Dolphins, Seals Perform on Phuket
By Alan Morison Friday, October 30, 2015
PHUKET: The soft opening of the controversial Dolphinarium is scheduled for tomorrow on Phuket. Opposition to the venue, which plans to stage dolphin and seal shows, appears to have disappeared.
Phuketwan has sought comments from several sources among groups and individuals who initially opposed the project. So far we have found no Dolphinarium opponents who still wish to speak on the record about their viewpoint.
As a legally approved business, the Dolphinarium operators have won the face-off with protesters - mostly Phuket expats and Thai students - who did not want the venue to open.
The treatment of captive animals touches a nerve with Westerners, where the trend over the past 20 to 30 years has been to treat animals almost as the equal of human beings in terms of rights.
The phrase 'Animal Liberation' was first used more than 40 years ago by an Australian philosopher, Peter Singer, and in the decades since then, any number of films where animals talk, dance and sing have led a generation to believe, rightly or wrongly, that all other animals are similar to humans and do have rights.
However, in many parts of the globe, the views of Peter Singer and Walt Disney have yet to penetrate. China and Russia are two of those places.
Snake shows, elephant rides and photo touts with gibbons and iguanas have long been a feature of Phuket tourism. In recent years, the menagerie of tourist attractions has expanded to include tigers, and from tomorrow, dolphins and seals.
Where some people see entertainment, others see cruelty.
Yet hundreds of thousands of less fortunate animals are still slaughtered for food around the world on a daily basis, with only vegetarians being honest in their reaction to the slaughter.
And as long as people are unwilling to stand up publicly for their principles, preferring instead anonymity and attempts at herding others to the frontline, nothing will change.
There is no doubt that animals in the wild seem more content but as long as the Earth's population of humans grows, then the future of all other animals depends on the human outlook.
Agreement about treatment of other animals seems as unlikely today as ever.
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Comments
Comments have been disabled for this article.
I strongly oppose this dolphinarium opening. I hear that some dolphins used have come from the cruel Taiji, Japan dolphin drive where many dolphins families are destroyed for captivity and slaughter. It is wrong to display such intelligent, social and sentient beings. This is all about money, not education. They should hang their heads in shame for the suffering of these majestic beings. Don't go to a dolphin show or swim with program!
Posted by
Paige Nelson
on
October 30, 2015 22:42
Editor Comment:
Any link with Taiji has been denied.
Your a disgrace!!! You know the killing that goes on behind those captured for money and entertainment a wild dolphin is exactly that and not a performing circus animal for human greed!! Shame on you!! KARMA!!!!
Posted by
Karen Stonehouse
on
October 30, 2015 22:53
It is a shame that this dolphinarium has chosen to open at a time when many people worldwide are becoming increasingly aware of the cruelty inherent with the captivity of cetaceans. This business will fail along with sll others still clinging to this outdated business model. Entertainment should not include the suffering of another being.
Posted by
A Walsh
on
October 30, 2015 22:57
This literally breaks my heart. To think that more animals will have to live under these conditions makes me both angry and sad.
What gives us the right to take away the inherent rights and freedoms of wild and free animals by stealing them from their natural habitat and then going on to break their spirits so they can be trained to perform for our entertainment. Institutions like this are nothing more than prisons for profits and everyone from the person buying a ticket for admission to every shareholder in the company are complicit in crimes against nature. You should all be ashamed of yourselves. We should me evolving along with science which has proven that sentient animals belong in the wild not performing like circus clowns for dead fish living in a tiny single room for its entire existence. Please visit DolphinProject.net to learn more about why this is so wrong and what you can do to help end this. I hope this place fails miserably.
Posted by
Cheryl Ann
on
October 30, 2015 22:57
Captivity kills. Tearing families of Dolphins and Whales apart is a cruelty beyond imagination. All for entertainment!!! Captivity is something that should not be supported under any circumstances. DO NOT BUY TICKETS TO AQUARIUMS!!!
Posted by
Louise Croukamp
on
October 30, 2015 23:00
Opposition, I can guarantee you, has not disappeared. Naturally, if you idiots are soliciting opposition from other prison, i.e. Dolphinariums, no one will oppose since you're all delusional and think that making money from torturing sentient beings, animals that are clearly smarter than you, is okay. I truly hope you meet your fate sooner than later, incredible how small minded your kind is.
Posted by
Bettina Hansen
on
October 30, 2015 23:01
Editor Comment:
Sorry? That seems a bit extreme, Bettina.
Dolphins and seals are highly intelligent cetaceans . They are not meant for humans to exploit for pure greed. These kind loving cetaceans have proven to be highly effective in improving the conditions of mentally challenged persons. Why don't you try doing that instead? It is tragic that dolphins and seals are being robbed and kidnapped from their home, the ocean, only to be condemned to a lifetime of captivity, performing tricks for dead fishes, all for the profit of greedy men.
Posted by
neko
on
October 30, 2015 23:04
Have you tried the facebook group "Phuket says no to dolphin shows"
Still seems to have active posts on there.
This whole thing is a terrible shame and another backwards step for Phuket. I feel so sad for the poor animals that they have caught for these shows.
Posted by
Discover Thainess
on
October 30, 2015 23:05
Editor Comment:
Active posts serve little purpose, DT. Protesters preaching to each other.
The reason why they use these intelligent social animals for entertainment is because of their intelligence. Does this make it right? They were captured in a brutal dolphin drive where their families were murdered right before their eyes. They feel pain physically and emotionally. I am in total opposition to any animal used as a slave in any show that was attained has basically.
