PHUKET: Five dolphins and two seals have already been flown in and are on Phuket being trained in readiness for the opening of the much-criticised Dolphinarium, officials confirmed today.
''The dolphins and seals were flown to Phuket and arrived on October 7,'' said Pisanu Na Anan, of the Phuket Fisheries Department.
''They are due to be inspected by marine veterinarians and then, once that paperwork is complete, the performances can begin.''
The Russian operators of the Dolphinarium have overcome all obstacles to the venue but not been able to counter local criticism over the keeping of dolphins in captivity.
A large group among the expat residents of the island, local schools and universities and wildlife advocates throughout Thailand have voiced opposition to holding dolphins in pools for entertainment.
The dolphins and seals are believed to have already been trained in the Ukraine, where the Russian business operators already have a venue.
Although dolphins are still performing at theme parks all over the world, audiences are reported to be falling.
Audiences at circuses disappeared once people realised the cruelty of constant confinement for creatures used to roaming free. Even zoos these days have to emphasise their work in preserving species to attract visitors.
Most of the protesters over the Phuket Dolphinarium have made the point that it's difficult to imagine dolphins being well looked after in small pools. The doors of the Dolphinarium have so far been closed to the island media.
Chinese are expected to make up the audiences on Phuket, despite the opposition of local and national tourism-related organisations to the importation of the dolphins.
Phuket has a long tradition of appreciating dolphins, with Loma Park in Patong named in their honor and a large statue at a landmark roundabout erected recently that represents dolphins jumping.
''The dolphins and seals were flown to Phuket and arrived on October 7,'' said Pisanu Na Anan, of the Phuket Fisheries Department.
''They are due to be inspected by marine veterinarians and then, once that paperwork is complete, the performances can begin.''
The Russian operators of the Dolphinarium have overcome all obstacles to the venue but not been able to counter local criticism over the keeping of dolphins in captivity.
A large group among the expat residents of the island, local schools and universities and wildlife advocates throughout Thailand have voiced opposition to holding dolphins in pools for entertainment.
The dolphins and seals are believed to have already been trained in the Ukraine, where the Russian business operators already have a venue.
Although dolphins are still performing at theme parks all over the world, audiences are reported to be falling.
Audiences at circuses disappeared once people realised the cruelty of constant confinement for creatures used to roaming free. Even zoos these days have to emphasise their work in preserving species to attract visitors.
Most of the protesters over the Phuket Dolphinarium have made the point that it's difficult to imagine dolphins being well looked after in small pools. The doors of the Dolphinarium have so far been closed to the island media.
Chinese are expected to make up the audiences on Phuket, despite the opposition of local and national tourism-related organisations to the importation of the dolphins.
Phuket has a long tradition of appreciating dolphins, with Loma Park in Patong named in their honor and a large statue at a landmark roundabout erected recently that represents dolphins jumping.
Those to blame are Phuket authorities for granted this circus to open. Money talked again! Personally I will never set a foot there and will advise my entourage to boycott.
Posted by jean-paul patrick on October 19, 2015 10:57