Dolphinarium opening sparks protest in Armenia

Yahoo News 24 Dec 10;

YEREVAN (AFP) – Environmentalists on Friday staged a protest against alleged cruelty to animals as Armenia's first dolphinarium opened in the capital.

Protesters representing an alliance of 50 Armenian environmental groups and animal-welfare organisations gathered outside the new dolphinarium in Yerevan's Komitas Park holding placards that read: "Don't use dolphins for entertainment!"

The campaigners believe that keeping dolphins in confined spaces is cruel and could cause them to become psychologically disturbed.

They also argue that the climate in Yerevan -- where winter temperatures can plunge to minus 10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit) -- is not suitable.

"Summer is too dry and winter is too severe, which is harmful for dolphins and other sea mammals," said Ruben Khachatrian, director of the Fund for Wildlife Protection.

But the Ukrainian company that built the new tourist attraction -- home to four dolphins and two fur seals -- has said that suitable conditions will be guaranteed and a glass dome will ensure protection from bad weather.

"I don't understand this protest -- we are giving children an opportunity to interact with these beautiful animals," said dolphin trainer Dmitry Uryvsky.