Posted by
Deborah Ahern
on
October 30, 2015 23:20
Editor Comment:
There is no proof as yet of any connection to capture of these dolphins in the wild.
Captivity is wrong #EmptyTheTanks !!!
Posted by
Linda McGee
on
October 30, 2015 23:33
Editor Comment:
Then the dolphins would surely die, Linda.
Me, my family and friends are do not agree with wild animals in captivity! !!!
Dolphins , whales , seals DO NOT BELONG IN POOLS !!!!! It is like a bathtub for them. We want ALL Delphinariums to be closed , all over the world .India , Finnland or Holland are good examples. They do not hold wild animals in captivity any more . Shame on Phuket !!!
Posted by
Heidi Christina M??ller
on
October 30, 2015 23:33
There is nothing right about using marine mammals for human entertainment. It is cruel, abusive and inhumane. Please do not go to this new marine mammal show... do not go...
Posted by
Anita
on
October 30, 2015 23:38
What a tragedy to see this prison opening tomorrow. Captivity kills dolphins... period, without the demand there would be no dolphin drives, they simply wouldn't be sustainable. Public paying for a ticket to a dolphin show keep this vile and horrific, sordid practice alive and should hang their head in shame.
Posted by
Joanna Wild
on
October 30, 2015 23:46
Please do end these exploitation practices by using any kind of animal.
Greed looks bad on ppl especially when animals are the victims by abusing/using them.
Posted by
c.m.e.charles-van groning
on
October 30, 2015 23:49
Why are you enslaving these beautiful animals!! Captivity kills and is not natural! Close ALL Aquariums!
Posted by
Bronwyn
on
October 30, 2015 23:52
We are living in the 21st Century . Or are we ? There is plenty of scientific research to verify the facts that keeping cetaceans in captivity is inhumane and abusive. These are sentient beings that are self aware, communicate with each other and live their whole lives in family pods. Use commonsense and think of an animal born into the vastness of the ocean being held captive in a swimming pool being fed dead fish to perform to survive? This is so wrong and cannot be justified for human greed ! $$$$
Posted by
Heather Wesling
on
October 31, 2015 00:02
This form of entertainment is vile and should be banned worldwide. Shame on Phuket, you ar a disgrace!
Posted by
Anonymous
on
October 31, 2015 00:10
This is a sad display of what these magnificent animals REALLY are! They DO NOT belong in captivity and SHOULD NOT be in small barren tanks! They deserve their freedom!!!!
Posted by
Rachel May
on
October 31, 2015 00:11
Animals are not ours to eat; not ours for entertainment. With dolphins they carry out the most cruel slaughter at Taiji cove, Japan. Very sadistic & for money, too, to sell to these aquariums. Dolphins are sentient being, being very 'family-orientated' - torn from families, see them being killed, swimming in their blood!! Babies are sometimes dumped at sea.. with little hope of survival - exhausted, traumatised.
Posted by
Anonymous
on
October 31, 2015 00:47
Editor Comment:
There is no proven link between the Phuket dolphins and Taiji.
Letting animals preform tricks for human entertainement is animalslavery. And slavery is wrong in any form.. wether it is for animals or humans. We stand against humanslaverny all over the world for centurys now, so why should we accept slaverny for animals? What are you gone say to your children and grandchildren? That you were apart of animalcruelty and agreed to abuse lots and lots of animals like intelligent dolphins for $$$... That love, feelings, empathy, selfawarness etc.. didnot care cause it was a dolphin? If it were your child would you act the same than? Would you pay money to see your grandchild doing tricks for a dead fish with all kinds of meds in it? Humans or animals...both are living beings and both should be treated with the same respect !!! #emptythetanks #captivitykills.
Posted by
lizettemaas@msn.com
on
October 31, 2015 00:59
This exploitation needs to stop immediately. These beautifully sentient beings were never meant to be put on display and abused.
Posted by
Anonymous
on
October 31, 2015 01:19
I am sadden to hear this news. I do not believe in captivity; taking animals away from their families & out of their natural habitat for human entertainment is a demonstration of ignorance & cruelty. You cannot duplicate life in an ocean to a swimming pool. Animals are nothing but distressed & depressed in these situations. Does nothing for education, conversation or any good for these poor animals
Posted by
Karen armlin
on
October 31, 2015 01:34
The world is watching you Phuket Dolphinarium...treat those dolphins very very well.
Posted by
Prairie
on
October 31, 2015 04:29
I'll never buy a ticket to your aquarium, and I'm boycotting your area. Opponents of the animal slave trade have never gone silent. Shame on you for imprisoning the animals and denying them their birthright to be free, healthy, happy, with their families. Additionally, it wasn't an intelligent financial decision to open your aquarium... SeaWorld is failing, and so will the rest of the captivity industry. Re-locate all the animals to appropriate sanctuaries now.
Posted by
Bec Massell
on
October 31, 2015 04:31
Captivity equals death for Dolphins and Whales. They swim up to 100 miles a day and putting them in a concrete enclosure is the worst type of cruelty. No more Dolphinariums!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by
Vicki Kunkel
on
October 31, 2015 04:41
These beautiful creatures are not on earth to entertain us and very doubtful that these dolphins are not captured in Taiji, either way the sad fact is these dolphins will now have a miserable existence fed only if the perform in a pool which compared to the ocean they would have if they were free is like a tear drop very sad captivity needs to stop as captivity leads to the blood red cove at Taiji... Captivity Kills
Posted by
Virginia Jacques
on
October 31, 2015 05:58
Nothing has given us the right to enslave any animal for any reason, and particularly for our entainment and the monetary gain that we derive from their suffering. I strongly oppose and will continue to protest the opening of yet another chamber of horrors for these highly intelligent beings that have evolved far beyond our ability to comprehend their existence on this planet. Our loss.
