This is the final post
regarding Clearwater Marine Aquarium:
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| Winter |
 |
| Hope |
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| Nicholas |
Dolphin Tale two is exactly that: a tale that continues
to mislead the public and make millions in the process. What is most upsetting
to me is that these movies are geared toward children. Kids don’t understand
“creative license” and tend to believe what they see.
This video was taken October 18, 2011:
Please note the energy level and spirit of Winter.
Winter’s artificial tail not only looks uncomfortable but
to portray Hope as a dolphin that goes crazy when she sees Winter’s tail for
the first time is insulting. If you go to this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8AxMm6ry7o you will see the real video
of a very interested, caring dolphin that looks more protective than anything. Notice the change
in just two years. This video was taken July 26, 2013. Also please note that Winter does very
little swimming with the tail but looks like she is dragging it around. The
curvature of her spine is getting more and more prominent from swimming like a
fish (tail going side to side) instead of a dolphin (tail going up and down).
In Dolphin Tale 2 a small paint chip is portrayed as
being at the center of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s violations. In
reality there were many violations that could have put the dolphin’s lives in
danger. (View my post of Sept. 11, 2014, enlarge the pictures under Conditions and you can see how
disgusting the tanks actually were.) A listing of other violations is also
available at that post.
Much is made of the release of a dolphin named Mandy from
Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The actual release was November 2, 2006. That is
eight years ago and no dolphins have been released since.
There is also a scene that the dolphins were speed
swimming around the tank. This is physically impossible due to the small size
of the tank. There is no way that one dolphin could do this let alone two.
Winter could never do that anyway with the artificial tail.
Lastly they show Winter at the end of the movie joyously
jumping in the air. Sadly that is something that Winter will never be able to
do, as a dolphins tail is what propels them out of the water. Again, this is not possible for Winter with her artificial
tail.
Obviously Winter can never be released but doesn’t Clearwater
Marine Aquarium owe Hope and Winter something better. Both of these dolphins
give so much and get so little in return. Possibly a Seaside Sanctuary such as
Baltimore National Aquarium is considering. Baltimore seems to be more
progressive in their thinking than other marine attractions, who justify why
dolphins are kept in captivity, while Baltimore is asking: Should they be?
Public opinion is beginning to change. Baltimore’s priority seems to be to
ensure the health and well- being of the animals they care for by providing the
dolphins the best possible living environment in the years ahead.
Thanks to all who have supported my efforts to bring this information to the public for possible change.
Jennifer Semro
