A 30-page report detailing the poor living conditions and animal welfare at the Underwater World Singapore (UWS) and Dolphin Lagoon has surfaced, after disturbing photos by non-profit organisations the Wildlife Watcher Singapore or WW (SG) and the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) went viral earlier today.
According to the report, the two organisations had received a complaint from a member of the public, which told of the “degrading conditions” of the dolphins and exhibits at the local attractions. In July and August this year, they launched inspections, which consisted of attending programmes hosted by UWS, including behind-the-scenes play and Meet the Dolphins and Fur Seals sessions. Investigators took photos and videos, as well as conducted noise volume checks, during these sessions.
Here are the findings, extracted from the report:
– Even from the audience’s viewpoint, one could see that the dolphins’ performance pool was corroded
– The dolphins and fur seals had been made to perform “unnatural acts” deemed to have no educational objectives whatsoever
– Adult female dolphin called Han, was made to perform despite suffering from seemingly serious head and mouth injuries, and a visible skin condition. Another adult dolphin was also seen having to ‘work’ despite fresh bite/scratch marks on the head
– Adult female dolphin Pan was put in the same pool as her baby calf throughout the shows attended by the investigators in July and August. This is apparently very stressful for both dolphins, which could be seen swimming in repeated circular motion
– Music and noise generated from audience were at unhealthy levels — a stress-causing factor for the animals. Investigators measured music played pre-show to be at 90 decibels — it went up to 101 decibels during
– Asian small-clawed otters were mostly kept away from each other, which disrupts their natural social grouping. Their enclosures also lacked sufficient shelter and the shallow pool they were given access to contained little water, beyond the minimum standard. In addition, the living spaces contained no natural substances like grass and soil, only cement, which is said to cause sores on their feet and tail
In the report, WW (SG) and SSCS have included requests directed at Haw Par Corporation Limited and Underwater World Singapore. Among them:
– Management’s official response to findings
– Statement from the management on the welfare of the animals currently held at both attractions
– Statement on management’s future plans for Pan and her calf
– Haw Par and UWS to cease all animal shows with immediate effect and begin a rehab-and-release programme for dolphins
The two groups are also requesting that the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) responds to the findings, as well as the allegations that the UWS has violated sections of the 2004 Animal and Birds (Pet Shop and Exhibition) Rules.
Photos: WW (SG), SSCS
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These photos of sick animals and unkempt enclosures at Underwater World Singapore are disturbing
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