Posted by
Sharon Duffy
on
October 31, 2015 06:28
shhessh I have listened to your drivel long enough. I read your e-paper for news, not your backward thinking thoughts and opinions. I presume you went to the same journalism school as Murdoch and the Fox News journalists (there is only one viewpoint we agree with so we will ignore all others).
I can tell you opposition is active, they are actively asking local businesses not to support this. It is widely acknowledged that the capture of these animals is barbaric (yes it is easy to get papers that say otherwise - let's not be naive) and many dolphinariums around the world are closing as the public realises that these practices are cruel and serve no basis in education children about our environment.
I really hope you sell this paper soon, as I would like news not your puffed up opinions.
Posted by
Mellisa
on
October 31, 2015 08:02
Editor Comment:
The protesters won last year's Phuketwan Award for Environmental Excellence, Mellisa. Then they stopped doing anything.
Silent? Under what rock do you live? This is one of the most biased pieces of "journalism" I have read. The opening of this Dolphinarium is a disgrace. The practice of keeping animals for entertainment is a practice that is not necessary and is completely barbaric. Get with the times Phuket Wan !!
Posted by
Sharyn TAylor
on
October 31, 2015 08:14
Editor Comment:
We are not in favor of the dolphinarium but the protesters have done little to support their viewpoint, Sharyn. It's a poorly run campaign with a loss as the result. Posting here or on Facebook is a waste of time.
Originally when we broke this story you claimed that there was no proof of the dolphins coming from Taiji. I then provided the Phuket media with the CITES documents that clearly stated that some of them originated from Japan where they were wild caught (Taiji). Time has passed and there is a possibility that under advisement from the Thai authorities Nemo maybe decided to ship non Japanese caught dolphins. So now let's see the CITES documents, if they're not from Japan then I can't see why they'd want to be so secretive? However this does not change the fact that any dolphin imprisoned in captivity for our entertainment in the 21st is just wrong, only difference is if they came from Taiji you can rest assured their family members were brutally slaughtered as well.
Posted by
Gary Stokes
on
October 31, 2015 08:31
Editor Comment:
There is no proof so far that the dolphins now on Phuket are from Taiji. If they were, what do you expect to happen, Gary? It's a failed campaign.
Many have been publicly opposing Nemo Phuket for a long time, out loud & with facts. The Phuket local government may deny a tie to Taiji but it is well known & documented. Since no links are allowed here, I cannot verify that, but it is a very easy trail to follow if you wish to speak the truth. Dolphins in captivity live shortened lives, have a host of mental & physical problems caused by captivity but you know that already. Just wondering, do you pull the teeth out like they do in Bali? DONT BUY A TICKET!
Posted by
anonhumanperson
on
October 31, 2015 08:36
The link to Taiji may be denied, but the link was confirmed by the Asia Director of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and published in the Phuket Gazette on September 12, 2014. Regardless of whether or not the confirmation is accepted or denied, these creatures do not belong in captivity and the suffering must end.
Posted by
Diana Ramirez
on
October 31, 2015 08:46
Editor Comment:
Good luck with that, Diana.
Thirty years ago, nobody from Western countries would have raised an eye-brow about a show using captive dolphins. Attitudes change and the Western countries have become more enlightened.
Russia and China, the citizens of which this dolphinarium will predominantly cater for are not quite so enlightened as are the Thais, themselves.
Is it right to impose our Western values on peoples that don't share them? Who haven't had the length of time in a free society to fully develop an ethical attitude towards captive animals?
I'm sure, given a few more decades, attitudes will change for the better in Russia and China, but, in the meantime, I'm sure this business will see huge success as part of the mass-tour market.
Posted by
Sir Burr
on
October 31, 2015 09:45
Disgusted with this article, opposition to this disgraceful dolphinarium has certainty not gone silent. We will never be silent and having imported dolphins that originated from the horror of Taiji means you will be targeted forevermore!
Posted by
linda Lawson
on
October 31, 2015 09:45
Editor Comment:
Please tell me what parts of the article disgust you, linda. The point is that the campaign failed through lack of serious activism. Please tell me what you've done, Linda, apart from get angry at the wrong people. If I am to be targetted, that only proves how misguided you are.
Disgusted with this article, opposition to this disgraceful dolphinarium has certainty not gone silent. We will never be silent and having imported dolphins that originated from the horror of Taiji means you will be targeted forevermore!
Posted by
linda Lawson
on
October 31, 2015 09:54
Editor Comment:
Now you are repeating yourself.
Clearly you are a paid mouthpiece for Nemo, no editor would be commenting on these posts with such bias. When I said target I meant Nemo not your paper as ypu are clearly irrelevant!
Posted by
linda lawson
on
October 31, 2015 10:05
Editor Comment:
Best brush up on your English, linda, then learn how to think.
How much money was your website paid for such 'pro propaganda?' Your name is western, so surely you are aware of the lack of animal welfare in any 'circus' globally. The "Say No" campaign is strong & global. The Nemo Dolphinarium may call a victory now, but when the visitor numbers drop & the money dries up...you'll be eating your words. It's pathetic Phuket tourism has dropped to such a low level.
