2012-12-18

WDC Opposes Beluga Import To Thailand

Following the recent request by the Georgia Aquarium to import 18 wild-captured belugas from Russia, Safari World in Bangkok, Thailand has also now requested a permit for 6 belugas from Russia for its marine park. Safari World formerly held 4 belugas imported from Russia in 2008, three of whom are now dead. The facility also holds dolphins imported from the cruel dolphin drive hunts in Taiji, Japan (importing six bottlenose dolphins in 2010).

The import of belugas from Russia will mean that further captures from the wild by international facilities are likely. The removal of live whales and dolphins from the wild for captive display is equivalent to deliberate killing, as the animals are no longer available to help maintain their natural populations. Captures are violent, and may cause distress, physical harm, and even death to not only those animals captured, but for the ones left behind. In addition, the stress of transport may result in injury or death. Those that do make it to the captive facility are likely to die earlier than they would in the wild.

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