Starting back in 1999 the Dolphin tank at Manati Park Bavaro was investigated by the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, who claimed that the living conditions of these dolphins are not acceptable. The issue of May 21st of Time Magazine stated Manati Park as:".. one of the world's most controversial facilities.." "Worse, critics charge that several dolphins have died prematurely at Manati because of toxic waters." According to CITES documentation only five of the original imported and captured eight dolphins are still there now. Almost 3.000 protest signatures have been handed over but the dolphin tank is still open, the owner even wants to add five additional dolphins to the tank next year.
Photo copyright by Helene O'Barry
At a further investigation from the World Society for the Protection of Animals beginning 2001 the responsible consultant pointed out: "It seems that these dolphins work harder and longer than all the dolphins I have ever seen before and since 40 years I am involved in that. They are mistreated and overworked and they live in a very small and confined area."
We - the Undersigned - would therefore urgently ask you to do all in your power to convince the responsible authorities, that this mistreatment has to be stopped immediately and Manati Park is no longer making money out of the suffering of animals. We ask that the remaining dolphins are returned to the areas from which they were captured or rehabilitated in a natural environment.
Sign now and urge closure of this horrible park!
Starting back in 1999 the Dolphin tank at Manati Park Bavaro was investigated by the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, who claimed that the living conditions of these dolphins are not acceptable. The issue of May 21st of Time Magazine stated Manati Park as:".. one of the world's most controversial facilities.." "Worse, critics charge that several dolphins have died prematurely at Manati because of toxic waters." According to CITES documentation only five of the original imported and captured eight dolphins are still there now. Almost 3.000 protest signatures have been handed over but the dolphin tank is still open, the owner even wants to add five additional dolphins to the tank next year. At a further investigation from the World Society for the Protection of Animals beginning 2001 the responsible consultant pointed out: "It seems that these dolphins work harder and longer than all the dolphins I have ever seen before and since 40 years I am involved in that. They are mistreated and overworked and they live in a very small and confined area." In July 2002 Manati Park used an old permit issued in 1995 and captured another eight dolphins in national waters herewith violating the Dominican Republic Law 64-00 Art 175 promulgated on August 18, 2000 which prohibits the capture of protected species. On top the capture of these eight dolphins was done in the specific protected area of a national park, Parque Nacional del Este which means that this activity as well violates the regulations of the national park. Reportedly Manati Park is still on the hunt for ten more dolphins although it lacks the proper facility to house these animals. We - the Undersigned - would therefore urgently ask you to do all in your power to convince the responsible authorities, that this mistreatment has to be stopped immediately and Manati Park is no longer making money out of the suffering of animals. We ask that the remaining dolphins are returned to the areas from which they were captured or rehabilitated in a natural environment.