Posted by
Anonymous
on
October 31, 2015 10:32
Editor Comment:
Your ability to read may be a problem, anonymous. Good luck with persuading the Russians and the Chinese not to buy tickets. Sadly, the 'Say No' campaign is a failure on Phuket.
''The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.''
Ghandi
Posted by
Sam Wilko
on
October 31, 2015 10:34
@linda
I'm sure that the Ed is not "a mouth-piece" for this business. He was against the idea of a dolpinarium when the news first came to light that one would be built here.
The Ed has many faults, but, he does behave ethically, even at the risk of prison. Unless you have evidence to the contrary, then I think you owe him an apology.
The Ed just recognizes that the dolphinarium is a fait accompli, or, more simply, a lost cause.
Just wish he would recognize that Taxis, tuk-tuks, jet-skis and beach management are also lost causes.
Posted by
Sir Burr
on
October 31, 2015 10:58
Editor Comment:
The taxi, tuk-tuk and jet-ski issues can all still be resolved, Sir Burr.
I am curious as to whether you consulted any scientific evidence about the keeping of dolphins in captivity? Did you consult marine biologists for example? Who are the specialists who will oversee this facility and the dolphins held there? While you choose to focus on opinion you ignore scientific evidence from credible sources. Just because this facility is legal doesn't mean it is right. Laws evolve with education and increased knowledge. Finally, whenever any facility is a for-profit enterprise it is never above question on the international stage. Whether you like it or not, there is a huge shift in thinking towards dolphinariums, in large measure because of scientific evidence. If Phuket relies heavily on tourism, then this is a huge step back. It really is just a matter of time before this dolphinarium gains the attention of what is now considered mainstream thinking.
Posted by
Elizabeth Batt
on
October 31, 2015 11:09
Editor Comment:
Western thinking is clear but the dominant forces in tourism on Phuket are no longer Western-oriented, Elizabeth. This is where your idea that logic will win the day falls flat on its face.
You make two good points:
.. Who are the specialists who will oversee this facility and the dolphins held there? and
.. Just because this facility is legal doesn't mean it is right.
Protests failed to stop the venue opening. The owners probably have about 50 years before ethics win the day in Russia and China.
Firstly i think the editor is getting treated rather unfairly. His article has a valid point and maybe many of you bashing him just don't like the plain simple truth in the article. The protesting has stopped. Posting on FB hardly could be considered being very proactive in relation to this episode.
Is it wrong - yes it is . However many of you seem to forget about the same thing going on in your home countries.
Where is the protesting there?
Posted by
Ciaran
on
October 31, 2015 11:27
Editor Comment:
"The taxi, tuk-tuk and jet-ski issues can all still be resolved, Sir Burr".
Yes, I agree; around the same time the Chinese and Russians change their ideas on captive dolphins.
Posted by
Sir Burr
on
October 31, 2015 11:29
Dolphins used in this way suffer extreme stress. They should not be kept in captivity it is cruel
Posted by
Julie Tidball
on
October 31, 2015 11:56
Editor Comment:
Western thinking is clear but the dominant forces in tourism on Phuket are no longer Western-oriented, Elizabeth. This is where your idea that logic will win the day falls flat on its face.
You make two good points:
.. Who are the specialists who will oversee this facility and the dolphins held there? and
.. Just because this facility is legal doesn't mean it is right.
Protests failed to stop the venue opening. The owners probably have about 50 years before ethics win the day in Russia and China.
_ u sounds like a doomsayer Alan doesn't you?
Posted by
frog
on
October 31, 2015 11:57
Editor Comment:
You sound like someone who can't tell the difference between a doomsayer and a realist, frog. But thank you for repeating my intelligent comment.
This is heartbreaking- Again putting Dolphins and other marine life in captivity? That's criminal -Will Phuket build a 'Humanarium' next ? Can't Thailand take the opportunity to make all countries ashamed of that practice instead of following it? Come on Thailand!! Be a leader nation across the globe and ban Dolphinariums! We are already fighting our own countries' abominable practices with this marine life slavery
Posted by
Joelle
on
October 31, 2015 12:31
If people want to see how closely a dolphin is related to a human being, do compare the skeleton of a dolphin to a human baby?
Scary isn't it?
Posted by
Robin
on
October 31, 2015 13:27
A small percentage of dolphins lead sad and miserable lives in captivity.
That's true for humans, too, but, the percentage is higher.
Posted by
Sir Burr
on
October 31, 2015 13:48
Are you seriously kidding me? I personally know at least a 1000 people who are strongly, passionately and fully opposed to the dolphinarium! Across Phuket, across Thailand and across the world. They have been speaking openly and loudly against it for months and will continue to do so.If you can't find them you FAIL as a reporter.
Also what's up with the "Snake shows, elephant rides and photo touts with gibbons and iguanas have long been a feature of Phuket tourism. In recent years, the menagerie of tourist attractions has expanded to include tigers, and from tomorrow, dolphins and seals". Basically Alan Morison is saying "when in Phuket, participate in our tourism culture of stealing and poaching animals, captivating, torturing and abusing them purely for your entertainment so we make money. Look we even enslaved some dolphins and seals now!"
Shame on you! They paid you off to write the above crap.
"Any link with Taiji has been denied". Oh really?!Be real journalist and and ask them to prove it and then you investigate!
