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.

For The Love of Equines

This week’s blog entry comes from Kristin Lajeunesse, Supporter Liaison for the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA). Read on for Kristin’s fascinating account of her experiences with horses.

 

They called her “the little bay mare.” I first noticed her big, soft brown eyes and how her coarse black mane and tail accented her deep brown coat. As she moseyed over to greet me, her ample hay belly adorably swayed from side to side. It was love at first sight. When I discovered that she and I were both eight years old, I knew it was meant to be. I named her Spirit and from that day forward I began an unparalleled relationship with this beautiful animal.

 

 

 

I spent every spare moment learning how to properly care for Spirit. My bond with Spirit, and my passion for everything equine, grew strong.

 

Over time, I came to understand Spirit's unique personality. She enjoyed walking alongside me when I was doing my daily barn chores. Though she was the shortest of all the horses she lived with, she was the leader of the herd. And yet, despite her commanding personality, she seemed visibly saddened when I’d give attention to another horse; she wouldn’t take her eyes off of us and after a while, turn and hang her head. For a few hours after, she would ignore me and walk away when I approached her.

 

I realized that she, like most other equines, was sensitive and exceptionally caring. Coupling these experiences with my degree in Equestrian Studies, it became even clearer that owning an equine involves a great deal of care and compassion.

 

While I was fortunate to enjoy the company of equines as companion animals, many people in other countries depend on these animals for their livelihoods. Unfortunately, these people often don’t have the resources—like hands-on training and formal education—to properly care for their equines. It is not uncommon for their equines to be subjected to ill-fitting equipment, neglect, and various health problems.

 

WSPA’s working equines program provides equine owners with humane education workshops and clinics, which cover topics like using the right equipment, proper hoof care, health, and nutrition. In 2004 WSPA assisted the Lampang Pony Welfare Organization in Thailand, and set up a clinic offering advice, veterinary treatment, and low cost supplies.  The clinic has been extremely successful and the health of the Lampang ponies has improved so dramatically that WSPA is replicating this project in Cambodia.

 

(Now, at the age of 26, Spirit is still in great health, living out her remaining years as a pasture pony with her equine companion, Amber.)