News Archives

June, 2005

Swim-with-the-dolphin programs spread to Middle East

Efforts are underway to construct the first marine park and swim-with-dolphins facility in the Middle East. Dubai will be home to this venture, which proposes to house dolphins, sea lions, alligators and other assorted fish and attractions. Dubai Marine World is attempting to portray itself as a conservation, education and therapy center but the fact remains that it is simply another facility planning to exploit dolphins for profit. Given Dubai's impressive record to date regarding animal protection, WSPA is gravely disappointed to see the country take such a huge step backwards.

Marine World will be built in the center of the city of Dubai with construction of the dolphinarium slated to begin in mere weeks. The park plans to showcase three trained dolphins and two sea lions at first and then increase its inventory as the project progresses. The swim-with-dolphins program is expected to be the premier attraction. The park will be open to the public six days a week, meaning that the dolphins will have to entertain the guests nearly continuously. The rigors of performing, matched with the constraints of life in captivity, often translate into unhealthy and stressed dolphins, which can lead to increased mortality, as well as pose a risk to human visitors and other marine mammals sharing their enclosures.