Posted by
Melissa
on
October 31, 2015 14:45
Editor Comment:
I am not saying anything of the kind, Melissa. Your ability to misinterpret what you read is, fortunately, your problem. The 1000 opponents of the dolphinarium have clearly achieved nothing. No coordinated campaign, no public spokesperson, no visiting of key officials in Bangkok, no regular sessions with the media. Be a real activist and get off your bum.
The Phuket says no campaign is very much alive. A battle has been lost with the opening of the dolphinarium, but not the war. It is not fair to expect extreme activism such as chaining to fences etc whic puts people's safety and livelihood at risk. These people have day jobs and are doing everything they can to educate people and put out information in several languages to make people think twice about visiting such places.
I am glad your article does not support the dolphinarium, but what purpose is there in picking on the people who have "got off their bum" and put time into doing the best they can to raise awareness. We should all try to do our bit to protect animals.
Phuket Says No to Dolphin Shows
Posted by
Yvonne
on
October 31, 2015 15:16
I personally had been more surprised if they not had opened the venue. Thats not mean I agree in holding animals in captivity for humans pleasure, but with a bit perspective on where we are and what's weekly in the headlines regarding treatment of two legged animals in this region I'm not shocked by a new money-maker for the silencers.
Posted by
Harald
on
October 31, 2015 15:27
Alan,
There is nothing like a dolphin article to bring all the inactivists out of the closet with all the usual rhetoric, no ideas and laying blame on everybody else.
You are correct by stating if they are so concerned they should get off their bums.
Im all for the protection of dolphins and would be dissapointed by any undersupply at the local fishmongers.
Posted by
MoW
on
October 31, 2015 15:32
Captivity fuels the horrendous Taiji's drive hunt...dolphins are highly intelligent and social marine mammal...they bolong in the wild not in a tank.....shame on you this is torture and greed for money.
Posted by
emanuela sala
on
October 31, 2015 15:38
Well I wouldn't call it a failed campaign yet. Yes, the dolphins were sadly imported and Phuket now joins a diminishing global list of places that keep dolphins in captivity. As a local news outlet with clearly an interest in Phuket, I would have thought this might have been a concern to you and your readers, seeing Phuket take a leap backwards. A lot of awareness has been raised and many local businesses that the dolphinarium would have been reliant on are now very much educated and against. So I guess time will now tell whether it's a financial failure. That wont help the dolphins either way. The odds were clearly against the local Phuket activists who have been concerned with their own personal safety as well as being up against a local govt that has already showed that it may be paid off or is just incompetant. We only have to look at the case of the Kunlun/Taishan for a clear case of this. Where else would an Interpol wanted vessel that has been arrested for multiple crimes be left at anchor, fully crewed and more importantly fueled. Then to have the local authorities place the million dollar illegally confiscated cargo back onboard? Then act all surprised when one morning its no longer there? Well that was noted internationally, as well as Thailand's atrocious fishing industry so I guess it's no surprise that they chose to go ahead and open a dolphin prison as well.
What I do find amusing are the editor comments that show a real lack of professionalism. In fact it will be interesting to see if this post is even posted.
Posted by
Gary Stokes
on
October 31, 2015 15:41
Editor Comment:
Perhaps I should just sue you for libel, Gary.
emanuela sala,
If dolphins are so highly intellegent how did they get caught and why havent they escaped. Maybe just the slow learners get caught?
Posted by
MoW
on
October 31, 2015 16:30
Opposition has gone silent ?! I don't think so ! More and more the world is waking up o the cruelty involved in captivity of animals. To enslave animals that are born to freedom is extremely cruel. Everything they require, everything that they need naturally is taken from them. Animals born into captivity suffer from all sorts of medical and mental health disorders because of the unnatural lifestyle of captivity ( better word is slavery ) It is time we moved forward and give back what we have taken. To teach the new generations the real meaning of love and respect for all life that lives on this planet.
Posted by
Mary Alice
on
October 31, 2015 17:38
On the record, I oppose this new business that fails to elevate humans, but instead degrades our ability to see captive animals as deserving of our respect. They are reduced to performing slaves, and we are, in turn, reduced.
In the words of Jacques Cousteau, "No aquarium, no tank in a marine land, however spacious it may be, can begin to duplicate the conditions of the sea. And no dolphin who inhabits one of those aquariums or one of those marine lands can be considered normal."
Aquariums, in contrast, teach people the opposite, that it IS natural to keep marine mammals in tanks. It's a horrid shame, and one that, in 2015, we should rise above, not continue to prop up as we line the pockets of a few.
Posted by
Martha Brock
on
October 31, 2015 17:59
I vehemently oppose ANY show involving ANY creature. Animals are not entertainment, they are sentient souls not commodities! I will no longer visit or purchase items from any country that supports this form of trade. Yes I will put my money where my mouth is.
Posted by
amanda smyth
on
October 31, 2015 18:34
@Ed you said the opposition is silent but from the Facebook groups and your comments page it seems that's far from the case
If protestors talking to each other isn't what you expect, what are you suggesting ?
Blockade of the venue ?
Riot at the police station ?
Actually a blockade by local students and expats could be a good idea
Anyone else up for it ?
Posted by
Discover Thainess
on
October 31, 2015 20:55
Editor Comment:
We wouldn't advocate anything illegal or violent, DT, that would be childish and wrong. But we were under the impression that the protest was aimed at stopping the dolphins from being imported to Thailand. Facebook was never going to do that. Perhaps we're just not ephemeral enough.
