Captive Cetaceans: A Handbook for Campaigners - Whale and ...

‘It’s not natural’ (given by 55% against keeping cetaceans in captivity). This result is
particularly important because the U.K does not have dolphinariums yet awareness
and desire for the protection of cetaceans appears to be as strong, or stronger than
ever, therefore refuting the claim that dolphinariums are needed to encourage such
values.
iii. Inflated attendance figures..
"Visiting zoological facilities is one of America's favourite activities. Each year, more
than 110 million people visit zoos, aquariums and wildlife parks - that's twice the
attendance level of Major League Baseball." (Brad Andrews, Sea World, 1991.)
Response: The figure looks impressive, but the absence of other figures takes away
most of its meaning. Attendance levels are exaggerated, deceptive and
unsubstantiated, considering that policies at many attractions forbid release of
attendance figures. Also, combining attendance figures of zoological institutes,
aquariums and theme parks does not distinguish the vast differences among such
facilities. Quite simply, attendance does not justify an activity. Comparisons of
attendance levels to those of major league baseball is meaningless, especially
considering their media accessibility. In this context, one could argue that bullfighting
in Spain and Mexico is justified, purely on the basis of its ticket revenues, which are
largely dependent on curious tourists. The largest of existing bullrings far surpass the
capacity of stadium seating at the largest marine parks. Yet, the vast number of
Spaniards and foreigners view these spectacles as a shameful disgrace.
The money spent every year on building, expanding and improving U.S. zoos and
aquariums has nearly quadrupled in a decade, from $350 million in 1982 to $1.2
billion in 1992. The ancient business of making money from wild animals has
resulted in cut-throat competition. In response to growing criticism, zoos and
aquariums are marketing themselves not as cagers of animals, but as protectors of
species.
However, despite claims of public support, attendance is barely inching up and cashstrapped
governments are slashing budgets in federal grants for their non-profit zoos
(Jones, 1993). Why pour billions of dollars into "sinking arks", when other
environmental and social issues are equally desperate for revenue? The competition
for tourist dollars is so fierce and the number of proposed facilities so great that the
market may be close to reaching a saturation level beyond recovery. No marine park
has yet revealed what percentage of its annual operating budgets is allocated to
advertising, marketing, public relations and lobbying efforts.
The most reliable source indicating attendance levels has been the International
Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions publication Amusement Business.
Still, attendance figures are estimated for many facilities, due to their reluctance to
disclose true figures.
• In the two years since the "new" Indianapolis Zoo opened, membership dropped
47%; attendance also fell 19% (1990).
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