A whistleblower has exposed tanks filled with algae housing the last three dolphins in captivity in New South Wales, 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.
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”.
“People don’t want to see these highly intelligent animals being forced to do circus-style tricks,” said NSW Animal Justice Party MP Anna Hurst.
The Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary insists its primary focus is on education and conservation. But with animal welfare once again in the spotlight, there are calls for the state government to step in and detail what the future looks like for these animals.
“We have an ethical and welfare responsibility to care for them until they pass,” Cross said.
