphin drive hunts in Japan to an aquarium in Dalian, China.
More

Children jet off for dolphin therapy
(Added :- 6 March 2006)
After two years of fundraising activities, four special needs children fly off to Florida to participate in a dolphin therapy programme, but at what cost?
Read full report
Read Marine Connection letter to the Editor

Planning given go ahead in Cayman Islands
(Added :- 2 March 2006)
Planning permission has been granted for the construction of two separate dolphin entertainment facilities in West Bay, however the parks need to fulfil other requirements in order to be permitted to open for business. Therefore, the Marine Connection will continue to support the ongoing campaign in an effort to stop these facilities being opened.
Read full report

Who cares about Dolphinella's dolphins?
(Added :- 1 March 2006)
Following the Marine Connections recent inspection of Dolphinella and subsequent report raising our concerns over conditions for the animals at the facility, we have yet to receive any feedback from the majority of tour operators contacted or CITES in Cairo, despite constant requests.
More

Help keep the Caymans 'captive dolphin free'
(Added :- 1 March 2006)
The Marine Connection have been staunch supporters of this campaign since March 2005 when Dolphin Discovery were granted a licence to import 8 dolphins for a new facility in West Bay. The Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA) are have surveyed their members to assess whether or not they feel captive dolphins should be allowed on the Caymans, the findings from this survey will then be discussed before the CITA state their position on the issue to the Government. However, CaymanNet are inviting comments on the issue, so please take a moment to add your voice to support the campaign to ensure the Cayman Islands remains a 'captive dolphin free zone'.
Read background article and add your comment
Read Marine Connection comments

Fears grow for Lolita
(Added :- 28 February 2006)
Information received from contacts inside the Miami Seaquarium and colleagues in Miami have confirmed rumours that after 35 years in captivity, the health of Lolita the killer whale is deteriorating rapidly.
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Emirates plan another captive dolphin facility
(Added :- 28 February 2006)
A second emirate, Ras Al Khaimah, has given the go-ahead to the construction of a dolphin complex in Al Hamra village will begin in October this year at a cost of dhs11million. The 5,000-seater stadium will be part of an amusement park and will house 5 dolphins, which means that by the end of 2007 the UAE will have two facilities within 95km of each other when other countries such as Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico and the Solomon Islands are closing down this type of facility

Manatees planned for Edinburgh Zoo expansion
(Added :- 27 February 2006)
The Marine Connection has joined a coalition of animal welfare organisations to voice our concern at Edinburgh Zoo's decision to exhibit species such as the West Indian Manatee (Trichenchus manatus) as part of their £58million expansion programme.
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AeroDream - not a dream for some
(Added :- 27 February 2006)
The Marine Connection were recently alerted to plans being put forward by a French consortium to Montreal International Airport for a theme park housing an aquarium at the Mirabel terminal.
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Reports of dolphins starving in Solomon Islands
(Added :- 21 February 2006)
The operator of a controversial dolphin park in the Solomon Islands has rejected claims that his animals are starving and dehydrated. Canadian Chris Porter, who runs the park on Gavetu Island, said a recent cyclone that hit the Solomons had reduced fish supplies for his dolphins but things were now back to normal and they were in professional care.
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Indo-Pacific humpback (pink) dolphin released
(Added :- 13 February 2006)
The Marine Connection were delighted to receive news from our colleagues in Thailand regarding the wild caught Indo-Pacific humpback (pink) dolphin that was kept in a small swimming pool for over three months at a resort on the island of Samui in Southern Thailand had been successfully released back into the Gulf of Thailand on the morning of Saturday February 11.
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Whales' health gives concern
(Added :- 9 February 2006)
The health of two beluga whales at the New Georgia Aquarium continues to worry staff.
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Mexico ban dolphin trade for display/commercial use
(Added :- 2 February 2006)
On 26 January 2006, the Mexican Government approved new legislation banning import/export of marine mammals (and primates) unless for scientific purposes.
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Dolphin calf dies
(Added :- 24 January 2006)
Harley, the Minnesota Zoo's newest dolphin, has died after jumping out of his pool and fracturing his head on the concrete deck.
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Swim programme attack to be made into a tv movie
(Added :- 20 January 2006)
The story of four women involved in an attack by a dolphin during a 'swim with dolphins' session at a facility in Mexico is to be made into a movie for tv.
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Kuoni say NO to Dolphinella
(Added :- 16 January 2006)
The Marine Connection have been busy researching into which holiday and tour companies are offering excursions to Dolphinella. At the beginning of January the charity contacted companies concerned giving them a copy of our inspection report conducted during a recent visit to Dolphinella. The companies were given until the end of January to respond to our request, and cease promoting Dolphinella. Kuoni Travel have been the first to reply stating "We have made it very clear to our agents that we do not want this excursion offered to our clients". This is fantastic news for the charity, and we applaud Kuoni on this decision and quick response. It is good to see a company putting animal welfare ahead of profit; it is a shame that other tour companies do not have the same level of commitment to this cause. I hope that our supporters will remember Kuoni's stance when it comes to booking their holidays and support an ethical travel company.

Lastminute.com drop Dolphinella promotion
(Added :- 16 January 2006)
Following the Marine Connection's correspondence with Lastminute.com and Mosaic holidays on Friday 13 January regarding their promotion offering a free excursion to Dolphinella, we were delighted to learn today that they have now withdrawn it. If only every tour company would respond and act so promptly and positively, we could see an end to these facilities. The charity has contacted the company thanking them for their decision.

Goodbye to Kandu
(Added :- 13 January 2006)
Today the Marine Connection learnt of the death of Kandu, the Orca that has been in captivity at Marineland, Canada since the mid 1980s. Kandu died on 21 December, but so far no report has been issued on the cause of death.
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Lastminute.com & Mosaic Holidays promote Dolphinella
(Added :- 13 January 2006)
Today, the Marine Connection discovered that lastminute.com are offering free excursions to a dolphin swim programme in Sharm El Sheikh.
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Another sub standard dolphin facility in Sharm El Sheikh
(Added :- 11 January 2006)
During a visit to Sharm El Sheikh in December 2005, Marine Connection Captivity Officer Allan Whaley discovered that another captive dolphin facility was due to open in Sharm El Sheikh within a couple of weeks.
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Dolphins arrive in the Bahamas
(Added :- 11 January 2006)
16 of the 17 dolphins that were left homeless after Hurricane Katrina have now been moved to the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas.
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