Swimming w/dolphins in Cancun
Jul 28th, 2003, 10:02 AM
#21
For mramstel: I know in Puerto Vallarta there are eco-friendly boat tours specifically to go and observe the dolphins in their natural habitat. People have reported having a wonderful experience, with no harm coming to the dolphins. Maybe someone knows of something similar in Cancun?
Jul 31st, 2003, 06:21 AM
#22
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It was always a dream of mine to swim with dolphins (I grew up watching "flipper."
I never thought it would be such a nightmare...I'm glad I ran across this before I go on vacation.
Thanks to everyone who gave input.
I never thought it would be such a nightmare...I'm glad I ran across this before I go on vacation.Thanks to everyone who gave input.
Jul 31st, 2003, 10:50 AM
#23
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Update:
Another dolphin that was imported from the Solomon Islands to Cancun's Parque Nizuc died yesterday. It breaks my heart.
On a related subject, I've just found out that the Miami Seaquarium is seeking a permit to re-capture Keiko (of 'Free Willie' fame) from the waters off Norway where he now lives, and import him to their 'captivity' park. How sick is THAT!
Another dolphin that was imported from the Solomon Islands to Cancun's Parque Nizuc died yesterday. It breaks my heart.
On a related subject, I've just found out that the Miami Seaquarium is seeking a permit to re-capture Keiko (of 'Free Willie' fame) from the waters off Norway where he now lives, and import him to their 'captivity' park. How sick is THAT!
Aug 20th, 2003, 12:41 PM
#25
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If you only saw what they did to that cow they imported from Texas to make my T-Bone steak last week! Come on people. I wouldn't do the dolphin swim simply because to me it doesn't look worth the money. Life is cruel, and it gets more cruel the further down the food chain you go. If the great white shark can chomp a dolphin in half or rip the head off a seal, why then is it cruel for humans to enjoy them for entertainment. I blame this stuff on Disney. All those doe eyed animals getting whacked by the evil human. Not so happy stuff happens in life, and we are all contributing in our own little way, so keep off the dolphin soap box.
Aug 20th, 2003, 01:37 PM
#26
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The differences are simple:
Some people choose to educate themselves about things they may realize subconsciously are wrong and need more info to make a decision.
Some people want to know more about something they would like to do that they know nothing about.
Some people are only interested in making themselves happy at the cost of anyone or anything.
Which one are you?
(btw, there's a big difference between an animal eating to survive in the wild, and ignorant people paying to torture an animal.)
Some people choose to educate themselves about things they may realize subconsciously are wrong and need more info to make a decision.
Some people want to know more about something they would like to do that they know nothing about.
Some people are only interested in making themselves happy at the cost of anyone or anything.
Which one are you?
(btw, there's a big difference between an animal eating to survive in the wild, and ignorant people paying to torture an animal.)
Aug 21st, 2003, 07:57 AM
#28
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Well, I have to admit, last night I reserved a space for my sister to swim with the dolphins at Parque Nizuc in Cancun...BUT, the ONLY reason I would ever buy a ticket is because I'm producing a documentary on Captive dolphins and the only way I'll get close enough to get the footage I need is to participate. My sister will be asking specific questions to the trainers and I'm going to get it all on tape. It should be interesting. Oh, and of course one of the reasons I chose this park is because I'm hoping to be able to see their newest prisoners from the Solomon Islands. Wish me luck because although I do feel guilty for having to buy a ticket, I keep telling myslef that it's for a good cause!
Aug 21st, 2003, 08:28 AM
#29
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Ally,
Good luck.
You may want to make sure they will allow you to tape on your own.
Most of those places tape the "session" and charge an exhorbitant amount of money for the video.
You may go to all of this trouble only to have them tell you you're not allowed to bring your camera into the "prison."
I'm sure many of these places have realized there are people like us out there who would love to get them all shut down and know that tapes of the living conditions, etc., would only strengthen that position.
Be careful, and be sure to let us know what happens
Good luck.
You may want to make sure they will allow you to tape on your own.
Most of those places tape the "session" and charge an exhorbitant amount of money for the video.
You may go to all of this trouble only to have them tell you you're not allowed to bring your camera into the "prison."
I'm sure many of these places have realized there are people like us out there who would love to get them all shut down and know that tapes of the living conditions, etc., would only strengthen that position.
Be careful, and be sure to let us know what happens
Aug 21st, 2003, 11:28 AM
#30
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Diane,
Thanks for the warning! I know the Dolphin Discovery won't let you take your own videos, so I personally called the park yesterday and was assured that I could go back and video my sister 'swimming'. Of course I plan to check again when we go to pick up the ticket, and since I have not paid for it yet, I simply won't pay if they don't let me go back with my camera!
Thanks for the warning! I know the Dolphin Discovery won't let you take your own videos, so I personally called the park yesterday and was assured that I could go back and video my sister 'swimming'. Of course I plan to check again when we go to pick up the ticket, and since I have not paid for it yet, I simply won't pay if they don't let me go back with my camera!
Aug 26th, 2003, 09:43 AM
#31
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Well, it looks like I won't be able to get footage for my documentary this week afterall. I've just been informed by Ric O'Berry (who is in Cancun today) that the swim program at Parque Nizuc is closed for now. Another one of their dolphins died this past weekend, apparenly infected with something brought over from the Solomon Dolphins. Needless to say, they are NOW worried about all the dolphins and so they closed the program.
Aug 26th, 2003, 11:07 AM
#32
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Well, I'm really glad they closed the program, but I'm very sorry for the dolphins that had to die in order for them to do so. Where's 60 Minutes when you need them???
It's pretty obvious that the only reason they have closed it is because they are worried about their "meal tickets" getting whatever the newly-captured ones had/have.
If you are going to be there anyway, there's Wet and Wild, Chankanaab Park, Xel Ha and Isla Mujeres that all have swtd I believe... (Although someone said the Xel Ha was closed? - We can ONLY hope!)
It's pretty obvious that the only reason they have closed it is because they are worried about their "meal tickets" getting whatever the newly-captured ones had/have.
If you are going to be there anyway, there's Wet and Wild, Chankanaab Park, Xel Ha and Isla Mujeres that all have swtd I believe... (Although someone said the Xel Ha was closed? - We can ONLY hope!)
Aug 27th, 2003, 05:06 AM
#33
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Hi Diane!
Well, I've now been told that Parque Nizuc (which is actually part of Wet & Wild) will be opened again on Saturday, pending inspections from SEMARNAT. But, just in case, I've also now got reservations at "Interactive Aquarium" at the mall. Ric tells me this place is awful and would be a good second choice to get footage for my film. So, one way or another, I start filming the documentrary this Sunday!
Well, I've now been told that Parque Nizuc (which is actually part of Wet & Wild) will be opened again on Saturday, pending inspections from SEMARNAT. But, just in case, I've also now got reservations at "Interactive Aquarium" at the mall. Ric tells me this place is awful and would be a good second choice to get footage for my film. So, one way or another, I start filming the documentrary this Sunday!
