Dear Source:
During this holiday season it behooves all of us to take the time to reflect on the quality of life for all people and animals in our community.
Unfortunately, we are plagued by too much abuse aimed especially towards women, children and animals. If we are to consider ourselves a humane society, we must pledge to commit ourselves to combating this problem on all fronts, each and every day.
Of specific note is the pending application by Coral World for a CZM permit to construct a Dolphinarium featuring captive Dolphins. No matter how much Coral World’s owner/general manager, curator, employees, families, friends, business/tourism associates, and nonprofit organizations spin and endorse this concept, it is simply inhumane to bring captured or born in captivity Dolphins into an unnatural, confined setting, and be forced to perform unnatural tricks in unnatural daily shows. It is not too much of a stretch to ask humans to place themselves in the proposed position of these majestic, intelligent mammals and contemplate if this is a suitable environment within which to exist. The public should not confuse the entertainment use of these Dolphins for an education source.
Just as Coral World’s promise to improve its financial position with the exhibition of sea lions did not materialize, the same result is easily predictable with the showing and breeding of captive Dolphins in diminutive pens. Furthermore, the devastating negative impact on the environment in the Water Bay area is an apparent reality.
If you do indeed care about a better, more humane St. Thomas, it is not too late to do what is right by actively taking a stand against Coral World’s proposed Dolphinarium. Happy Holidays!
Dellia Holodenschi, St. Thomas
