FriendBurst Blog

AfSD™(ADVOCATE FOR SAVING DOGS™and all living creatures)

Thank you:
WILDLIFE

WSPA USA (www.myspace.com/425144800)

Date: 24/01/2011 12:10:05 PM
Subject: Petition to end a captive dolphin program in the Las Vegas

Since the opening of Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage Casino-Hotel in Las Vegas in 1990, 12 out of 18 dolphins have died under their care – an estimated 70% mortality rate (see footnote).
At least three animals were reportedly stillborn or died shortly after birth; others succumbed to illnesses such as respiratory infections and stomach tears.
So, in 2009, when The Mirage filed a application with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to import two dolphins from Dolphin Quest Bermuda for their breeding program, WSPA and Born Free USA took action. The two groups immediately filed a joint complaint requesting that The Mirage’s permit request be denied based on their dismal animal care record and transport concerns, among other issues. Despite strong opposition, NMFS granted the permit in August 2009.