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Dolphins
Has anybody been to DOLPHIN FANTASEAS in Anguilla ??? What is it like ?? I would like to know before Antigua has it's own dolphin pen ;good and bad points please . Should I join the club????<BR>DOLPHIN
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DONT DO IT!!<BR><BR>Read for yourself about this deplorable practice of exploiting the dolphins. <BR><BR>http://antigua-net.com/dolphin/<BR><BR>WWW.DOLPHINPROJECT.ORG<BR><BR>Once you read the about the violence of the capture and the incredible stress these beautiful animals indure while in captivity I hope you'll join the ranks of anti-captive dolphin supporters!<BR><BR>A happy dolphin is a free dolphin!
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Dear Tasha, <BR>As someone who considers Antigua a "home away from home" I am normally <BR>very supportive of RESONABLE Government effort to sustain and increase/encourage tourism. In this case, I protest with great vigour the explotation of dolphins for <BR>amusment and greed. Several dolphins have already been captured and are being held in a "sea pen" near the Royal Antigian Hotel - pending the move to a man-made (only 9 feet in depth!!!!) marina. These magnificent animals will be penned in - cheek to jowl as it were - and it is no secret that these animals suffer terribly under restricted circumstances. It is one thing to have dolphins swim in and out (at will) of a conservation site such as in Key Largo; and quite another for them to be CAGED. There are neither the proper funds, nor is there the proper respect and attitude required by Gov't. for this to become anything other than a horrendous & despotic debacle - leading to a death watch. PLEASE - join us in protest. There is a large grass roots swell of protest in Antigua - arising esp. from those who make Antigua (as expats) thier home. Dolphins are animals. Think about this. Really think. <BR>Thank you. <BR>Samantha Silverbridge
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Yes, I was in Anguilla the first week of July and we did check out Dolphin Fantaseas. I wished we hadn't. It was very expensive 85-90 dollars for one person to spend maybe 30 minutes tops in the water with the dolphins who are still in the training stages so we had very little contact. Not worth it. Plus the issue of exloiting these wonderful animals comes in to play here.They belong free to roam the ocean.
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Dont listen to Tasha she is all over this board about anti-dolphin anything. <BR>We swam with the dolphins in the Bahamas and had a wonderful time, spent 1/2 the day at the park with them. Enjoy your trip and dont let the negative replys cause you to miss out on something very enjoyable.
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Around 4 in the afternoon,generally,you can sit on your private jetties out over Crab Pond Point,at Horizon AND Bello Mundo on Jamaica's South Coast,Bluefields/Belmont , and watch <BR>dolphins cavort by in the wild.At Milk River Bath, you can hire a fishermen and guide to take you out in the river to swim in the wild with manatees. This might be a far better alternative to commercialized flipper-time fan shows.
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Love your email adress so I stole it! The last thing that any person should do is capitalize on one of nature's beautiful intelligent creatures under the guise of education and research. The abusement parks that are beginning to proliferate throughout the Carib are a travisty and, altho Kim must be pro-park, do read and listen to Tasha and make up your own mind if you want to support those who exploit. I do hope that the Antigua campaign is succesful altho it seems that the BVI one is not going to be! However, there is a very active boycott of the accomodations on Tortola who are planning to bring the captured dolphins there! In fact, they now are offering "free" trips thru their timeshare affiliate just to get people to come! Hope that's because no one has reserved. So, if you get the offer, take 'em up on the "freebie," head there and don't spend one penny at their place and tell 'em why! The care and feeding, "training" and the capture and seperating a dolphin from its pod just to use it to charge mega bucks for entertainment, is disguisting!
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Time Magazine had good article on this subject from May 2001. Here's the link. <BR> <BR>http://www.time.com/time/magazine/pr...109583,00.html
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To :Kim ([email protected]) <BR> <BR>Been to any good dog fights lately? Ive heard its very entertaining, just like those dolphin "swims" you love so much. <BR> <BR>One question: if you love dolphins so much, why, after reading all the proven facts (early death, skin cancer, miscarriages, etc., etc.) on this dolphin exploitation do you still participate? Because your "enjoyment" is all that matters! <BR> <BR>A happy dolphin is a free dolphin! <BR> <BR>Seems that
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Just returned from the grayhound races and a Cock fight last night it was <BR>great. Are you stupid, I guess we have to take Tasha's advise. She doesn't even own a dog. Do you eat beef? or just fish? Swim with whatever you like.
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Tasha, do you not believe in Zoo's either?
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Good one Joe!
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This has got to be a joke! Swimming with the dolphins is a wonderful thing, we have done it many times. We have even swam with them out in the wild. The places that do this for vacationers take very good care of the dolphins.Maybe they do need to be out in the wild but if we did not have these parks most people would not get the opportunity to observe a dolphins at all let alone swim with them. Have fun with them experience what most people never get to.
