Recently, a Canadian court ruled that the documentary film, Vancouver Aquarium Uncovered would not be removed from the internet, and that the film’s only flaw, was using the aquarium’s copyrighted photos in the film. All told, the injunction awarded the Vancouver Aquarium amounts to 15 segments, a total of 5 minutes of the film, that must be removed. Many believe this is a win for public aquaria, showing that filmmakers often seek to frame facilities in a less than honorable light. However, when searching around online, it becomes clear that the Canadian court ruling, has done little to quell current public outrage at the fate of marine mammals in captivity. Also, when reading the public’s reaction to Vancouver Aquarium Uncovered it seems as the film served its intended purpose. For private home aquarists, this may seem like another environmental movement, one that is aimed at large public aquaria, that houses large marine mammals, sharks and other animals unlikely to wind up in home tanks. However, it’s important to remember that not that long ago, public aquariums and even marine mammal parks like Sea World, were praised for their educational value, and the quality of family entertainment they provided. Today, mention of Sea World is enough to start an online riot, or at least an explosive, ongoing thread. Is it possible that the general public, and eventually policy makers and legislators, are experiencing a shift in societies’ views on marine animals in captivity? Could energy now directed into ending captive marine mammals, soon be directed to ending marine aquaria in general? The anti-aquarium movement:
It’s without a doubt, that films The Cove and Blackfish, helped start the snowballing effect that is now the anti-aquarium movement. As aquarists, I think it’s important that we understand both that this movement encompasses a wide variety of aquaria, and also that it has merits. The Cove exposed the violence and brutality of Japan’s Taiji dolphin slaughter, while also showing that marine parks like Sea World, use the slaughter as a place to acquire new livestock. Blackfish showed the consequence of keeping killer whales in captivity, exposing the ruthless process of separating orca calves from their mothers, and focusing on how captive stress literally drives these animals insane. Both films sparked public outrage, and that rage, combined with the efforts of animal rights groups, has led to legislative changes and deteriorating public perception toward marine parks.… More:
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