I may not be visible at the moment, but I am writing furiously again to everyone who might possibly be able to influence the decision to go ahead with this project.
I fear that too much money has been put in, for the "investors" to just walk away!
Remember, the swim space has been reduced further and is a mere 12 metres X 17 metres for two dolphins. Which certainly does not meet the European criteria for keeping bottlenosed dolphins.
The officials know this.
I know that they have been given copies of the standards.
The standards are not only for the welfare of the dolphins.
The standards are also for the benefit of those that enter the pool with the dolphins.
For example,some standards are concerned with water quality; people entering warm water filled with faeces, urine and dead fish material, could become sick if the treatment of the water is not satisfactory. But adding high levels of chemicals to purify the water will not only make the dolphins suffer, but will also affect those in the water.The standards insist on regular testing, by qualified personnel.Where will the samples be sent for analysis in Hisaronu, and by whom.
The standards insist on minimum sizes for swimming areas, and other standards refer to insulation which will reduce outside noise and disturbance,temperature control,resting areas,qualified only personnel to have contact etc,etc. These standards are, to ensure that the stresses which can cause wild animals to become unpredictable,can be reduced.
What I am saying in essence, is that the standards are there for very good reasons, not only for the benefit of the dolphins but also for persons entering the pool.
If those in authority ignore any of the minimum standards, then they risk encountering serious problems with this project.
The Mayor KY has a copy of the standards.
It may be a case of putting money not only before animal welfare, but before public safety.