I'm so very opposed to this and so are all my friends both on and off the island. Anyone with any sense knows that opening a Dolphinarium in 2015 is just so out of touch and way behind the times. But Phuket is run on greed and money and that's what this all boils down to. People commenting on this article are all westerners with a strong sense of decency. And that includes me as you will never catch me or my family in the place. And as for anyone who will listen, I'll tell them not to go either. The editor is right. The Dolphinarium will get their numbers from the Chinese & Russian tourists until the time comes when perhaps maybe someday, they'll get a moral compass of their own. As for Thailand, I'm sad and disappointed that this beautiful country is allowing this to happen as it goes against Buddhist doctrine. Animals possess Buddha Nature and therefore potential for enlightenment, and that from infinite births, all animals have been our past relatives, sisters, mothers, brothers, fathers and children. Buddhism teaches that ultimately humans and animals were part of a single family; they are all interconnected. Shouldn't we then treat these beautiful creatures with respect and not imprisonment?
Posted by
Paradise
on
October 31, 2015 21:06
I didnt realise PW was the forum of choice for all the dolphinists of this world, or maybe better to say their world. Its ashame the same attention is not given to the half a billion or so starving, abused or mistreated other creatures in this world.
I suppose they are not considered cuddly like dolphins and therefore just ignored on the pretence they do not exist.
Seriously, all these people who come out of the woodwork at the mention of a dolphin are a typical example of how popular activism has become in todays society, however these people are all talk, no action and falsly believe they make a difference with the pack mentality of multiple posting of comments.
The dolphin shows are there to stay. If it upsets you that much, you can all get together, make the owners an offer they cannot refuse and you can then set them free.
I would also like the dolphins released but replaced by all those such as the commentors on this topic. I would pay to go and watch them all caged, sitting around talking and achieving nothing and each telling the other to get off their arse. Id even take my pet dolphin, Flipper to see the show but he would be bored witless and prefer to watch the seaweed grow as it would be more entertaining.
You could even leave the door open and I doubt anyone of them would realise it, preferring to stay in captivity to maintain their anger towards how poorly they are being treated.
Anyway, Flipper and I are off to a protest against the harvesting of crops and the pain this inflicts apon them. We are concerned how the crops are fenced in for their entire life and used for the enjoyment of others. We want all crops set free as they are highly intellegent and like all activists, I intend to take a big chair, sit on my backside and issue instructions to those around me to do something about this inhumane practice.
Ive even brought a bottle of "fake tears" from the Activists website to give the right appearance should any media turn up.
Posted by
MoW
on
October 31, 2015 21:53
Ed comment in part; Perhaps we're just not ephemeral enough.
I don't get what you are saying here Ed. My interpretation of ephemeral is ''not long lasting or fleeting".Perhaps we are just not long lasting enough doesn't really make sense to me.
Would you please clarify your meaning here if possible.
Posted by
bruce orbell
on
October 31, 2015 22:10
@Ed
If you read my comments I never suggested one Facebook group would stop the importation
However, you underestimate the power of social media, from the Arab Spring, through various other recent events, the power of Facebook and other social media sites is immense.
Posted by
Discover Thainess
on
November 1, 2015 01:01
Editor Comment:
Social media doesn't change the world but it does allow people to let each other know what's being planned before they act. The campaign has achieved greater awareness of the issues. But there was no ''Arab spring'' for these dolphins and seals.
Dolphins should be in the oceans and not in a bathtub... Fact of the matter is clear, all beings must be free in their natural enviroments. They are not here to be for our entertainment.
Posted by
Elena Gonzalez
on
November 1, 2015 07:19
Ed comment;No.
Thank you, i appreciate the shortest comment ever seen from you, and no vitriol.
But "no" does not do it for me.
I now just figure that you have used a double negative in your earlier comment. Thats OK , and, if so, all you needed to say.
Posted by
bruce orbell
on
November 1, 2015 09:20
Editor Comment:
No, no. Is that a double negative?
Chalong,rawai ect seems to be a hub now for the chinese group tours so this place will be overbooked 365 days a year, or do the chinese eat dolphins??
Posted by
uranus
on
November 1, 2015 10:13
It seems the dolphinarium's own social media is more effective than any so-called "protestors". Today, Sunday, second day open, so busy that people are waiting 3 hours to see the show.
Special offer, adults pay 300 baht, kids go free.
Posted by
CaptainJack
on
November 1, 2015 18:22
Editor Comment:
More conditioning than marketing, Captain Jack.
Does the ' editor' have a financial interest in the enslavement of Dolphins ? Or is he just totally uneducated , disconnected or totally lacking in empathy? You didmiss people's comments without acknowledging that activists and social media are in fact exposing the cruelty of dolphin drives and captivity to decent people around the world. Irrespective where these Dolphins came from, these Dolphins are drugged, enslaved and abused. Thailand is gaining a dreadful reputation for animal abuses, including tigers, bears, elephants and all others that your backward country destroys
Posted by
E green
on
November 1, 2015 18:30
Editor Comment:
The animal you most resemble, E green, is a goose - clueless, brainless and constantly honking. Your lack of research on this topic fills all thinking animals with shame.
Dear Editor,
Are you Alan Morison who is replying to the comments? Prove to me that the dolphins aren't from Taiji!
