An online petition demanding the release of dolphins kept in a small pool as a tourist attraction in Gianyar, Bali has prompted an investigation from Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment.
“We are responding to this report seriously, and are currently investigating the situation,” Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar said, as quoted by VIVA News.
One place under fire by animal activists is Wake Bali Dolphin, in which the change.org petition cites as keeping four dolphins in a tiny, chlorinated resort pool.
“If there is a violation of law by the resort (Wake Bali Dolphin) in the form of abuse or neglect, or standards and conditions not met, then we will take action,” Bakar said in response to the petition that was started by Australian surfer Craig Brokensha three weeks ago.
The minister says that in addition to conducting an investigation, in the near future the ministry will hold a public discussion in regards to the protection of dolphins.
“We will invite experts in education, psychology, conservation, animal protection, (and) civil society organizations to open a dialogue and find solutions together,” she said.
Meanwhile, now that the petition has gone viral with more than 300,000 signatures (and celebrity support), PR for Wake Bali Dolphin has responded to concerns saying everything they are doing is perfectly legal.
Even though it may be legal, doesn’t mean it’s right. Regardless, we will be waiting to report on the minister’s findings from her investigation of the dolphin pool.
Photo: change.org
