News Archives

August, 2005

Marine park expansion threatens 33 species

As part of a massive redevelopment plan, a Hong Kong marine park aims to add 33 new animal species to its current collection. Some of the species that Ocean Park would like to add include animals considered threatened or endangered like Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, though importation of these animals would violate international trade rules.

Competing with Disneyland

The park's expansion plans are a desperate attempt to compete with Disneyland Hong Kong, which will open in September 2005. The animal-free Disneyland is sure to be a big draw with tourists from Mainland China as well as residents of Hong Kong

Wild captures likely

It is believed that Ocean Park will seek to capture dolphins, as well as orcas, belugas, polar bears and walruses, from the wild as many of these animals are difficult to come by in captivity. Wild captures are notoriously violent and often lead to injuries or deaths of the animals.

Ocean Park has a dismal record when it comes to keeping marine mammals in captivity. To date there is no evidence that its husbandry practices have been altered or updated since the inception of their captivity program.