PETA Statement on the Death of Rita the Dolphin at Ocean Park Hong Kong

PETA Statement on the Death of Rita the Dolphin at Ocean Park Hong Kong

Rita’s death is tragic—but entirely predictable. Ocean Park is a commercial enterprise that has kept dolphins confined for decades, denying Rita and others any semblance of the natural life a dolphin would experience in the wild. Dolphins swim dozens of kilometres a day in the ocean, form close bonds with others, and navigate vast, dynamic environments. Rita spent her life in a concrete tank and was isolated in her final years, swimming in endless circles, unable to dive deep, feel the ocean currents, or do anything else that was natural and important to her.

 

Aquariums are not coastal sanctuaries.  Ocean Park is part of an industry built on the suffering of intelligent, social beings. If it truly cared about dolphins and other marine animals, Ocean Park would stop breeding or acquiring them and commit to closing its marine mammal exhibits.

 

Anyone who cares about animals should refuse to support facilities that imprison them. There’s nothing educational about watching a dolphin suffer in a tank.

Please attribute the statement to PETA Senior Vice President Jason Baker.