Breaking News! Russia To Ban Traveling Dolphin Shows

nationalgeographic.com

The Dolphin Project shared news yesterday that has animal rights advocates and welfare organizations jumping for joy; the confirmation that traveling dolphin shows and contact zoos will be banned in Russia.

As per the Russian news outlet Vesti.ru, Deputies of the State Duma in the Russian Federation intend to add a ban to the proposed bill, On Responsible Treatment of Animals.

The original bill, which was introduced in 2010 and then adopted in 2011, was recalled last year by Russian President Vladimir Putin, citing the need for further development.

Vladimir Panov, the Deputy Chairman of the Duma Committee on Ecology and Environmental Protection further explained to Russian news agency TASS, some of the reasons for the amendment.

thelocal.de

“It is impossible to provide the necessary conditions for marine mammals in traveling dolphinariums because they are continually on the move,” he said adding that aside from the stress animals endure in contact zoos where they are forced to interact with people, harmful conditions such as “bright artificial lighting, high noise levels, limited space and lack of exercise can contribute to the premature death of the animals”.

It also stands to reason that the lack of ability for dolphins to reproduce in captivity contributes to the decline of the species.

While the organization applauds Russia in their efforts, the country remains “one of the biggest buyers of Taiji’s wild-caught dolphins and continues to permit the capture of wild orcas for captive display”.

us.whales.org

Our friends at The Dolphin Project are also on the ground in Indonesia tackling the same issues. Keep up the great work Dolphin Project!