Animal activists to protest dolphin captivity this weekend

ANIMAL rights organisation, Ban Animal Trading will host the Empty the Tanks protest on Saturday, 8 May at the intersection of Albert Terrace, Anson Road and King Shaka Avenue from 8am to 10.30am. 

Ban Animal Trading founder, Prathna Singh said the aim of the protest is to raise awareness about dolphin and whale captivity.

“Ban Animal Trading is opposed to the keeping of any wild animals in captivity in general. With Empty the Tanks, we are specifically focusing on dolphins because most people don’t realise how bad captivity is for dolphins – how traumatic it is for them, mentally, physically and emotionally.”

“Dolphins are highly intelligent and socially complex. Being in captivity for them is the same as it would be for us. It’s the same as lockdown was for us,” she said.

Also read: Don’t drive over packets on roads, says Durban animal rescue organisation

According to Singh, uShaka is the only aquarium on the African continent that has dolphins in captivity.

“People think dolphins are happy and enjoy the dolphin shows because they have a permanent smile on their faces. Dolphins swim vast distances in the wild and hunt for their fish. They have very strong social bonds in their families,” she said.

Sea World responds

Ann Kunz, spokesperson for South African Association for Marine Biological Research at uShaka Marine World, said there are nine dolphins in the aquarium, eight of which were born there.

“Animal care is Sea World’s top priority. Our team are experienced and committed to ensuring that every animal is cared for in the best way possible. This is done by a team of behaviourists, aquarists, water quality technicians, vets and laboratory technicians. The team communicates with facilities around the world in order to ensure that our standards are world-class,” she added.

Kunz added that the dolphins would require an intensive rehabilitation programme if they were to leave the aquarium.

“Based on what has happened at other dolphinariums, successful rehabilitation is unlikely. They are habituated to their home at uShaka Sea World, and based on the best
assessments we can make, their welfare will not be served by setting them free,” said Kunz.

Also read: uShaka defends animal practices criticisms

She said Sea World helps to promote sustainability by raising awareness about marine life

“At uShaka Sea World we are able to introduce people to animals that they had only ever heard of, and through life-changing experiences, help people to care for dolphins, and other amazing marine life,” she added.

“We have tried to create an environment at uShaka Sea World where you, and the animals of the marine world, can connect. Our research shows that these connections do change people’s behaviour and help them to behave in more environmentally sustainable ways,” concluded Kunz.

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