In their press statement dated 12 Mar 09 (also on wildnews) Resorts World Sentosa says
We are aware of the online petition that has been addressed to the Singapore Government and the Marine Life Park.
The Marine Life Park has consistently pledged its commitment to develop a world-class facility that will set the standard in Asia for animal care, learning and education and the promotion of marine conservation. A world-class team of experienced professionals and animal experts will be set up to deliver this promise.Resorts World Sentosa earlier made a longer press statement on 9 Jan 09 (also on this blog), including these comments on whale sharks:
Just as zoos have educated millions of people worldwide on the need for, and importance of, protecting wildlife, we believe our Park will likewise play a crucial role in educating visitors on the variety and conservation of marine animals. It will be a unique window for visitors – many of whom would never get to see such marine life up close -- to appreciate the ocean and the need for its conservation
Details on the Marine Life Park have not been finalized and we continue to explore various options. As we move forward, we will abide by the Singapore regulatory guidelines on the import and treatment of marine life.
We welcome feedback and remain committed to dialogue with special interest groups, supporters and any individual who is keen to learn and act on marine conservation.-Marine Life Park.
Whale Sharks
Whale sharks are currently listed as “threatened”, a category below “endangered” in the protection list. They are “threatened’’ for a variety of reasons, many of which are a result of human activities that threaten the oceans. The threat these animals face in the wild makes the role of aquariums in their conservation all the more crucial.
We need to conserve and learn about these animals as much as we can before their population becomes critically unsustainable. There have been similar doubts on whether pandas and bottlenose dolphins could breed in captivity, and zoos and aquariums have played a crucial role in breaking ground in that respect to ensure these species continue to exist. It is the Marine Life Park’s goal to contribute to the study and research of whale sharks, and to do its part to help protect the species’ wild population from disappearing.
Related articles
- Georgia Aquarium responds to Singapore petition against captive whale sharks.
- Animal welfare groups oppose import of whale sharks at Sentosa IR
- The petition is at http://www.whalesharkpetition.com/
- I will boycott Resorts World Sentosa and its Marine Life Park Facebook group:
- More about the issues with lots of links on the wild shores of singapore blog
