Sea World protest
By Nathan Laurent
BRISBANE — More than 70 people staged a demonstration outside the Gold Coast tourist attraction Sea World, on August 17. This follows the recent capture of two wild dolphins from South Stradbroke Island.
Environment and animal liberation groups called for an international boycott of the theme park following reports that Sea World also plans to take False Killer Whales from north Queensland waters. The protesters demanded the release of the dolphins and an end to the further capture of wild marine animals for public exhibition.
The Queensland President of Animal Liberation, Sue Sheppard, condemned the Goss government's policy of allowing raids on dolphin and whale pods.
The Queensland Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is the only government body in Australia which issues permits for the capture of wild marine mammals.
Records show that 13 of 29 wild dolphins kept by Sea World died in captivity with an average lifespan of nine years each, much shorter than in their natural environment. Further protests outside the DPI building are planned. Contact Animal Liberation for details on 844 5533.