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I've never been to a "zoo" in recent years ... don't they call them parks today and have done away with the cages and other horrible conditions that existed at zoos? One travesty doesn't give proof that another is okay. They starve the wild animals and "train" them into domesticity so that a few well-heeled travelers (or big limits on the unpaid credit card more likely!) can play with them? Been to any Tiger playgrounds lately? Or maybe running with the cougars? How 'bout Lunching with the Lions? Any natural behavior is modified right out of the dolphin. And if you were really informed, you would see that dolphins can be quite aggressive in the wild under certain circumstances even attacking those who are "familiar" to them and each other! It would be a terrible thing, Rose, if someone had to go thru life never having paid for the experience and their life would certainly be unfulfilled! It has nothing to do with choosing to not eat meat or fish, wearing leather or any of the other assaine comments you make. It is about exploiting a wonderful living creature who can be conditioned to exhibit certain behaviors by withholding food until the "behavior" pleases the keeper. It's keeping an animal who needs to be with his pod for socialization in a swimming pool that many would call a plung pool. It is about filling the pockets of the captors with money. It is about lots of things but none that you would probably understand. There is no mistaking that! Why else would FANTASEAS have already declared bancrupty once and, if you are really smart, you would find out who is running and working for Fantaseas! Scarey! But, you don't want to know that - doesn't matter to you and the other uneducated! It's all for fun!
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ok, swim with the dolphins!
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Kim: You sound like a very greedy, callous, and uncaring person. How can you be so cavalier about something so inhumane to something so innocent and intelligent? Maybe you should be pinned up in a small house for the rest of you life. Unable to go anywhere or do anything. Tasha is not anti-dolphin, she's pro-dolphin. Duh!
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<BR> <BR>Kim, your attitude sickens me. And Rose, I don’t know if I should feel the same about you or are you just very, very naïve? Swimming with the dolphons may feel wonderful for you but did you ever stop to wonder how it felt for them?
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We all have our opinions like ass holes, and some of you sould like the ass holes. Kim has her opinion just like the rest of you. She has a right to speak her piece, leave her alone. Ive seen her posts on this board on many subjects and she seems very smart on alot of travel subjects and has helped many people.
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hey, Rose, sounds much nicer to say that opinions are like noses, everyone has one! Little more classy, wouldn't you say? Too bad you had to reduce it to name calling and vulgar language! But, sometimes, when there is no defense, people do that!
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Funny how Rose sounds just like Kim, doesnt it? Maybe this is her other personality, defending herself under a different name. Both sound and act like a rat trapped in a corner! <BR> <BR>Actually, its sad, they/her must lead such sad, narrow minded, pitiful lives.
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Sorry, but no Rose is not me I can defend myself when needed and I dont feel I need defending. Thanks for the response Rose. Have a great evening.
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The world would be a better place if the people who are so concerned about animal rights cared more about people.
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Did it ever occur to you that those who care about children and people are one and the same as the ones who care about animals? No, guess not! It's those who are into ME! ME! ME! It's FUN! FUN! FUN! really are not into anything but themselves! Yes, we would have a better world if we cared for all living things and a better US if the platform of the ruling class was more interested in the people of all walks of life and the ENVIRONMENT rather than stuffing pockets with oil profits!
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Yes it did occur to me and I have to say that some people find it easier to get passionate about how animals are treated because it takes less effort. I mean, just look at the way you are responding to people on this board. The attitude is "anybody who doesn't agree with me is an idiot". The so called suffering of dolphins is minimal compared to the real suffering of millions of people.
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The original post that started this thread was asking for good and bad points about captive dolphin swims NOT about the suffering of humans worldwide, There are other message boards to sympathize with that topic. <BR> <BR>People (like myself) responded with their personal experiences with captive dolphin swims as well as posted links to websites that are clear and easy to read about the true facts of the abuses of the entire practice. <BR> <BR>This is not to say that human suffering is not important, just that his is not the avenue to discuss it. We have a choice of how we entertain ourselves, just by not participating in captive dolphin swims doesnt mean we are taking away from the importance of starving, diseased, maimed by violence or war victims worldwide. <BR> <BR>
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Robyn: Are you crazy? Animal activists are very much into their cause and it takes EVEN MORE effort because there are less laws and legislation protecting them. It has gotten better thanks to those who fight to protect them but there are still shortcomings and a long ways to go. Also, maybe these people respond more to animals because of people like Kim and Rose whose attitudes totally turn us off. Animals are completely helpless in the hands of humans. Some people actually believe animals are unable to think, feel pain, or be part of a family unit. Or, they just don’t care and that’s so sad.
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Back to life we go..
