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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.

The world would be a better place if the people who are so concerned about animal rights cared more about people.

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!

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.

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. 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. 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.

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.

Back to life we go..

the following was written by a friend of mine who is a professional animal person.these are his views. food for thought people! > On "Dolphin Park" issue: > > My experience with dolphins was not in an "entertainment park" setting, but in a > research and training facility. Our dolphins were only required to "work" (train) for > about an hour or two per day, with weekends off. > > I do know that proper captive care of marine mammals requires a tremendous > commitment, professionally and financially. My experience . has been > that the primary motives are to make as much cash as fast as possible with as little input > as possible, cutting every corner to maximize profit. This is NOT the way you can think > when dealing with ANY captive exotic animal, but especially with animals that have > tremendous needs, like those of dolphins. > Most reputable facilities limit their shows to once or twice per day, or have > a large number of dolphins that work in turns, so each animal only has to perform once > or twice. Situations where guests are allowed to swim with the dolphins are VERY > problematic. It can be VERY stressful for the animal; if the animal is forced to swim > with people it can become very neurotic and very dangerous, for both the dolphin and > the swimmers. Dolphins can kill sharks; what do you think they can do a tourist? There > are some resorts in Hawaii that do this, but I cannot remember the names. I do recall > that they were forced to go to a lottery system where only one or two "winners" per day > were allowed to swim with the dolphins. > > As ethical modern professionals, we also need to be concerned (and share our > concerns) about the message that "Dolphin Parks" and similar attractions send. Rarely > do these interests communicate ANY sort of conservation message or foster any sort of > care for the animals either in captivity or in the wild. Instead, they send the message that > animals and nature are ours to do with as we please, to use (and abuse) for our own > entertainment. > > A dolphin's needs are not only physical, but psychological as well. They are extremely > intelligent, and can suffer severe psychological and emotional anguish. Dolphins are > extremely social by nature, and cannot be kept isolated, and large groups are necessary > for proper psychological health. > > To build a "dolphin park" without committing to investing millions of > dollars, and committing millions to proper upkeep, is an international disgrace. > > Also, on the issue of the acquisition of specimens, I'm sure you know that no respectable, > ethical organization would provide animals for such a venture; however, there are > always those that can provide anything if the price is right, and will do so underhandedly > and with no concern for the animal in mind.

Anybody else love the old Linda Ronstadt song, "Dolphins"?

More updates go www.dolphinproject.org click on What's New and check out the recent events in the Dominican Repulic.

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.

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?

I don't want to stir the pot anymore either but when you really think about, you're comparing apples to oranges.

that ANYONE would want to participate in this horrible practice after reasearching www.dolphinproject.org 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.

Yes, I still feel the same way and have done it a few times since the last time I posted.FUN! FUN!

Kim, 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. Just the same as if I am hiking and leave "no trace". There will be places that provide the experience. Human life is to be valued far above animal life. Human experience should tell you human enjoyment should be had responsibly.

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!!!

We did it in Nassau in the Bahamas.

Joe, 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. 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.

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!