Possible closure of Manati Park dolphin facility, Dominican Republic

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.

he association said that, should the park be shut down, tourism in the zone would be adversely affected, in addition to the loss of hundreds of job posts.

Ernesto Veloz, president of the entity, in a letter addressed to Environment minister Max Puig, went on to considered that banning import of the delphins is synonymous to closing the park down.

"I want to make you aware of this Association's concern for the decision that officials under your office have made to close the Manati Action Park, only five weeks after receiving your definitive environmental permit," reads the letter.

He mentioned that the import of delphins from Cuba is carried out in
compliance of international norms.

Source: Dominican Today, 1 September 2006

Take action

Please write a polite letter to Mr Max Puig, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources for the Dominican Republic, stating that you support his decision not to allow the import of dolphins to Manati Park. Please also urge the Minister to consider a ban on the capture, trade and display of dolphins.

Email the Minister here