The new Mississippi Aquarium is planning to feature captive dolphins as an attraction for guests. We must convince the Gulfport Redevelopment Commission not to imprison dolphins or any other marine mammals in this facility.
It is well known that dolphins suffer immensely and die prematurely in captivity. Capturing these highly intelligent, social animals from the wild traumatizes the animals who are forced into an unnatural life, as well as their grieving family members left behind in the ocean.
Dolphins swim up to 100 miles per day in the open ocean. In captivity, they are kept in tiny, concrete, chemical-filled tanks where they have virtually no room to swim and which are so shallow they sometimes suffer from sunburns. PETA reports that whereas wild dolphins live into their 40’s and 50’s (and some even more than 90 years), more than 80% of their captive counterparts die before age 20.
As an animal lover, the suffering that captive dolphins and other marine mammals experience breaks my heart. Around the world, people are realizing that wild animals have a right to their own lives in nature without human interference. Please sign this petition urging the Gulfport Redevelopment Commission, Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes, and Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant not to allow captive dolphins or other marine mammals to be exploited for entertainment or “educational” purposes in the new Mississippi Aquarium. Together we are sending the message that the public will not support any venue that abuses these magnificent creatures.
Dear Ms. Meadows, Mayor Hewes, and Governor Bryant,
I am deeply concerned regarding your plans to feature captive dolphins as an attraction for guests at the new Mississippi Aquarium.
It is well known that dolphins suffer immensely and die prematurely in captivity. Capturing these highly intelligent, social animals from the wild traumatizes the animals who are forced into an unnatural life, as well as their grieving family members left behind in the ocean.
In the wild, dolphins swim up to 100 miles per day. In captivity, they are kept in concrete, chemical-filled tanks where they have virtually no room to swim and which are so shallow they sometimes suffer from sunburns. PETA reports that whereas wild dolphins live into their 40’s and 50’s (and some even more than 90 years), more than 80% of their captive counterparts die before age 20.
Around the world, people are realizing that wild animals have a right to their own lives in nature without human interference.
I urge you not to allow captive dolphins or any other marine mammals to be exploited for entertainment or “educational” purposes in the new Mississippi Aquarium. Instead, please feature innovative attractions that do not include these animals. We will not support any venue that abuses marine mammals.
Thank you for your consideration.
[your comments]
Sincerely,
[your name]
