Following article posted on ttglive website: -
http://www.ttglive.comWith comment from Laura Standsfield.
Keep the momentum going. TT
Operators shun dolphinariumThursday, April 08, 2010
Gary Noakes
Turkey specialist Holidays4U and Thomas Cook are both refusing to sell excursions to a new dolphin attraction near Olu Deniz.
Holidays4U started the boycott of the attraction at Hisaronu, saying it "must take a stand" against alleged cruelty, and it has been backed by Thomas Cook.
Russian investors are building the pool, which is described as four metres deep with an area of 22m by 11m - slightly wider than a tennis court but not as long. The centre claims the pool is big enough for two dolphins to live in.
But Holidays4U managing director Karen Vyse said: "It is much too small and not at all suitable for purpose. They are building it up in the mountains and not even pumping in fresh sea water. I don't see the dolphins living very long."
Local media report that up to 10 customers an hour will spend up to six minutes with the mammals, including holding onto them while being propelled around he pool. This will happen five times a day.
More than 2,000 people have signed a local petition calling for the shelving of the project.
Vyse said there was "no scientific rationale" for the attraction. "Apart from making money, there's no justification for doing this," she said.
Thomas Cook said it had seen plans for the attraction and added: "We don't believe it meets our strict animal welfare standards."
The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society is lobbying local authorities in Turkey and said dolphinaria conditions in the country were generally "very poor".
