Hi ej!

From what I know, the HUS does not think ANY of the places that have captive dolphins and allow paid swims or interactions with the public are OK - in the States or anywhere.

A lot of places mislead the public by masquerading as "research" or "educational" facilities. The truth of the matter is that in the US, they are forced to provide a certain amount of "education" in order to be able to operate.

I think in the case of the Honduras dolphins, since they were already in FL, they (Humane Soc.) were probably more worried about them not surviving the (often dry) transport, and so were opting for lesser of two evils (the FL facility), but I don't know for sure.

I know that when I was interested in doing this about 12 - 14 years ago, I found two places in the Keys that were supposedly research and rescue organizations, but when I found out about the conditions (cement pools in one instance), I decided not to do it.

I think that no legitimate rescue organization would EVER allow in-the-water interaction with their animals.

What happened to Diana's post with the article? I found it so interesting, read it earlier today, and wanted to re-read it. Censored???? Why on earth?

Perhaps, if the reason is one of copyright, Diana could repost a link instead of the actual text?

Would that be okay Mr. Bronxzilla sir? Please?

Thanks, Diana, for telling it like it is --no responsible organization would allow in the water interaction w/ the dolphins. Just to hear that you found one group that was keeping them in cement pools makes your heart ache. If everyone would just education others they come into contact with, it would help.

While the dolphins are somewhat penned (but larger than show areas in dolphin shows around the US) in they are taken out several times a day for free swim. The Univ. of Florida, Sierra Club and the University of R.I. at Woods Hole all support the activities at Anthony's Key. In fact, they send sudents in the greafuate program to study there for 3 months as part of the course of study.
I am not sure one can critize their practices much with such university/research support.
Go see for yourself. We have several times and compared to say the dolphin Academy on Curacao you will will be impressed with the car that Roatan takes.

Hi Joan,
Thanks so much for your interest and concern.

Not sure why the post was edited - it must have been somehow in violation of the terms of the board. Here is a link to the info:

http://whale.wheelock.edu/archives/whalenet96/0027.html

Ric O'Barry - Flipper's trainer and a strong advocate against the swtd programs - links them to organized crime and specifically mentions Anthony's Key in this article:

http://www.planetoceandiveclub.com/s...farernov05.htm

Stan, please provide links to the info regarding the support from the institutions you name.

If Sierra Club supports AKR, my husband and I will be ceasing to support Sierra Club.

Of course they take "care" of their dolphins - they EACH rake in appx. $250,000 per year for their "owners." :(

Thanks.

Thanks for the info, Diana. I'm sure glad I got to read the article before it was deleted here.

Sorry I do not remember article in Sierra Club newsletter about dolphin research and care.
But, it was documented in 2005.
I suppose you should then consider not supporting the Sierra Club. We are semi-active in it and contribute a few hundred dollars every year for most of what they do is well intentioned.
They do have a fine reputation. Some of that may be PR, but I support their overall mission.

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