Straits Times 4 Jun 11;
IN RESPONSE to a Sunday Times article last week (May 29), Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) sent in a reply to The Straits Times Forum 'expressing its commitment to animal welfare.'
The article in question was an appeal from animal activist Ric O'Barry, better known for his documentary The Cove which exposed the dolphin trade in Japan. Mr O'Barry had asked that the dolphins be released into the wild and offered his services in ensuring a smooth transition back to their natural habitat.
The email defended RWS' decision to showcase the remaining 25 wild-caught dolphins as one of the attractions at its Marine Life Park slated to open by end 2011, following the deaths of two dolphins last year.
'Established parks are an important generator of long-term, structured and sustained efforts to advance marine mammal science, which range from field research and water quality studies, to reproduction and physiology, as well as rescue rehabilitation. The Marine Life Park is designed to exceed international standards for animal care and welfare, and is working towards international accreditation in those areas,' wrote Ms Krist Boo, RWS's head of communications.
On the two dolphins bought by RWS that died in Langkawi last October from a bacterial infection Ms Boo said that RWS does not 'take death, or even illnesses, of our animals lightly.'
'We were deeply saddened by the loss of two dolphins to a water and air-borne bacterial infection last year. No medical expense or effort was spared but we could not save them,' added Ms Boo.
For more on the issue see ACRES "Save the World's Saddest Dolphins" facebook page
