Renewed dolphinarium proposals for Panama

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.

In January 2006, a request had been put forward from Ocean Embassy Panama Inc. (OEP), to capture 80 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). We were all delighted when the Panamanian Government took the forward-thinking and responsible decision not to issue the Permit. Click here to see the Marine Connection letter sent in January.

However, six months later, in July 2006 it now appears that OEP are again proposing to construct a dolphinarium incorporating a dolphin therapy programme in Panama either through the wild capture of animals or if this is denied by importing dolphins. OEP has again applied for a permit to capture at least 80 dolphins but this time under the guise of a scientific (health assessment) permit. OEP's use of the word "scientific" simply provides a convenient camouflage for the truth and despite this masquerade the situation remains the same as when OEP requested the Permit previously in 2006

Similarly the creation of a dolphin therapy programme is being put forward as justification for the dolphinarium but the Marine Connection feels that this unproven method of "therapy" can be exploitative both to the dolphins and the vulnerable people it targets.

For Marine Connection views on dolphin therapy please click here.

Take Action

Please write a polite letter to the following people opposing the development of this facility and any captures/imports that may be undertaken to fill the dolphinarium.

To see the Marine Connection letter, please click here.

President Torrijos
Presidency of the Republic,
Panama 1,
Republic of Panama

Dr. Janzel Villalaz
Autoridad Cientifica ante CITES
Autoridad Nacional del Ambiente
Apartado 2016
Paraiso Ancon
Panama
Email

Licda. Aleida Salazar
Directora Nacional de Áreas Protegidas y Vida Silvestre
Autoridad Nacional del Ambiente (ANAM)
Apartado 08 43 zona C
BALBOA
Ancón
Panama
Email