URGENT: Sign-On Request

[Guest guest]

Posted on behalf of Elsa Nature Conservancy - Japan:

 

Dear Dolphin Defenders,

 

Can we please get your NGO to sign-on to the following letter (some of you have

already done so - thank you.)

 

We have a real chance of stopping this new project. The latest survey indicates

that 70% of the city is OPPOSED to the new dolphinarium.

 

The mayor of Kyoto will make his decision soon. We must deliver this letter in a

few days. Please sign-on now.

 

You can contact me off-list at: ricobarry

 

Thank you,

 

-- ric o'barry

 

www.SaveJapanDolphins.org

 

Dear Mr. Daisaku Kadokawa, Mayor of Kyoto city:

 

We, the undersigned animal welfare, environmental and wildlife conservation

organizations, are deeply concerned about your plans to build the biggest inland

aquarium/dolphinarium in Kyoto city. We hereby urge you to withdraw the plans

immediately, for the following reasons:

 

1. Japan already has over 50 captive dolphin facilities. Constructing yet

another dolphinarium translates into the capture of more wild animals for public

display. As you know, dolphins in Japan are captured by the method of the

so-called dolphin drive hunt; which is a practice that has been internationally

condemned. The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) has officially

admitted that the dolphin drive hunt is exceptionally cruel and violates WAZA's

Code of Ethics. WAZA has issued a warning to its members not to purchase

dolphins from these hunts. The Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a

member of WAZA and is therefore obligated to abide by its Code of Ethics.

 

2. You argue that the construction of a captive dolphin facility in Kyoto City

serves the purpose of allowing children in Kyoto to experience the ocean and

learn about nature. In reality, however, no one can experience the true nature

of dolphins by watching a captive dolphin display, which mainly consists of

concrete tanks, filled with artificial sea water and confined marine mammals. To

confine sonic and free ranging marine mammals in small tanks constitutes severe

animal cruelty, in that it violates the dolphins' most fundamental physiological

and behavioral requirements.

 

3. Kyoto reflects Japan's culture more strongly than any other city and is even

referred to by some as " the hometown of all Japanese. " This beautiful city is a

world-renowned tourist destination and, thanks to the Kyoto Protocol, has gained

status as an international symbol of environmental awareness and responsibility.

The construction of a dolphinarium in Kyoto will permanently destroy the

foundation for Kyoto's international fame. People worldwide are becoming more

environmentally conscious and, as they gain more insight into the animal

suffering connected with the capture and confinement of dolphins, they will

refuse to visit a city that promotes such animal abuse.

 

We urge you to make the right decision and stop the proposed dolphinarium. In

doing so, you would be sending an important message to the rest of the world

about Kyoto's continued respect for wildlife and its inhabitants.

 

Very truly yours,