Niagara Falls Review
August 21, 2012
NIAGARA FALLS, ONT. - An inspection of Marineland by various animal protection agencies hasn't happened yet.
The Niagara Falls Humane Society said last week it would work with the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) to inspect and investigate the popular tourist hot spot after serious concerns were raised over the condition and care of the park's animals.
Jay DesRoches, the humane society's executive director, called an investigation a "priority" and said it would take place in the near future.
But as of Tuesday, that inspection hadn't yet taken place and the agency was staying quiet.
Calls and emails to the Niagara Falls Humane Society were not returned, but a message was posted on its website saying: "We are getting many requests to do interviews or to provide details on the situation and/or on the investigation process. It is important that the integrity of an investigation is not compromised and therefore we are unable to provide details in this matter."
An interview request was also made to Marineland owner John Holer, but the park's marketing manager Anne Marie Rondinelli said he declined.
"He's involved in preparing for this inspection as well," she said. "This whole thing has been a big distraction for us. We need to get back to focusing on park operations. We're open and we have to take care of business."
The advance notice of an inspection coming doesn't sit well with Dylan Powell, the spokesman for Marineland Animal Defense, which held a massive protest in front of the park Saturday.
Between 400 to 500 activists with signs and bullhorns begged visitors to turn away from the park, chanting: "Their blood is on your hands" and "Stop and think about where your money goes."
Organized by the Marineland Animal Defense, the two-hour protest was loud but peaceful, with only a few reminders from security to respect Marineland's private property.
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/1241961--marineland-animals-suffering-former-staffers-say
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/1243755--marineland-protesters-demand-end-to-animal-acts
http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/2012/08/19/hundreds-gather-for-largest-ever-protest-at-marineland
http://www.theprovince.com/technology/Marineland+denies+allegations+animals+neglected+Niagara+Falls/7107432/story.html
'Having spent many wonderful summer's working at Marineland and Game Farm presenting the Hawthorn Tigers and Elephants as part of the Greatest Animal Show In the World, this new's is quite disturbing to me. I can only hope the allegations are not all they seem to be. None the less, I do admire former head trainer Phil Demers for stepping forward, for the sake and well being of the animals. That is a courage and conviction I wish more trainers had in my industry. "When you start becoming part of the problem, and no longer part of the solution" is a thought I wrestle with daily. There is no denying where his priorities lie, and there is no need for him to try to convince the world "how much he loves and respects" the animals he works with. He has shown it to the world, in no uncertain terms.'
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5 comments:
Look how quiet the room got
Anonymous,
We are awaiting further word. No sense in jumping to biased conclusions like an ar activist. That does no one any good.
Wade
KING OF AQUARIA sez: "In today's ORLANDO SENTINEL there is an article about the 'fractious' relationship Sea World has with Marineland in Niagara Falls. Sea World accuses Marineland of refusing to return a killer whale that they loaned them for breeding. Since Marineland has nearly forty beluga whales, Sea World, Georgia Aquarium and others want some but Marineland won't sell or loan them. This is causing the other aquariums to call for the importation of 18 beluga whales from the Utrish Marine Mammal Research Station in Russia and everybody from environmentalists to animal rights activists are bent out of shape! It's an election year."
King,
Amazing, I was just going to contact you by email. I called my mother last night, and as we were talking she nonchalantly said, "oh by the way I received a package from Japan a month ago addressed to you. As it was registered and needed a return receipt, you brother opened it to see what it was." You won't believe it King. My friend in Japan sent two small photo albums with 12 and 14 pictures in each of the old Enoshima Marineland in Japan from the early 60's, with a short letter stating that these were personal photo's that no one, not even the director of the current aquarium had seen!!!!!!! My sister is currently in the process of photocopying and downloading them to me. I have no idea what the pictures depict, facilities or animals, and will post them when I receive them.
As for Marineland in Niagara Fall's, all I will say at the moment, until more is learned is that it indeed has a "history." That is personal observation, not speculation.
Wade
Wade,
I would love to see those photos your mother sent you about the old Enoshima Marineland!
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