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the following was written by a friend of mine who is a professional animal person.these are his views. food for thought people! <BR> <BR>> On "Dolphin Park" issue: <BR>> <BR>> My experience with dolphins was not in an "entertainment park" setting, <BR>but in a <BR>> research and training facility. Our dolphins were only required to <BR>"work" (train) for <BR>> about an hour or two per day, with weekends off. <BR>> <BR>> I do know that proper captive care of marine mammals requires a <BR>tremendous <BR>> commitment, professionally and financially. My experience . <BR> has been <BR>> that the primary motives are to make as much cash as fast as possible <BR>with as little input <BR>> as possible, cutting every corner to maximize profit. This is NOT the <BR>way you can think <BR>> when dealing with ANY captive exotic animal, but especially with animals <BR>that have <BR>> tremendous needs, like those of dolphins. <BR>> <BR> Most reputable facilities limit their shows to once or twice <BR>per day, or have <BR>> a large number of dolphins that work in turns, so each animal only has to <BR>perform once <BR>> or twice. Situations where guests are allowed to swim with the dolphins <BR>are VERY <BR>> problematic. It can be VERY stressful for the animal; if the animal is <BR>forced to swim <BR>> with people it can become very neurotic and very dangerous, for both the <BR>dolphin and <BR>> the swimmers. Dolphins can kill sharks; what do you think they can do a <BR>tourist? There <BR>> are some resorts in Hawaii that do this, but I cannot remember the names. <BR> I do recall <BR>> that they were forced to go to a lottery system where only one or two <BR>"winners" per day <BR>> were allowed to swim with the dolphins. <BR>> <BR>> As ethical modern professionals, we also need to be concerned (and <BR>share our <BR>> concerns) about the message that "Dolphin Parks" and similar attractions <BR>send. Rarely <BR>> do these interests communicate ANY sort of conservation message or foster <BR>any sort of <BR>> care for the animals either in captivity or in the wild. Instead, they <BR>send the message that <BR>> animals and nature are ours to do with as we please, to use (and abuse) <BR>for our own <BR>> entertainment. <BR>> <BR>> A dolphin's needs are not only physical, but psychological as well. They <BR>are extremely <BR>> intelligent, and can suffer severe psychological and emotional anguish. <BR>Dolphins are <BR>> extremely social by nature, and cannot be kept isolated, and large groups <BR>are necessary <BR>> for proper psychological health. <BR>> <BR>> To build a "dolphin park" without committing to investing <BR>millions of <BR>> dollars, and committing millions to proper upkeep, is an <BR>international disgrace. <BR> > <BR>> Also, on the issue of the acquisition of specimens, I'm sure you know <BR>that no respectable, <BR>> ethical organization would provide animals for such a venture; however, <BR>there are <BR>> always those that can provide anything if the price is right, and will do <BR>so underhandedly <BR>> and with no concern for the animal in mind. <BR>
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Anybody else love the old Linda Ronstadt song, "Dolphins"?
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More updates go www.dolphinproject.org<BR> click on What's New and check out the recent events in the Dominican Repulic.
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I just read the article. What a repulsive environment. I would think it's illegal for them to use Visa, Pepsi, etc. as sponsors without getting their ok. Same as using a song in the movie without it being ok'd. Too bad they can't take action (sue) and use that money to help shut down that hellhole.
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Not to stir the pot any worse than it is, but I'm very curious as to whether or not the folks protecting dolphins rights, are also against recreational fishing?
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I don't want to stir the pot anymore either but when you really think about, you're comparing apples to oranges.
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that ANYONE would want to participate in this horrible practice after reasearching www.dolphinproject.org<BR>I wonder if Rose and Kim ever did, and whether they still feel that swimming with dolphins is 'okay' and FUN! Just terrible and discusting.
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Yes, I still feel the same way and have done it a few times since the last time I posted.FUN! FUN!
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Kim,<BR>Where did you do it at? Although I agree with some content of the posts above, there is also a sense that we are stewards of the world. As stewards, we should be responsible, but we should also have tons of fun with what we've been given. There has got to be places around that don't abuse the dolphins. I wouldn't put my money into some trash pit for a once in a lifetime experience. <BR>Just the same as if I am hiking and leave "no trace". There will be places that provide the experience.<BR>Human life is to be valued far above animal life. Human experience should tell you human enjoyment should be had responsibly.
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Some of you posters on this board don't understand how things work. The only people that are allowed to have opinions are those people that have politically correct opinions. All other opinions are considered immoral. It always amazes me how everybody wants to allow "free and open" discussions and let "people be people" such as discussions on how great HEDO is and how bad dolphin swimming is. But when it comes to opposing opinions--well-- those people are roundly trashed. What happened to letting everybody have their opinion?? That's how the Taliban works!!!
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We did it in Nassau in the Bahamas.
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Joe,<BR>Yes, there are places that do not 'abuse' the dolphins. They are in the good 'ole USA. We have far more regulations. Example, we no longer 'capture' dolphins for our parks. The dolphins 'work' day is restricted to 2 hours a day, and of course we have larger 'pins', etc.<BR>I think the park on Nassau may not be TOO bad, as I think they release their dolphins once a day to swim freely in the ocean, but I think Kim's attitude is awful. She does not seem to care ONE bit about the dolphins, only her own selfish enjoyment.<BR>
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DK above states "Human life is to be valued far above animal life" I hardly believe a human wont survive without that 1/2 hour with swimming with a captive dolphin. And "the same as if I am hiking and leave "no trace", well imprisoning dolphins for our amusement is leaving a pretty big damn footprint on these beautiful, intelligent beings!! What, just because we breed them instead of capture them to stock our "programs" its OK?? They're still just as smart!
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