No doubt that Sentosa dolphins suffer

I REFER to the article, 'Pink dolphins on Sentosa exploited: Magazine' (ST, June 30).

Most of the Indo-Pacific hump-backed dolphins (a highly endangered species as listed on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species Appendix I) at Sentosa have had to adjust to a major change in lifestyle, having come from the wild.

They have also been forced to learn tricks and interact closely with countless humans.

Who would not agree that this lifestyle has most certainly compromised the animals' welfare?

Caring for them in the best manner possible may not be enough because the record speaks for itself.

In the space of six months we learnt about a miscarriage (September last year), a newborn's death (February this year), followed by the death of Nantam (March this year) which had suffered the miscarriage.

All this does not augur well for the future survival of these pink dolphins or for the growth of the pod.

The educational displays at the venue are outweighed by the promotion of them asentertainment and a means of bringing in revenue.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals supports the stand of England's Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), which is: 'The RSPCA is opposed to dolphinariums on the basis that they cause unacceptable levels of distress and suffering.

'The RSPCA is also opposed to the use of dolphins for any form of entertainment where distress or suffering is likely to occur.'

DEIRDRE MOSS
Executive Officer
Society for the Prevention ofCruelty to Animals