MEDIA RELEASE: 19TH DECEMBER 2019
MP JOINS SEA WORLD PROTEST CALLING ON THE PARK TO STOP THE DOLPHIN ‘CIRCUS’
Sea World is reported to have nearly 30 dolphins in captivity – many born and bred in the park – who perform tricks on a daily basis. Despite evidence showing that dolphins suffer in captivity, Sea World continues to profit off these captive animals, a source of outrage for animal advocates across Queensland and Australia.
“I am disgusted that Sea World continues to breed these highly intelligent animals so that they can profit from circus-style shows,” said Ms Hurst.
“Dolphins in captivity can live for up to 50 years. That means that the dolphins any of us saw here as children could still be in the same pools, doing the same meaningless and demeaning tricks.
“Dolphins are wild animals, not objects to be used for our entertainment. Imprisoning them in artificial pools risks teaching children dominance and disrespect for animals.
“Dolphinariums are quickly gaining the worldwide reputation of being akin to “ABUSEment parks” as the public question whether sentient animals should be forced to perform,” said Ms Hurst.
A recent global shift toward banning the use of captive dolphins for human entertainment has left Australia lagging behind, despite an Australian Senate report recommending that dolphin captivity be phased out over 30 years ago.
“Chile, Costa Rica and Croatia have all banned imprisoning cetaceans in captivity for entertainment. The Canadian Parliament recently passed a bill to prohibit the breeding or holding of dolphins and whales in captivity. Australia is falling behind,” continued Ms Hurst.
“India banned keeping dolphins in captivity for entertainment back in 2013. Brazil, Luxembourg and Norway all have highly restrictive standards making it near impossible to keep cetaceans in captivity. The UK’s last dolphinarium closed over 20 years ago.
“There is clearly growing global recognition that keeping dolphins in captivity is not acceptable. The real question here is: what is Australia waiting for?” said Ms Hurst.
What: Over 50 local activists will be protesting outside Sea World with Animal Justice Party MLC Emma Hurst demanding an end to captive breeding and the use of dolphins in circus-style shows
When: Sunday, December 22nd, 10am
Where: Sea World Drive Main Beach Gold Coast
MEDIA CONTACT: ROSINA RAYNS, 0401 991 792