Captivity Is Not Over!
Due to some recent online praise of the new Canadian Cetacean Ban we felt that the true facts should be discussed:
The Canadian “ban” on cetacean captivity permits imprisoning whales and dolphins if the Aquarium Industry claims that they cannot be released! Shame on organizations for supporting this bill that permits imprisoning cetaceans for alleged “legitimate scientific research”! Didn’t they learn from fighting animal experimenters in laboratories who make the same claims! Didn’t they realize that they are helping vivisectors oppose our fight against inhumane, scientifically fallacious animal experiments!
The aquarium industry knows that cetacean captivity is not supported so they are rebranding it as saving “rescued” cetaceans and conservation. One high profile group, that is promoting sea pens, may be now working with the Aquarium Industry. Will they be supporting that any orcas and other cetaceans moved to sea pens be subjected to lucrative experiments and a new tourism attraction! The Sea World Research Sea Prisons???
The Lifeforce ecology organization succeeded in getting a Cetacean Bylaw in Vancouver in 1996. It was watered down and had to be improved. In spite of the ban on cetacean captivity by the City of Vancouver, the Vancouver Aquarium (VA) had stated that they will fight to keep “rescues” at the aquarium for any longer “care” and research until whenever they may find another aquarium.
“To keep “rescued” cetaceans would perpetuate captivity. For decades the wildlife that aquariums and zoos claimed cannot be returned to wild has been a free worldwide animal market. It must be stopped!” stated Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce Founder, “The aquarium industry and some NPOs influenced the Canadian government decisions to permit “rescue and research” captivity. These noisy public places are not suitable for any treatment and recovery. That is why true wildlife rescue includes “hospital peace and quiet” during rehabilitation with releases.”
Hamilton adds, “We still must fight to stop the age old era of Victorian menageries for entertainment profits,” stated Peter Hamilton,” The aquarium industry hopes to get more lucrative research grants for their questionable cetacean experiments. They have said that “captives” and “rescues” are untapped tools ). This is all an attempt to rebrand their captivity business as conservation that has failed to protect species over the past decades. It is time to protect endangered habitats and to use modern technology to truly educate without captivity!”
For further information: lifeforcesociety@gmail.com