I think this whole thing is actually laughable. Marineland has gotten complaints from people thinking the conditions are 'horrible' for YEARS!! Yet, there are no actual filed complaints against them. Really? If people, you, thought things were so bad, why not speak up and make a complaint. You are just as much guilty as the owner, supposedly.
Like any other park, Marineland needs an accreditation. While the group that does the accreditation is not licensed, they would not hand out an accreditation to a park that was not treating the animals well. As well, another group investigated the park and found no signs of anything being wrong with the animals.
This man, after QUITTING, finally speaks up? Wow. 12 years of working there and he now figures, conditions for the animals aren't good. You would think, that a trainer, would of spoke up, put in a complaint, somewhere along those 12 years. But, there is not one recorded. Makes me wonder what really happened with him. And how much he actually cared.
As well as the other 8, unnamed EX employees of Marineland. Again, now they are just stepping up. Something doesn't sound right. And why be annonymous? Why not, if you have a real complain, and believe in something, stand out and voice it? But, sounds like they are hiding.
I have a friend, who travels all over the world. And has a heart filled with love and compassion for animals. This is what she believes, after writing on her blog:
So.. all the people freaking out about the Toronto Star article regarding Marineland. I just wanted to point out some simple facts: Phil Demers worked for Marineland for 12 years before he figured out the treatment of the animals was *IN HIS OPINION* cruel. The WHOLE article is HIS OPINION and trust me, the media is evil. They misprint, misquote, misrespresent and slander more regularly than not.
Marineland (and other aquariums) dont use CHLORINE, the use bromine and brackish or salt water. Seals and sea lions genetically suffer from cataracts and other eye diseases. Go to any aquarium, or the wild (might I suggest the Galapagos) and take a good look in their eyes. A blind man can see clouding and discolouration. Deers: antlers grow and skin molts. The bleeding is natural. People should watch
national geographic or something better yet, take a walk on the wild side. If you want to see animals in hell check out the Beijing zoo (in my opinion death row for animals). The life expetancy of male seals and sea lions is 20-25 years Sandy made it to 20. Thats expected. The quotes by the veternarian were 3rd party quotes by Demers there was NO actual quotes from a vet. Walruses often regurgitate their food. Google it you can see videos about it if you so desire. Put a salt water fish in fresh water. It will die. Put a fresh water fish in salt water. It will die. Put diesel in a gas engine. It will die. Put gas in a diesel engine. It will die. A mother cat has a litter of kittens, moves all but the weak sickly one. Leaves it to die. Nature its raw. It happens. It took Phil Demers 12 years to voice conern?? Whats wrong with him?!?!? I bet he got fired.
From the article there were 8 others who all chose to not be named. Id put my name to ANYTHING i feel valid. People who know me certainlly know this! I stand up proudly for what I believe in. Being anonymous is just a feeble excuse to bad mouth an employer.
Im familiar with Ric OBarry and his belief that the flipper dolphins committed suicide. And Paul Watson a world wide bully such a severe extrimist, his cause (whether good or bad) is lost in his actions. Im not saying that they dont have good reasons or good causes, or bring important things to light there are far better avenues and venues to get it done. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but becasue it is in print, it doesnt make it any more valid or truthful. The Toronto star seems to be more focused on the slander stories this year.. I find that frustrating.
I think its crap that international fishermen can rob the grand banks. Sure something should be done, but taking my boat out to ram them!? Extremist. Thats like fighting for peace. Its done, but does it make sense??
There are 2 sides to every story. Fact should not be opinion based. I just like to play devils advocate to peoples knee jerk reactions (thanks Gayder for the term!!)
As a youth, I worked at Marineland. I think that John Holer loves his animals more than the employees. First-hand experience has taught me a few things. People think the deers are starving and they only get fed the deer treats you buy. FALSE. The deers are fed a hay, foliage and berry diet, restocked twice daily. They are rotated out of the public viewing/interaction pens throughout the day. The treats theyre fed are just that treats! Much like youd give your dog a cookie, or a chocolate for yourself. Ive heard people go on that the bears are SO hungry theyre killing and eating each other. FALSE. There was one incident in my memory of bears killing a weak, feeble, sickly bear that had been seen by a vet for failure to thrive. The bears did not eat this bear. The bears are given a carnivorous diet several times a day. They used to get marshmallow treats, but due to dental issues, it was changed to crunchy corn pops their size and scratchiness clear up plaque which helps reduce decay.
If asked if I think that whales prefer oceans or tanks, of course Id say oceans. However.. most, if not all of Marinelands whales are born in captivity. This poses interesting problems should they be released to the wild they dont know how to hunt. There is a high probability they would starve, as theyre used to human interaction and feeding.
My whole family enjoys going. Gotta love that $5 funpass!! Where else would I take them to see and learn about dolphins, orcas and belugas? Not everyone has the opportunity to go to Nunavut to see the walruses & belugas in the wild, or the oceans to see the orcas, or the warm waters of our oceans to see the dolphins.. ALL where they have eye and skin issues, they are targets of illegal fishing and subject to toxins and oils spilled in the waters.. There is no perfect setting. I say kudos to Marineland for taking part in breeding programs and species saving. I knew one of the old Marineland veterinarians. He has since passed away, but he never had anything bad to say about the place. He loved the animals there, and loved caring for them. He too said Holer spares no expense when it comes to the animals.
I
do believe that everyone should have their own right to an opinion. But, make sure your opinion is based on more than reading an article. Or what you 'thought' you saw at the park. There is always more to a story.
