Francesca Capozzi New relocation for captive dolphins at Disney's Florida theme park. The company has said enough to this attraction, but animal rights activists, although satisfied with the communication, are asking that the cetaceans be transferred to a sanctuary
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In a major move that takes center stage in the animal welfare sphere, Walt Disney World has announced an end to all its activities involving dolphins interacting with the public or engaging in trained behaviors at its theme park, Epcot, Bay Lake, Florida.
By early October, Disney will remove all cetacean exhibits from the pavilion “The Seas with Nemo & Friends“, its marine-themed area aptly named after the box office film Finding Nemo.
Animal rights activists react to the decision
The move by Disney was welcomed by animal rights activists, who have been using the corporation for campaigns to raise awareness among visitors to Epcot and ultimately to end captivity for dolphins.
The Dolphin Project, however-an organization committed to the conservation of dolphins-raised concerns about what would be the future home for these dolphins. These dolphins are to be transferred also to Florida, but to the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, which, as the name suggests itself uses animals for entertainment purposes.
Lou, an infamous manatee known to be a favorite at Epcot, is also set to be moved to another “rehabilitation” facility. To consider would be Bay Lake park which is also the location of yet another manatee to whom animal rights groups wish to extend the endeavor to remove as soon as possible from the “The Seas with Nemo & Friends” tank.
Dolphin Project, along with the movement Save The Disney Dolphins, has offered full cooperation to the management and staff of The Seas in order for the dolphins to be transferred to an actual sanctuary and not to another facility for the entertainment of people.
The call for true animal sanctuaries
“If we are to make real progress towards animal welfare, then only an animal sanctuary can meet those standards,” the representatives of Dolphin Project said. The organizations for this reason ask supporters to sign a petition dedicated to the Epcot dolphins.
Although many are still concerned about the future home of the dolphins, it was a major first step on the part of Disney, setting an example to other parks that they should follow. This could be a catalyst that may influence other attractions to permanently end all animal shows and entertainment.
Source: savethedisneydolphins/Instagram