Posted by
Evi Gecko kid
on
November 2, 2015 11:51
Editor Comment:
Sorry, the need for proof rests with the activists. And in any case, I don't think the two things are linked. In concentrating on the Taiji, the protest has failed to stop dolphins being brought to Phuket to perform in captivity. That should have been the main aim, stopping the cruelty. Are you Evi Gecko kid?
Dear Editor, You're saying that it is a waste of time writing on here or Facebook then why do you even have a comment section?
Posted by
ConnieGeckoKid
on
November 2, 2015 11:52
Editor Comment:
To allow people to add relevant information and expand the knowledge of other readers. But some commenters abuse the system. Comments won't change the world.
Dear Alan, Do you think we are trying to stop the dolphinarium to annoy you? No, it is because it is horrible to keep dolphins in captivity and make them do tricks for humans to watch. Would you like to see your family get killed before you get thrown in a cage? I know you think we have lost because the dolphinarium has opened but we will never give up.
Posted by
Lola gecko kid
on
November 2, 2015 11:54
Editor Comment:
There was no serious attempt made to stop the dolphinarium from opening.
Why do these amazing animals deserve to get killed or stolen from their family? These animals have saved peoples lives. How would you feel if someone took your child from you? A dolphin pod is just like a big family that never leaves someone behind. Anyway watching dolphins in the wild is way better then watching dolphins perform tricks in a little pool. DONT BUY A TICKET TO A DOLPHIN SHOW!!!
Posted by
Zoe Gecko kid
on
November 2, 2015 11:56
Editor Comment:
Most readers here don't need persuading, Zoe. Get active among the people who are paying for tickets.
Dear editor,
Do you believe that dolphin shows are good? How would you like it if you were taken away from your family and locked in a bathtub FOREVER? We just rode 100kms last week to raise awareness of dolphin slaughter and captivity, so how can you say we are doing ZERO?
Posted by
Shakira Gecko kid
on
November 2, 2015 11:57
Editor Comment:
I didn't say you are doing ZERO. But five dolphins and two seals are now performing in captivity on Phuket.
Your'e saying that the dolphins were born in captivity? Prove it. Even if they were born in captivity, how does that make a difference and how does that make it okay? In captivity, dolphins don't breed naturally they are forced to breed. It is never okay to keep anything in captivity.
Posted by
Lou Gecko kid
on
November 2, 2015 11:59
Editor Comment:
I don't care whether or not they were born in captivity. They are certainly in captivity now. The Taiji was a diversion, sadly, that left the protest a misdirected mission.
Dear brainless Editor, How ignorant you are, maybe because you skipped school or fell on your head when you were little . Are you with the dolphinarium or is someone paying you to say the things you are saying?
Posted by
Jackson
on
November 2, 2015 12:02
Editor Comment:
They seem to have a much better grasp of reality than you do, you pathetic, insulting idiot.
Dear Editor,
We are still against the dolphinarium,we have been against it for 1 year now since we found out it was coming to Phuket. Have you see it with your own eyes? We have went to Taiji and we have seen it with are own eyes. You have not tried to contact us in any way like you said in your article.
You are lying!
Posted by
Alexander
on
November 2, 2015 12:06
Editor Comment:
You want me to go to the dolphinarium? How odd. Activists usually contact the media, Alexander, they're the ones selling something.
We have not gone quiet. We have done a lot of action and even went to Taiji to be Cove monitors. What have you done? What have you seen? All you have probably seen is dolphin shows and dolphins in captivity.
Posted by
jessica
on
November 2, 2015 12:09
Editor Comment:
We've been waiting for updates on the campaign to stop the dolphinarium from opening. Updates that never came.
Aren't the arm-chair activists amazing with their vitriol and personal insults towards the editor. All he has done is report the facts.
Here's another fact, the dolphinarium was jam packed full all day long both Saturday and Sunday, proving (sadly) that there is very real demand for it.
And another fact, no attempt at any kind of protest was made by anyone outside the dolphinarium. Surly a simple gathering outside the gates with some home-made placards would be easy to organize? Wouldn't it?
But no, instead all you do is get on the internet and insult the people who have been good enough to keep you impartially informed of the facts.
Be honest, without PhuketWan how many of you would have even known that the place opened this weekend?
Posted by
CaptainJack
on
November 2, 2015 17:50
This is an absurd article; a very poor attempt to "control the conversation." Phuketwan looks more like Fox News these days than a reputable tourist news source. There are global efforts to stop dolphinariums everywhere, to stop the slaughter in Taiji and to stop dolphin consumption due to the high risk of Mercury poisoning. Phuket's children have joined the ranks and are fighting against these horrors the best way they can: raising awareness at home and peacefully protesting straight to the source abroad - Taiji. You have no right to discount their efforts. It is also irrelevant if the dolphins that have been caged in Phuket are from Taiji; what matters is what Taiji represents and its location in a global network of animal cruelty and exploitation. You can look down on children for doing their best, suggest they put themselves in the front line in Phuket where the chances of police violence are high, and label their efforts as "not serious," but you don't get to control the conversation.
More reports will come soon, even as you remain an armchair defender of animal cruelty. You should be ashamed to be such a tool for those who profit from exploitation.
Posted by
Corey
on
November 2, 2015 18:21
Editor Comment:
Nobody is discounting the efforts of locals in trying to stop the Taiji. We don't look down on children for doing their best. The adult activists, though, may need a bit more courage. We thought the plan was to stop the dolphinarium opening on Phuket. Five dolphins and two seals are now in captivity here. There was no real campaign to stop that happening. ''Awareness'' is wonderful, but it won't change anything in this cruel, cruel word. To make such silly accusations only shows the accuracy of this article. (By the way, only the most naive of readers would expect us to link to a rival outlet). My advice, Corey, would be to re-enter the real world. Insulting the media is a poor substitute for a real activist campaign.
