In what may be the biggest single marine mammal abduction ever, between
60 and 200 wild dolphins have been captured off the Solomon Islands. In
the midst of massive civil unrest, profit-driven foreign entities have taken
advantage of the local government’s instability and local villagers’ economic
desperation to commission the capture of the dolphins for about $260 each.
When resold into captivity to foreign marine parks, the trained dolphins
can be expected to fetch at least $30,000 each.
Although the capture apparently
happened in April, reports of it have only emerged recently. The shallow,
kennel-like holding pens have spelled the doom of several dolphins already;
at least three captive dolphins have died reportedly from injuries incurred
during escape attempts, and one was reported killed by a crocodile—a terrifying
end for a captive animal who would normally be able to escape.
On July 21st,
at least 28 of the captive dolphins were loaded into tiny, coffin-like
containers and shipped thousands of miles to Mexico—a 20-hour flight.
At least two dolphins may have perished en route or soon after arrival
– reports are still coming in.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Please write to the
Prime Minister of Australia, which is interceding in a peace-keeping effort
on the islands. Ask Prime Minister Howard to use his influence to effect
the release of the dolphins remaining in the Solomon Islands.
- The Honorable John Howard
GPO Box 59
Sydney NSW 2001
AUSTRALIA
Fax: 011 (61) 6271-5414 or 011 (61) 6273-4100
send an email through: http://www.pm.gov.au/email.cfm
Contact
the Mexican Ministry of the Environment, and ask him to confiscate the
28 dolphins that have already arrived in Cancun.
- The Honorable Victor Lichtinger
Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales
Periférico Sur No. 4209, 6° piso
Colonia Jardines en la Montaña
14210, México D.F.
MEXICO
Fax: 011 (52) 55-56-28-06-44
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