Tails from a Compassionate Planet

Save the Dolphins: Keep St. Maarten Captivity-Free

It’s no wonder that the Caribbean Island of St. Maarten is a popular tourist destination and a frequent port of call for cruise ships – its white, sandy beaches and pristine ocean water make it a haven for vacationers around the world. Unfortunately, plans for a new dolphin aquarium (also known as a "dolphinarium") could soon turn the tropical island into a nightmare for some dolphins.

Dolphins who are forced to live in captivity at dolphin aquariums and “Swim with the Dolphins” facilities often develop stress-related conditions such as ulcers, display stereotypical behaviors such as pacing or self-mutilation, and suffer premature deaths. Yet, these facilities continue to thrive due to high tourist demand – allowing profit to take precedence over the welfare of animals.   

Earlier this month, rumors circulated about the establishment of a new “Swim with the Dolphins” facility on St. Maarten. In immediate response to the proposed idea, the dolphin protection group Dolphin Defenders St. Maarten (DDSM) launched an anti-captivity campaign – rallying support from locals and tourists, collecting petition signatures and conducting various education efforts.

WSPA has endorsed DDSM’s campaign and we will keep you posted on the progress, including DDSM’s outreach efforts at this week’s world-famous St. Maarten Regatta event.

Please help keep St. Maarten captivity-free by signing DDSM’s online petition.

Three Bears Rescued from Cruel Baiting Events in Pakistan

In rural Pakistan, thousands of spectators assemble to watch bear baiting events, in which trained dogs ferociously attack a clawless bear who is chained to the ground. The illegal contests are organized by powerful local landlords who pay bear owners to bring the animals to fight.

Today, three bears that were used in these cruel baiting events - Bhoori, Kaali and Leela - no long have to suffer.

Bioresource Research Centre (BRC) recently rescued the bears as part of an ongoing campaign with the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) to end bear baiting. After months of  negotiating with Bhoori, Kaali and Leela’s owners, BRC successfully persuaded them to hand over the bears and partake in new, cruelty-free livelihoods as part of  BRC’s Alternative Livelihood program.

Immediately after the handovers took place, Bhoori, Leela and Kaali were transported to the WSPA's Balkasar Sanctuary, where the staff carefully removed the rings that pierced the bears’ sensitive muzzles, cut away the leashes that wound tightly around their necks, and treated their wounds.

The bears are now in quarantine and, within a month, will join the other bears at Balkasar. Click here to read more about each bear or visit WSPA's Facebook page to view pictures of the bears being transported to and treated at Balkasar Sanctuary.

Image: Bhoori's owner bids her farewell as he hands her over to BRC staff (left). (c)WSPA