News Archives

July, 2005

Victory for dolphins in Bermuda

Thanks in part to the swift action of WSPA members, the Minister of the Environment in Bermuda has refused the application for a dolphin display permit to Lynn and Martin Hassell of Dolphin Oasis. The Hassell's, longtime dolphin profiteers, had hoped to establish a second captive dolphin facility in Bermuda as a counterpart to the original Dolphin Oasis. The minister's decision effectively puts an end to their quest to establish this new facility in Bermuda.

When WSPA first brought this matter to our members attention last December, things were looking grim for the dolphins and approval of a display permit seemed imminent. But, in the wake of an international campaign to highlight the plight of dolphins, Bermuda has responded to the many voices calling into question the impact of the captivity industry on the welfare of dolphins and local marine environments.