7/31/2019 Belugas SeaLife Center Statement

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25.10.12

Sea Life Boss Weighs In To Try

And Save Captured Whales

The UK-based Sea Life Centre network has thrown its weight behind effortsto block the export of 18 beluga whales from Russia to aquariums in theUS.

The 18 white whales were taken from the wild by Russian trappers and are nowin cramped holding pens awaiting their fate.

The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta has applied for a federal import permit onbehalf of a group of marine parks, saying the aquariums need the Arctic whalesfor captive breeding efforts, research and education.

But Sea Lifes US Divisional Director in New York, Janine DiGioaccino, haswritten a strong letter of protest to the US Government.

Writing on behalf of the 41 Sea Life centres worldwide, including five in the US,Janine said that Sea Lifeconcurred with the view of all the leading authorities inthis field and indeed the majority of ordinary American citizens canvassed on thesubject, that cetaceans are not suited to captivityno matter how spacious orwell-designed the facilities.

They are wide-ranging, highly intelligent and social animals which suffer acutesensory deprivation in any kind of unnatural confinement, she added.

The argument that such displays are good for education and conservation doesnot, in our view, come anywhere near to outweighing the undoubted sufferingand stress incurred not only by the captured animals themselves, but also by thefamily groups from which they have been so cruelly and abruptly separated.

She went on to criticise the US for being among the worst offenders inperpetuating an out-dated and wholly unethical trade and practice.

Keeping cetaceans of any kind, unless they are injured or ailing rescued animalsrequiring full time care, is just plain wrong, she added.

We would be failing in our responsibility as the worlds largest aquarium operatorwere we not to say so publicly, for the long-term credibility of our industry as wellas the more immediate benefit of the unfortunate beluga whales currentlyawaiting their fate in Russia.

The Sea Life networks global headquarters is in Poole, Dorset, and it has a long -term partnership with the charity Whale & Dolphin Conservation.

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7/31/2019 Belugas SeaLife Center Statement

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Opponents of Georgia Aquariums plans have until Monday, October 29th, to

register their protest via the website -http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2012-0158-0001

Issued by Merlin Entertainments (Sea Life) Ltd.

For more details contact: Mark Oakley 01202 440040.

Note: The full text of Janines letter is copied below.

October 25th

, 2012To Whom It May Concern

On behalf of SEA LIFE Centres worldwide, not least the five centres here in the US, I feelcompelled to register the strongest possible opposition to the proposed import of the 18 wild-caught belugas to the Georgia aquarium.SEA LIFE concurs with the view of all the leading authorities in this field and indeed the majorityof ordinary American citizens canvassed on this subject, that cetaceans are not suited tocaptivityno matter how spacious or well-designed the facilities.

They are wide-ranging, highly intelligent and social animals which suffer acute sensorydeprivation in any kind of unnatural confinement.The argument that such displays are good for education and conservation does not, in our view,come anywhere near to outweighing the undoubted suffering and stress incurred not only by thecaptured animals themselves, but also by the family groups from which they have been so cruellyand abruptly separated.

America is an enlightened nation which should be leading the world in demonstrating care andcompassion for special creatures like these. Instead we are one of the worst offenders inperpetuating an out-dated and wholly unethical trade and practice.SEA LIFEs parent company has itself through its acquisition of theme parks which alreadyhoused them - become costodian of captive dolphins and whales.Rather than further exploit these animals for profit, we are urgently progressing plans to create anatural sanctuary where these and hopefully others from other public attractions around the

world, can be re-homed, retired and if feasible, rehabilitated.Keeping cetaceans of any kind, even when there is some educational merit, is a vastly differentproposition to the display of fish and other marine creatures which have been proven to flourish iscarefully designed and maintained aquarium tanks.Unless they are injured or ailing rescued animals requiring full time care, it is just plainwrongand we would be failing in our responsibility as the worlds largest aquarium operatorwere we not to say so publicly, for the long-term credibility of our industry as well as the moreimmediate benefit of the unfortunate beluga whales currently awaiting their fate in a crampedholding pen in Russia.

Janine DiGioacchinoDivisional DirectorMerlin Entertainments (Midway) USA

http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2012-0158-0001http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2012-0158-0001http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2012-0158-0001