Wow. Writing about dolphins seems to be the new Justin Biber / Rhianna shameless website traffic dive.
And some of the activists seem to fail any touring test by repeating themselves with same style and pattern and info, but new full woman name. Instead of camping in front of the dolphin prison they or he writes a lot.
Facebook is "not to be". Even the Arab spring was not the the Arab spring on Facebook enough but an illusion of being something.
The world is coming to an end because of five dolphins and two seals doing tricks for treats. Unbelievable cruelty by mankind and of course the Ed himself by writing what he sees. Shame on you. Better do a "you are so bad" piece next time.
In all earnestly, most comments are just showing how insane some part of mankind gets by "social mediating" the whole day.
And for real, I will never go to a show like this, and will never let my kids go, but showing thousands of young Chinese, that animals are clever, lovable and capable may not be the worst idea for a future of these mammals. Same did go for the dolphin prisoners of SeaWorld who educated closely millions of Americans. With the result, that animal rights are talked about in the world.
Now please you morons fight not Ed, make your posters and go to these place.
Posted by
Lena
on
November 3, 2015 06:27
Dear Editor,
I am the teacher of all the children who wrote to you yesterday. All of yesterday's comments were written by our kids. We spent a whole literacy lesson yesterday reading your article then I allowed the children to respond individually. Evi had the right to ask whether the 'editor' responding to comments was actually the person who wrote the article (Alan Morison). You surely can understand the children's fury at this article after they rode 100 km last Friday to raise awareness of dolphin slaughter and captivity. We are not arm chair activists. we have decided as a school to take the more sensitive approach and change things through public awareness and education, not by picketing and demonstrating during the opening of the dolphinarium. That would not have stopped it opening. We all know that money talks, especially in countries like Thailand. As a teacher it is very difficult to teach children who believe so strongly in what is right and wrong, that sometimes adults and big business just do not care and at the end of the day it is all about money. We all know that this dolphinarium is not here to educate, it is purely for entertainment. We have taken the children to Taiji and are taking them again this month so they can really understand what is going on there and then use this experience and knowledge to make things better for the future. We understand that change is slow in coming but we do believe that over time this will happen and I know our kids will some day feel proud that is some way, not matter how small, that they have made a difference. Instead of just saying we are not doing enough, why not offer some suggestions / ideas on what we can do instead of just saying we have done nothing. We welcome your ideas.
Posted by
Tracy Harper
on
November 3, 2015 13:04
Editor Comment:
Hello Tracy, It's great that the students are becoming involved in a good cause. Change is definitely coming, but slowly. As you probably know, Phuketwan has always been opposed to this project. There was also a call to free a young elephant on the island not long back, and we tried to make the point that activists in that campaign first needed to undertake proper research. To have five dolphins and two seals now performing on Phuket seems to me to be a lesson for your students in how the world functions. Moral and ethical values do not count for much if there is a potential audience and money to be made. My disappointment is that there was not a fully active campaign by adult protesters on the island and throughout Thailand against this project. The kids have been nudged to the forefront. What it actually required was adult involvement, commitment and courage. Was help sought in the Ukraine? Who was/were the public spokesperson/s for the dolphinarium protest? Were there consistent, well-planned efforts to influence Bangkok and Phuket officials? As right as it is to object to the nightmare of what happens in Japan, that protest is already quite huge and international. It will be won. The cruelty is obvious. Marine theme parks remain popular around the world and the process of ending the captivity of dolphins and seals in them is a much more difficult one. Had the Phuket dolphinarium protest succeeded, it would have sent a clear message around the world that the tide has turned. The fact is, that didn't happen. Whatever opposition the adults among the protesters delivered was muted and diluted by the commitment to an already very strong Taiji campaign. I don't believe 'fury' is the appropriate reaction to the article. Students should perhaps accept that the point of the words 'think globally, act locally' was missed. The Taiji campaign is global. The Phuket protest is local. Many of those who are now happily buying tickets to the dolphin show would be opposed to the slaughter in Japan. And a lot of effort was wasted in trying to draw an unproven link between the slaughter in Japan and the dolphinarium. Surely dolphins in captivity is bad enough? I am saddened that Phuket is now a place where dolphins are kept in pools, and more are likely to join the present five as the business proves popular, which seems likely. My view is that genuine activists, rather than the social media commenters, should be attempting to change the minds of the audiences who will attend these shows, without giving real thought to what this means. That process will, now that the dolphins are here, be a long and arduous one. It will not be won in my lifetime.
Oppose as we like sadly there's no code of practices in Thailand I am in no doubt Japanese and Chinese tourists will pack the place out.
Posted by
slickmelb
on
November 7, 2015 21:25
|
I strongly oppose this dolphinarium opening. I hear that some dolphins used have come from the cruel Taiji, Japan dolphin drive where many dolphins families are destroyed for captivity and slaughter. It is wrong to display such intelligent, social and sentient beings. This is all about money, not education. They should hang their heads in shame for the suffering of these majestic beings. Don't go to a dolphin show or swim with program!
Posted by Paige Nelson on October 30, 2015 22:42
Editor Comment:
Any link with Taiji has been denied.