Queensland Government dismisses call to ban dolphin breeding

The Queensland Government will not take action in response to its receipt of a petition calling for an end to the breeding for dolphins in captivity.

Targeted at Gold Coast theme park Sea World following a series of recent protest, a petition submitted to parliament last month called for Queensland to end the breeding and importation of dolphins for entertainment.

Principal petitioner Lindon Cox argued dolphins could live for up to 50 years in captivity, where they are “stuck in unnatural and barren environments while forced to perform”.

The petition called for a “humane option” to end cetacean shows and establish a sea sanctuary to retire the remaining dolphins.

However, Queensland Agriculture Minister Mark Furner said the state had high levels of animal welfare regulations which he said were “sufficient for the care and management of dolphins”.

Minister Furner advised “I am satisfied that the requirements for exhibiting and dealing with dolphins and other cetacean species in captivity address all relevant risks and adverse effects associated with captivity, including animal welfare standards.

“I note the community interest in this matter and petition efforts for the banning of dolphins in captivity, however the proposed action will not be considered at this time.”

As a result, Queensland will remain the only Australian state to permit the breeding of dolphins in captivity for entertainment.

While not named in the petition, Sea World can be assumed as the target of the campaign.

Village Roadshow Theme Parks Chief Operating Officer Bikash Randhawa said Sea World prioritised the health and wellbeing of its animals, telling Brisbane newspaper The Courier-Mail “the dolphins at Sea World live in some of the largest natural sand-bottom lagoon systems in the world.

“The dolphins live enriched lives and spend their time in social groups where they can play and interact with each other as they do in the wild.”

Sea World has an impressive and longstanding record in the rescue and rehabilitation of injured and endangered marine life.

Image: Dolphins at Sea World's Discovery Cove.