Best place to learn from dolphins? In the wild

Letter from Marilyn Cromack Today Online 9 Jan 11;

I refer to the letters from Kirst Boo, VP for Communications Resort World Sentosa, and Carrie Kwik of Singapore Tourism Board, published on Jan 8-9. While I respect their vision on putting the Marine Life Park (MLP) in the world map as as leader in marine research, conservation and education, I would like to speak on behalf of the freedom-loving dolphins, especially those in captivity.

I have been involved in marine wildlife protection for so many years, it was a great pleasure to interact and study these magnificent mammals in the wild. It is a fact that marine mammals face many difficulties and dangers in the wild, but this simply does not justify keeping them in a sterile, captive environment and placed in tanks containing chemically treated artificial water and used for entertainment.

Dolphins are highly sociable animals who love to interact with humans. And the best place to learn and enjoy them is in their natural environment.

In any dolphin show, they are subjected to loud music, excited crowds of peopleand artificial light. These are some of the reasons why dolphins in captivity are facing the stress of capture, captivity and early death.

Dolphin loves freedom. No argument can rationalise the forced confinement of these highly intelligent creatures. I believe it is wrong to remove these beautiful marine animals from their natural environment and exploit them for commercial purposes. Dolphins and whales in captivity is not about education or conservation, it is about one thing - profit.

If RWS can reverse their decision on keeping whale sharks, I believe they can do it as well for the dolphins. Let us teach our young generation the true meaning of freedom and let the dolphins be where they should be - with their family and in their own home, the ocean.

See also ACRES responses on their facebook page

• Letter to TODAY Forum: Put yourselves in the shoes of the dolphins, 10 Jan 11
  
• Letter to ST Forum: Obtain further scientific advice before allowing import of dolphins 4 Jan 11