Dolphins get stressed at noisy marine parks

Jennifer Lee my paper AsiaOne 23 Nov 11;

A DOLPHIN at a marine park in Switzerland died recently, after a rave party was held near an amusement park which houses the dolphinarium.

It was reported that conservationists said the animal's immune system might have been damaged by loud music from the 16-hour party.

Dolphins are highly sensitive to noise, and this incident calls to mind Resorts World Sentosa's decision to showcase 25 wild dolphins at its upcoming Marine Life Park.

Can the integrated resort be able to guarantee that noise levels at the marine park and surrounding attractions will be minimal? Can dolphin shows be held without loud background music and cheers from the audience? Such noise will cause great stress to the dolphins.

The resort has assured the public that the park meets Cites (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) standards. It can provide better assurances by opening the Subic Bay facility, where the dolphins are housed currently, for visits.

Marine parks can be educational and contribute to marine-life conservation efforts, but achieving this goal is possible without putting dolphins on show.