A whistleblower has exposed tanks filled with algae housing the last three dolphins in captivity in NSW, reigniting debate about animals being used for entertainment.
Images from inside the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary show floating green algae swimming in cloudy water, where three Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins are kept.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Algae-filled tanks spark dolphin welfare debate
The confronting photos have caught the attention of surfing legend Kelly Slater and Australian music icon John Williamson, who urged people “don’t buy a ticket”.
But managing director Tiga Cross insists the algae is actually a positive sign.
“With the algae, this is a good sign,” she said. “This is a good sign of good quality water.”
The sanctuary pumps seawater in from the coast, avoiding the use of harsh chemicals, and passes strict annual audits by governing bodies.
The wildlife sanctuary ended its dolphin breeding program in 2018 due to changing public attitudes. However, like Sea World on the Gold Coast, visitors are still able to enter the water and interact with the dolphins in sessions held twice a day.
A 2020 parliamentary inquiry heard evidence that interactions with humans could lead to “wounds and abrasions” along with “disease crossover”. Repeated tricks can also lead to “cracked teeth”, “behavioural problems” and “eye health concerns”.
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