Plans to build yet another dolphin exploitation facility on the Gulf Coast are currently in the works. Captive dolphins will live their entire lives in concrete tanks if these plans go through. We must use our voices to prevent dolphins from being held captive in this facility.
The “Bama Bayou” is a $300 million-dollar project that seeks to redevelop a major piece of property in Orange Beach, Alabama. The project is currently being considered by the Orange Park City Council and will include a convention center, water park, hotels, and a marine mammal “experience.”
Captive dolphin facilities are nothing more than horribly depressing prisons for dolphins, simultaneously teaching people incorrectly about how they should interact with animals. It is never okay to dominate dolphins by keeping them in cramped tanks which are unnatural, and to prevent them from being able to live their lives free and in peace.
Dolphins are often fed anti-depressant drugs and are kept perpetually hungry in order to compel them to perform circus-like tricks for human audiences. In the wild, dolphins can live upwards of 50 years, yet in captivity, life expectancy can be half of that. Dolphins are chronically stressed, suffer skin issues, and can be mentally exhausted which may lead to self-harm.
In the wake of documentaries such as Blackfish and The Cove, which highlight the life-long suffering that cetaceans endure in captivity, the captive marine mammal industry has been struggling worldwide.
SeaWorld, the global industry leader of captive marine mammals has agreed to phase out orca captivity and cease circus-style performances. Possibly in light of these recent developments, Rachel Carbary, Executive Director of Empty the Tanks, said in a statement, “It seemed as though the City was also cautious about the issue of having captive dolphins in the community,” after she spoke with the Orange Beach City Council about the Bama Bayou project. The time to weigh in is right now.
Now is the time for people from across the country to speak up and let decision –makers know that dolphin captivity is not an acceptable form of entertainment or an educational experience. Please call and e-mail to let your voices be heard today.
1) The Orange Beach City Council: (251) 981-6979
Please ask to leave a message with the Mayor’s office regarding the Bama Bayou project. Otherwise, please leave a message on their voicemail.
Script: I support community initiatives, like the Bama Bayou, that seek to provide economic revitalization to communities. However, including dolphins in these plans is cruel and unnecessary, and can be financially risky due to increasing criticisms and a growing awareness of the suffering these intelligent marine mammals experience in captivity. Please DO NOT include captive dolphins in the Bama Bayou!
2) Take action NOW by signing In Defense of Animal’s letter HERE!
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