“Plan B”
Whale & Dolphin Advocacy Group
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We have all experienced “plan B”. Having a backup plan incase Plan A doesn’t work out. However, it does not appear that the Marine Capture Industry has considered this, at least during the early days of acquiring animals for their entertainment value. Not condemning them, but wondering why this didn’t happen? You don’t become a CEO of a large corporation by being stupid. The idea must have or at least should have been considered as to what happens to these animals once they have grown up, achieved success and reached an age or condition of “retirement”, for the lack of a better term. They should have had the foresight to at least envision that public awareness and opinion may sway away from housing these very large animals (now grown up) in tanks that were designed for them as youngsters. Maybe they did. Maybe some of the actual trainers, managers and others who had firsthand experience and worked daily with these animals saw the writing on the wall, but that didn’t get passed on to the “suits”? Who knows, but the fact remains that it apparently did not happen. Most likely, this was “bottom line” thinking that now must be reviewed in light of current events and public opinion.
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Most of our “advisors” at the Whale & Dolphin Advocacy Group, started out as working for the captive industry. That’s how we developed a love for these animals and grew up alongside them. 30 or 40 years ago, we did not know nor understand the consequences to come. It was new, it was exciting and as time went by, we did learn much more about their culture, history, biology, husbandry, eating habits, and most important, their brain. They are so intelligent and sophisticated beyond anything we had imagined. Had this era not happened, we certainly would not be as knowledgeable as we are now.
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HOWEVER, the time has arrived due to lessons learned, technology, research, hands on experience and years of data, we NO LONGER need them in a captive environment for any type of research. This can be achieved with animals in the wild thru scientific means. The ONLY reason to keep these animals in captivity is for entertainment purposes. No longer is this acceptable.
So…Plan B. What do we (they) do?
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In our opinion, the obvious way to handle this is with government mandates to any park that currently houses Cetaceans to have a “Plan B” that covers a retirement plan at a certain age, physical ability, size, sex, or other constraining issues (to be determined). This could be a Sanctuary specific to that species or built to house multiple species. It could be temporary sea pens to house them until Sanctuaries can be located and constructed. It could be the sharing of housing with other facilities that can manage these animals until a suitable ocean facility can be constructed. A limited few may even be candidates for eventual release! The list goes on…AND of course, no more captures or breeding to replace current animals.
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The problem is, how long will this take for the Gov’t (here in the USA and abroad) to move on this? Some Countries like Canada have taken steps, but only for laws to outlaw current cetaceans or limit any further capture, breeding or holding of cetaceans. NOT where they will go or instructions on ocean facilities. The same loophole. Good laws without sufficient remedies for where to place these currently held whales and dolphins.
OUR PLAN B: (Whale & Dolphin Advocacy Group)
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We would obviously support government involvement in this issue. The Parks probably would not. Having said that, it would make sense for the Captive Industry to be pro-active and create their own “Plan B”. It’s not too late for them to start planning for the future of their animals. Where they will go. How they will be housed. Design plans can easily be created. Site locations can be sought after. Funds can be set aside. Plans can be developed for the sustainability of these ocean sites. Personnel can be trained. Scientific studies can be developed and prepared. Marketing this to the public can start. This is not rocket science. It is a win win situation for all concerned and might avoid future Government involvement, if done correctly and proactively. The industry must get involved regardless. They are the ones with the most to lose or gain and have the expertise and experience to take care of these animals.
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We at the Whale & Dolphin Advocacy Group are here to help, if asked.