Cleaner Pools, Happier Dolphins

Sentosa

South, Singapore

June 2013

Three weeks after the STOMP posting ("Poor conditions for RWS dolphins: Cramped space and algae-stained pool"), Merlion Wayfarer once again had a chance to observe the living conditions of the dolphins. 

(Photos taken at sunset)

It seems that after the resulting media publicity from the article, RWS has finally cleaned up the dolphin enclosures. 

This is how they look this week:

Other than some algae in two of the tanks, most of the tanks are cleaner now. The dolphins appear happier too, frolicking in the sun, swimming more actively, and playing within their group. It was really heartwarming to see the change in their behaviour.

Merlion Wayfarer is glad to have made the difference today. Thank you, STOMP.

"To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, 

a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; 

To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. 

This is to have succeeded. "

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~


This article is currently in STOMP on 15 June 2013:
"What a difference: RWS dolphin pools cleared of algae following STOMPer's report"

(Source : SPH)

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The full albums are available at:

Merlion Wayfarer Goes Green's Picasa Web Albums (Cetacea) 

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World Environment Day - The Cove On Okto

(This article is part of Merlion Wayfarer's series on Animal Welfare.)

Tonight Merlion Wayfarer will be watching The Cove.

(Source : Wikipedia)

The Cove is a 2009  film that analyzes and questions Japan's dolphin hunting culture. Told from an ocean conservationist's point of view, and filmed secretly using underwater microphones and high-definition cameras disguised as rocks, the film is a call to action to halt mass dolphin kills, change Japanese fishing practices, and to inform and educate the public about the risks, and increasing hazards, of mercury poisoning from dolphin meat. 

(Source : The Cove Movie)

The Cove highlights the fact that the number of dolphins killed in the Taiji dolphin drive hunting is several times greater than the number of whales killed in the Antarctic, and claims that 23,000 dolphins and porpoises are killed in Japan every year by the country's whaling industry. The migrating dolphins are herded into a cove where they are netted and killed by means of spears and knives over the side of small fishing boats. Dolphin hunting as practiced in Japan is unnecessary and cruel.

(Source : The Cove Movie)

It was the Academy Award Winner for Best Documentary in 2009. 

To mark World Environment Day, The Cove will shown on MediaCorp's Okto tonight at 2200 hours.

  

(Source : WotWots)

... Related Reading ...

|   "Why You Should Not Visit The Marine Life Park At RWS"   |  

   

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Why You Should Not Visit The Marine Life Park At RWS

Sentosa

South, Singapore

May 2013

(This article is part of Merlion Wayfarer's series on Animal Welfare.)

Merlion Wayfarer was at Sentosa when she spotted the dolphins at the RWS Marine Life Park. 

These two pictures taken were of different pools. Both pools had floors stained with algae growth. For each pool, there were several dolphins crammed into a space not much bigger than a volleyball court. In the second photo, two of the dolphins were beached, while another was knocking its head on the wall of the pool. 

(Photos taken at sunset)

It was very heartrending to see them. 

Please do not visit the Marine Life Park at RWS.

(Source : Save the World’s Saddest Dolphins)

This article was featured in STOMP's Top 8
on 19 May 2013 with 28,414 views (as of 15 June 2013):
"Poor conditions for RWS dolphins: Cramped space and algae-stained pool"

(Source : SPH)

A follow-up visit was made in June 2013:
"Cleaner Pools, Happier Dolphins" (15 June 2013)

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The full albums are available at:

Merlion Wayfarer Goes Green's Picasa Web Albums (Cetacea) 

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