Urge Atlanta Pride to Skip Party at Georgia Aquarium

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BACKGROUND

Atlanta Pride came under fire from “out” PETA Senior Vice President Dan Mathews last year when the event’s kickoff party was held at the Georgia Aquarium and featured blaring music throughout the night—even though several species at the aquarium are extremely sensitive to sound. Despite hearing from PETA and others, Atlanta Pride organizers have not been responsive and have again booked the aquarium for this year’s kickoff party. That’s why animal advocate Jane Lynch recently reached out to Pride organizers in hopes that they would consider a different place for their party.

Like many marine animals, dolphins and beluga whales are guided by an intricate sonar system, which is thwarted in the small tanks at the Georgia Aquarium. Excessive outside noise only adds to the animals’ distress, causing them to become fearful and aggressive. Fortunately, one major facility now under construction—Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto—has just stated that it will not exhibit sound-sensitive marine mammals at all.

Please use this brand-new example in appealing to Atlanta Pride Managing Director Buck Cooke today to urge him to switch the event’s kickoff party to a more humane venue. It’s not like Atlanta is hurting for party places.


WHOM TO CONTACT

Atlanta Pride Committee, Inc.
1530 DeKalb Ave NE, Suite A
Atlanta, Georgia 30307
Office: (404) 382-7588
Fax: (866) 766-9104

Click HERE for free faxing from your computer.  No fax machine, credit card, or registering required. Please be certain to confirm you message by clicking on the link sent to your email address or else your fax will not be sent


SAMPLE COMMENT

I am writing to ask that you seriously consider moving the Atlanta Pride kickoff party from the Georgia Aquarium to a new venue–one that does not promote animal suffering. Many animals at the aquarium are sensitive to sound and guided by an intricate sonar system that is thwarted by thumping music. Loud music causes constant vibrations off the tank walls, which is maddening for the animals. Some animals have even become aggressive during these parties, attacking one another in their tanks out of frustration. Marine mammals’ extreme sensitivity to sound is one reason why newer aquariums–such as Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto, which is currently under construction–have stated that they will not exhibit whales or dolphins.

Holding the kickoff party at a venue that profits from animal suffering is not consistent with the compassionate spirit of Atlanta Pride. Please consider switching to a more humane venue.

Thank you for your consideration.

imagine that you were in
those prison tanks
noise around you, dark and dank,
people milling,
a thought too chilling.
so move this misery,
please be willing

Karen Lyons Kalmenson