SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA — For the past few years, dolphin swim programs have been a tourist attraction all over the world, from Mexico to Cuba, and the Bahamas. Despite heavy protests from animal rights activists, a new center in Arizona will cater to dolphin swim-enthusiasts, too.
Dolphinaris, a Mexico-based theme park opening a location this September in Scottsdale, has plans to welcome a dozen dolphins to participate swim programs with the public. The park is opening despite growing outrage from Americans in defense of whales and others cetaceans being held in entertainment-based facilities following the 2013 release of the documentary “Blackfish.”
Once brought into Dolphinaris, the dolphins will be forced to reside in restrictive tanks far smaller than the limitless ocean they are accustomed to. In the Arizona desert, the animals will be faced with harsh temperatures on both ends, in a climate known for its extreme summer heat as well as below-freezing winters spells. While trapped in this environment, unless adequate shade is provided, the dolphins will also be battling sunburn against the sun’s UV rays.
The scorching-hot desert is also a hotbed for valley fever, dust clouds circling overhead which could lead to respiratory illnesses.
Last month, animal rescue organization Empty the Tanks championed a protest of roughly 200 activists to speak out against Dolphinaris and its plans for the dozen dolphins set to be forced into captivity for the amusement of its largely unaware visitors.
