Seaworld on the Gold Coast - Is it inhumane to keep these animals in captivity?

scooter77 (67) in seaworld • 7 years ago

Seaworld the Theme Park

As residents of the Gold Coast in Australia, I am able to score a sweet deal on annual theme park passes that allow me unlimited entry to a number of different parks throughout the year.

Source

Today we decided to go to Seaworld and I want to share some pictures of the place with you to give you an idea of what it is like.

Seaworld contains some theme parks rides, mostly aimed at kids, and a few mediocre options for the adults. But what it is mostly geared at is the showing of a number of species that are connected with the sea. Seaworld contains Penguins, Polar Bears, Pelicans, Seals, Sharks, Turtles, a wide variety of fish species and many Dolphins.

Now I have always been split on the legitimacy of Seaworld, both here in Australia and in San Diego, as they keep animals in captivity for the viewing pleasure of humans. I know they also conduct research on these animals as well, however, I have always been ethically against their purpose.

That was until I had a chance a few years ago to visit and see behind the scenes. Seaworld actually funnels a large amount of money into their research, rescue and rehabilitation program at the park.

They are involved in:

regularly rescuing humpback whales that are trapped in the shark nets off the coast
rescuing dolphins and other animals that have suffered boat strikes
rehabilitating turtles from the surrounding waters and return them back into the wild
rescuing dugongs from the broadwater and rehabilitate them
contributing to the worldwide captive breeding program of polar bears

If Seaworld was not operating here on the Gold Coast, then there would be many more incidents of marine life being lost. Yes, they do keep some animals in captivity, but as I have learnt, if this funds the rescue and rehabilitation of other injured marine animals then I can see that there is some real value in its existence as a business.

It is a contentious issue, however, so I would like to know what your thoughts on this topic.

Thanks for reading.

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7 years ago by scooter77 (67)

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shellyduncan (60) · 7 years ago

Great post mate.
I know how you feel.
I went behind the scenes at seaworld once, and while there are some pretty bad animal places out there I do think that Seaworld - at least on the G'coast is a good guy. Some of the animals are rescued and actually can't be rehabilitated back into the wild.

I think their program of educating people more on these animals and the importance of looking after them and their environment is great. And they do so much research that should help their survival in the long run.

Obviously the way they are cared for and kept is of the utmost important. As to them doing tricks.. hard to know if they like it or not. It could be their way of playing and having a good time. I guess that would be easy to work out. If they have to mistreat them to train them.. obviously the animals don't want to do it. If they train pretty easily they probably do.

Also in captivity it may give them stimulation they might not otherwise get it.

It is a tough question I guess.

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stephen-somers (63) · 7 years ago

I know exactly how you feel. I see the dolphins at SeaWorld on the Gold Coast. How they are cared for and the good work they do for marine animals. The message of conservation they share.
But still the animals are not free and that leaves me with conflicted feeling too.

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positiveninja (55) · 7 years ago

I've had the same thoughts, we had the season pass a few years ago. I loved the dolphin show, but was unsure how I felt about it ethically.

Many of the dolphins there now are born there, so it's become their life. Somehow that seems better than brining wild animals into captivation.

I guess ultimately humans are fascinated with animals, and as long as they are kept in a humane and kind manner, and perhaps sparingly I'm ok with it.

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gamersclassified (65) · 7 years ago

You should see the one in Japan. You can legitmately see how sad the animals are in the aquarium we went to. I haven't really visited a zoo since that experience tbh.