Another Karen

Karen,<BR>You picked up your information at Dolphin Encounters and you think that it presents a balanced point of view???<BR>How absurd. <BR>I'm not one of those PETA types that won't boil water for fear of harming bacteria but when a mainstream organizaion like the ASPCA speaks against these programs, perhaps you'd do well to listen.

Deborah

We can talk about statistics till we're blue in the face. Some people just have to learn the hard way. The best statistic I can give you is for you to see for yourself the difference in the demeanor between captive dolphins and those in the wild. I have seen both and I know Nancy has seen both. There is a BIG difference. <BR><BR>That being said, go do the SWTD experience. Maybe you'll understand then what we are talking about. If not, I suggest you go someplace where you can see them in the wild. Compare, observe, admire them. Then maybe you'll see the difference. Then maybe you'll regret that you participated in the SWTD programs. And then you might understand what some (happy to see, that we are a majority) people here have been trying to explain.<BR><BR>

anon

Karen, the fact that you call a debate such as this ENTERTAINING shows your true character.

Karen

And where does one go to see them in the wild (unless you're with PETA or the Dolphin Project, etc.)? Maybe catch a glimpse of one at a distance but not be able to see that they are intelligent creatures. How will that prove anything? <BR><BR>I know what beautiful, gentle, intelligent creatures they are from participating with SWTD programs. And, no, that's not my only source of information (another Karen).

Nancy

Mary, I know how you feel. Sometimes I get very frustrated with people's seeming lack of compassion and their refusal to see what seems crystal clear to me.<BR>People are entitled to their own opinions, and not admitting that something they have done is cruel and exploitive allows them to avoid feeling guilty. <BR>Or like another poster, maybe it will be years and many life experiences before they realize what they did was wrong. <BR><BR>Karen, the difference between where I got my info and where you got yours is that the SWTD programs make major bucks off of people like you who delude themselves about the truth of having &quot;fun&quot; at the expense of an intelligent animal.<BR>Do you truly believe that the news program (which I DID see by the way - pathetic) would take the time and effort to report about something that was an &quot;isolated incident?&quot; 20/20 is quite adept as uncovering graft and cruelty - which the SWTD programs are a perfect example of. <BR>Karen, I feel very sorry for you that you think a captive dolphin forced to perform for your entertainment can be compared in any way to the unfettered gorgeous majesty of a pod of wild dolphins in the open ocean.

Deborah

Karen:<BR>You asked where you could see them in the wild. I saw them in the wild in Sanibel, Florida. Sanibel has a year round population of about 200 Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins. Locals say they like it there due to the water temps and ample food supply. Was there last year and saw them every day - often more than once a day. Sometimes they would get as close as 10 feet to you. And if you were out in your boat, they would get behind you in your swells and jump the waves! It was one of the most beautiful, enlightening and fun vacations I'd ever been on. Go there and you'll see what I mean.

Deborah

Just thought of another thing. The first day we were in Sanibel we went out to the beach and immediately saw one. I was so excited - like a child! Saw them again later and 2 or 3 times the next day.<BR><BR>On our 3rd day there I was walking along the beach looking for shells. A man walked by and asked me if those were dolphins out in the water. I replied, &quot;oh yeah, they're always there!&quot; Had gotten used to seeing them by that time! And I have some wonderful pictures. I can't even find the words to explain what those first few times were like seeing them. They joy and wonder was amazing. The feeling was so much better then anything you could have had at a SWTD prison. <BR><BR>But like I said, pay the $100+ to add to their misery, then go someplace like Sanibel. You'll see the difference. If you don't feel regret then well, what can I say, maybe you just don't have any spirit.

Edward

SHUT UP ALREADY!! WHO CARES?!? They're basically just a bunch of stupid FISH, only good for EATING!!!

frank

dear,oh dear, Edward. You are indeed unique. At an estimate, 99% of people know that dolphins are not fish. You probably also don't know that in the Caribbean islands, when you see dolphin on the menu it isn't actually dolphin.<BR>And what on earth does &quot;shut up already&quot; mean? It is playground speak?

andrew

Atlantis is best suited to emptyheaded morons without any class.<BR>Edward will fit in just fine.

xxxx

maybe someone would like to know that the closed dolphin abusement park on Tortola that transferred two very sick dolphins to another location and one died is fixing the pool and is planning to import four more male dolphins and reopen. It took sick and dying dolphins and the death of one before anything was done about the horrific conditions they were forced to live under despite multiple complaints from many. Guessing the research that was done was what makes dolphins ill and the eduction was to transfer them elsewhere so you don't have to take the heat for the abuse. <BR>Since no one speaks for the dolphins their only hope is that they can't be sold for upwards of $40,000 when captured and that people boycott places that provide animals for amusement - Whether it's tigers caged in the tropical heat or dophins swimming in a cesspool.

lisa

I was there with my husband 4/02. It is mobbed with kids and most all from NY.It is very expensive to eat and drink. The cheapest meal at the pool is a $20 hamburger and fries. The restaurants are good but pricey. The pools and slides are fun-but lots of kids. The aquariums are amazing! The rooms un-impressive nd make sure htta you are not in the older tower-it is a dump! The only dinner excursion we did was to a restaurant-it is very famous and $$$ but was great(forget the name).The altantis resort down the beach is provate and nice for food too. I would stay there and then just use the pools at Atlantis. We did a sunset sailing cruise which was nice-2 hours I think. There is no town worth going to really. The cabs are pricey but I dont remember specifics. The spa was extrmemly disappointing too. You have to pay to tennis and workout even $15 if you do not have a spa that day. They get you everywhere. So, the fish are great and fun slides but not worth the extreme pricing we thought.