MARINELAND WANTS MORE DOLPHINS

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New Zealand Herald 08.03.06

 

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/search/story.cfm?storyid=000E6876-3A28-140D-9F0783027A\

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MARINELAND WANTS MORE DOLPHINS

 

" Political correctness " is preventing Napier's Marineland from replacing its

ageing dolphins, says the manager of the tourist attraction.

 

Nearly five million people have visited the Hawkes Bay marine zoo since it

opened in 1965, but its future could be in doubt after the dolphins go.

 

Manager Gary Macdonald said animal zoos in New Zealand imported other animals,

yet there appeared to be a lot of sensitivity over importing dolphins.

 

Shona, one of the marine zoo's two common dolphins, is now 36 and beginning to

feel her age, while the other dolphin, Kelly, is also in her mid-30s.

 

Most common dolphins do not survive past 20.

 

Captured at sea, Shona arrived at Marineland in 1974 and has performed almost

daily ever since.

 

There are fears that if one dolphin dies, the other will soon follow.

 

Some Napier City councillors have suggested that the building on Marine Parade

be turned into a Maori cultural centre or a wine centre.

 

Mr Macdonald said he had no doubts that the dolphins had always been the key to

Marineland's success. Fur seals, sea lions, otters and penguins were side-

shows.

 

" Without the dolphins we would struggle, but we are working on a review of

Marineland, coming up with a package that would make it viable with other

species available to us, " he said.

 

" It is political correctness - it's okay for any other species or animals to be

held, it seems.

 

" No one seems bothered about the fact we have seals, penguins and all the rest,

but we just can't have a dolphin. "

 

Mr Macdonald said that while it was not prohibited to import dolphins born in

captivity, there was considerable pressure not to.

 

In the past he had investigated importing dolphins bred in other zoos.

 

" Napier City Council has been told by the Government that it is unlikely we will

be able to be granted a permit for that, " he said.

 

" It's really sad for New Zealand. This is the only marine park in the country.

Despite the fact we have an abundance of marine mammals on our coastline, many

people never get to see them. "

 

The Department of Conservation said the minister would ultimately rule on an

application to import a dolphin, after it had been considered by the

director-general.

 

Each application had to be considered on its own merits, it said, and there was

no " blanket view " .

 

- NZPA