SeaWorld in the United States has come under a lot of pressure from animal activists recently over its treatment of ocean mammals.
The criticism has led to drop in attendance, some changes in practices at its parks in Orlando and San Diego, and a commitment that the company’s new park in the UAE would focus on education, rescue and rehabilitation.
But in Australia, the public mood seems quite different.
When activists tried to stop a dolphin show at the (unrelated) Sea World park on Queensland’s Gold Coast, the audience rebelled.
As the Brisbane Times reports, the Justice for Captives group was quickly met by boos and had their signs taken down by angry patrons.
The Gold Coast park has long had a reputation for nurturing its animals, and for rescuing and returning to the wild sea creatures that have faced problems in its neighbourhood.
The debate about zoos of all kinds continues. Some argue that the ability to see wild animals at close proximity actually aids their chances of survival in the wild by educating people as to their worth. Others say caging or containing any animal is cruel and cannot be justified on moral or ethical grounds.
The bottom line is that you are free to take either position — or another one completely — and argue your case in legitimate channels. But direct action is perhaps not the best way to make a point in front of a crowd that clearly doesn’t share your view.
