Dear WDC Non-Profit Organization,
It is my clear understanding that you are against our marine
mammal friends being held in captivity. I completely understand your concerns
about this topic and I too have concerns.
The major concerns I have are indeed about the welfare of
these animals, their health and their population security. I am familiar with
the annual Taiji dolphin slaughter in Japan. I am also aware that this is
executed based on the income these fishermen will receive when selling these
animals to facilities holding them in captivity. Many dolphins are injured and
severely damaged mentally, physically, and emotionally during this massive
capture, and those not chosen for captive facilities are then slaughtered in
incredibly gruesome ways causing trauma for those left alive and those dying a
slow and painful death. A very high percentage of the whales in captivity are
subjects of a collapsed dorsal fin, displaying that they are living in high
stress situations. The pods of these marine animals were ripped apart in order
to keep a few dolphins and whales here and there on display, another tragically
distressing process these animals must endure throughout captivity. Lastly,
these animals are confined in such tiny spaces compared to the vast measures of
the ocean that they would naturally travel daily in their native environment.
This all being said, I must now play devil’s advocate for the organizations out
there still trying to do good by these animals.
Many people, if not for these parks and organizations, would
never have the opportunities to see these majestic creatures in person,
especially not with such close encounters. Although changes need to be made,
some of these organizations could very well be educational in some ways. These
encounters and visits may also increase the number of people interested in the
animals and could drive those people to invest time, money, or hands towards
research, conservation, and just helping these animals out. The fact that these
facilities may increase awareness about the animals and species as a whole does
at least provide some benefit. I hope some of my aforementioned points will
ease a few of your concerns until changes can be made.
Best Wishes with your organization,
Mychal Lowrance
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