Friday, December 13, 2013

Con Letter


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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