It's not unusual for an animal as smart as a dolphin to be trained for it's entertainment value. I've never personally been to Las Vegas but apparently there is an exhibit at The Mirage, owned by MGM Grand International called "Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat." The pool the dolphins live in is reportedly located near a highway which cause them to develop respiratory diseases. In addition to this, the dolphins are subjected to extreme temperature changes. As a result many of the dolphins die from the unnatural causes. According to the article:
The dolphins perform tricks and flips for the paying customers and are given fish as reward. These are not natural behaviors for dolphins; they are trained and taught behaviors.
This exhibit has been the death sentence for many wild and captive-born dolphins. The Review-Journal obtained records from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration that includes an inventory of the dolphins at The Mirage and cause of death for those that died.
The bottlenose dolphins are subjected to extreme temperature changes -- from extreme cold (snow flurries) to extreme arid, dry conditions -- and pollution from a nearby highway. The pool is located in the heart of Las Vegas and specifically next to a busy highway. If you lived next to constant gas fumes from thousands of automobiles, you’d develop respiratory problems too!The Born Free foundation and the WSPA have condemned this place for its claims of being a research and educational facility, while in reality it is motivated by profits.The dolphins are not protected from snow, or dropping temperatures or very hot temperatures. Dolphins breathe air like we do. Even if the water is heated, the dolphins are still subject to the same respiratory problems as we are!
This is a cause that is near and dear to my heart. A few days ago, I wrote of my character's "animal spirit guide"-- I love dolphins and they are my "spirit guides" and I hate to see them so shabbily treated. Please sign the petition asking The Mirage to ask them to end their exhibit and if you are tempted to visit Las Vegas, please avoid The Mirage and and MGM Grand properties. For the sake of the most beautiful creatures of ocean! For more information and to sign the petition sign the link below or click on the picture!
2 comments:
There is something wrong woth the layout or at least as it appears on my screen making the background picture obscure the whole page...?
It was a background I downloaded and I am not sure it worked... I'm not sure I like this one. But it will work for now. At least you can read the entries.
Post a Comment