Cruel Caribbean Dolphin Display Must Close

Wikimedia Commons

BACKGROUND

Although the Caribbean island of Anguilla is only 16 miles long and 3 miles wide, it’s a popular destination for many cruise liners. An outfit called Dolphin Discovery, which has a controversial history on the island and which was reportedly once ordered to close after a lengthy court battle, was given approval to reopen for business in July. The dolphins used at Dolphin Discovery are held in a cramped sea pen, where they’re forced to give rides to and interact with tourists. The pen is located near a dock that dozens of ferries travel back and forth past every day, subjecting the dolphins to engine noise and pollutants. The area is also prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, from which the confined dolphins have little protection.

In the quest to make as much money as possible, such facilities operate almost continuously, giving the animals little respite from a stream of tourists and cruise passengers. Debris and trash left in or near these pens, such as plastic bags, coins, and brochures, can be ingested by the animals, causing acute gastrointestinal problems.

Dolphins have rich social lives and brains that are as complex as our own, and they enjoy close, cooperative, and long-standing relationships. They swim together in family pods and can cover up to 100 miles a day. Just like us, dolphins have distinct personalities and can think about the future. These self-aware animals recognize themselves and have been seen closely examining themselves in mirrors.

Although captive dolphins in the United States are afforded some legal protection, dolphin displays in the Caribbean are governed by few, if any, protective regulations.

You Can Help: Please ask Anguilla Deputy Gov. Stanley Reid to close Dolphin Discovery once and for all.


WHOM TO CONTACT

Please click HERE for online webform using the below suggested talking points


SAMPLE TALKING POINTS

Ministry/Department Visited:
Anguilla Deputy Gov. Stanley Reid

What happened to cause you to be dissatisfied?
An outfit called Dolphin Discovery, which has a controversial history on the island and which was reportedly once ordered to close after a lengthy court battle, was given approval to reopen for business in July. The dolphins used at Dolphin Discovery are held in a cramped sea pen, where they’re forced to give rides to and interact with tourists.

What were your expectations?
I am writing to express my disappointment that Dolphin Discovery was given approval to reopen, and I am asking for your intervention to shut down this operation once and for all. Compassionate people and governments around the world are condemning the exploitation of marine life for “entertainment.” Keeping dolphins in a cramped pen is no way to attract visitors to the island–and will assuredly keep many away. Travelers do have a choice, and those who care about dolphins will choose elsewhere.

in freedom

In freedom
My eyes reflect the blue of the sea
When they are in freedom, naturally
I can jump up so high
Chase and play

Catch my food
This is the dolphin way
But when in a small space
Entrapped and alone
Or even with others
All I can do is moan
The blue sea reflection
Flickers then dies
Lost in man’s deception
Why bother to try

Karen Lyons Kalmenson