Miami Sea Aquarium questions Keiko's suitability for release?

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I am sharing this response from Miami Sea Aqaurium in reply to an email

I sent them ages ago. Obviously they don't feel comfortable with Keiko

remaining free. I don't know what they are planning or if they are lobbying

the Norwegian Government.

Kind regards

Marguerite

 

From Miami Seaquarium <no.reply

Date 01:07 Oct 8

Subject (no subject)

 

Miami Seaquarium®

 

Thank you for your recent letter regarding Keiko.

 

For decades, Miami Seaquarium has been actively involved in the rescue,

rehabilitation and release of marine mammals. The experience and expertise

that we have gained from these endeavors has given us an extremely unique

perspective on the release of marine mammals that have been in the care of

man for an extended period of time.

 

Miami Seaquarium has long been concerned that after almost two decades under

human care Keiko is not a good candidate for release. Keiko’s situation

today underscores the validity of these concerns.

 

Keiko is currently in the coastal waters of Norway, interacting with people,

begging for fish, and approaching boats with propellers that could severely

harm him. A video has also been aired of Keiko overturning a small,

motorized boat. These activities and Keiko's likely continued interactions

with humans in an uncontrolled setting pose serious safety and health risks

for people and for Keiko.

 

As a facility dedicated to the care of marine mammals, Miami Seaquarium has

an interest in the ongoing health and well being of Keiko. To that end,

will continue to monitor his plight in the waters off of Norway and stand

ready to assist in any way that is appropriate.

 

In the meantime, we are committed to continuing to provide a caring

environment for Lolita at Miami Seaquarium. As she has for the last 32

years, Lolita continues to thrive in a USDA approved habitat. She is well

acclimated to her home, her dolphin companions and her human caregivers as

well as receiving proper food and excellent medical care.

 

Marine mammals at facilities such as Miami Seaquarium instill in those who

visit an awareness of ecological and conservation issues and a respect and

caring for these animals and their environments. We believe this respect

engenders a strong, active commitment to marine mammal conservation and an

understanding that each and every person can make a difference.

 

We thank you for your letter.

 

End of message