Pink dolphin has non

SINGAPORE: Underwater World Singapore (UWS) responded to allegations by animal welfare groups that their animals were kept in 'sub-standard' conditions, saying on Monday (Oct 27) that a pink dolphin at Dolphin Lagoon was actually suffering from a non-transmissable form of skin cancer.

'The dolphin mentioned in the Wildlife Watchers' report was diagnosed skin cancer, which is not transmissible, and is being treated by our marine mammal veterinarian,' said a spokesperson from Underwater World Singapore.

'It is under the attentive care of our team of marine mammal trainers,' added the spokesperson. 'Health checks are conducted regularly and the results show that, apart from the cancer, which is being specifically treated, the dolphin is generally in good health.'

Underwater World Singapore also said that appearance of the dolphin in public at the main pool was 'minimised' and that it does not participate in any performance or programme. The public are informed of its condition whenever they are asked about it, UWS added.

The oceanarium also said that the dolphin still enjoys playing with the other dolphins and is not being isolated from the others.

Responding to comments that their otters are being kept in 'sub-standard conditions', Underwater World Sentosa said it offers the otters the 'opportunity to explore different stimuli in different enclosures at both the front and the back of the house'.

'Our trainers observe the otters closely and frequently, and vary the enrichment activities according to the otters' interest,' added the oceanarium. 'All enrichment items provided and the method of delivery are reviewed to make sure that our otters interact safely and positively with their enrichment toys.'

The spokesperson was not able to comment on the other dolphins and animals mentioned in a report by Wildlife Watchers (Singapore) and Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.

'SUB-STANDARD CONDITIONS' FOR ANIMALS

Animal welfare groups Wildlife Watcher (Singapore) and Sea Shepherd Conservation Society on Sunday published a report, detailing the 'appalling' health of dolphins held at the Dolphin Lagoon as well as 'sub-standard' conditions of other animals at Underwater world Singapore.

The report featured seven points detailing the investigations, including that of infrastructure degradation and wounds seen on the dolphins itself. Of the former, the report stated that 'corrosion of pool beams were visible from audience's viewpoint'.

As for the health of the dolphins, the report noted: 'One of the adult female dolphin named 'Han' has a visible infection on top of her head and another distinct wound on the left side of her bottom jaw. From pictures take in July and August, both injuries show no signs of improvement and appear to have worsened over time.

'Our investigators also found fresh scratch marks on another adult dolphin, suspected to be bite marks inflicted by other dolphins kept together in the facility,' the report stated.

Other points in the report included dolphins and fur seals made to display and perform 'unnatural acts for entertainment', while the Asian Small-clawed Otters were housed in 'sub-standard conditions, indicating an obvious lack of welfare'.

Members from both groups looked into the conditions and welfare of the pink dolphins at the Lagoon in July and August by sitting in on programmes featuring the animals. Through these sessions, they logged seven hours of observation, videos and photos during the two days - Jul 23 and Aug 17, 2014 - they were at the tourists attractions on Sentosa.

'APPALLED AT CONDITIONS': ACRES

Commenting on the findings, ACRES Chief Executive Louis Ng said ACRES is 'appalled by the conditions of the dolphins at Dolphin Lagoon'. He added that it supports the campaign by Wildlife Watcher (Singapore).

'Dolphins clearly do not do well in captivity and belong in the vast open oceans. The global movement to end the keeping of dolphins in captivity is growing. ACRES hopes that companies in Singapore will make a moral and ethical decision to end the confinement of dolphins in captivity.'

Mr Ng also cited Switzerland as an example, noting that the keeping of dolphins or whales in zoos or waterparks will end, while India, too, banned the keeping of cetaceans, or marine mammals, in captivity.