No, that’s not my opinion. That’s what the Canadian Association Of Zoos And Aquariums concluded after inspecting Marineland following revelations from former trainers about poor water quality, suffering animals, and a bleeding killer whale:
A national agency that oversees the care of animals in captivity says Marineland’s lone killer whale is in good health.
The Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) conducted an unannounced inspection at the Niagara Falls theme park on Nov. 27 to assess several areas in the park, including the health of Kiska.
The female killer whale has been alone in a tank since November 2011 after Marineland was forced to return its male orca Ikaika to SeaWorld.
Former Marineland trainer Christine Santos told Toronto media in October that Kiska was bleeding sporadically from her tail and had been for some time.
In a CAZA accreditation report completed on Nov. 29 and obtained by The Review, the agency’s business manager Greg Tarry said he reviewed copies of Kiska’s medical records for November and was also given copies of the daily observation sheets completed by staff.
“This animal appears to be in good health and is eating a full ration,” Tarry wrote, adding he did not see any signs of bleeding or injury. “It is my opinion that there is no cause for concern on the part of the (CAZA) commission regarding the health of the animal at this time.”
According to the report, Marineland staff and management were “open and candid in their comments and provided any and all information and assistance requested” during the inspection.
“There were no concerns identified during the inspection that the commission need react to at this time,” Tarry wrote.
The inspection also included an assessment of the water quality.
“All of the water was clear and clean, there were no problems with color or odour of the water in any of the areas,” the report states.
“In addition, none of the animals in the water appeared to be experiencing any discomfort as a result of being in the pools. “
Hmm. That’s a pretty different story than that told by former trainers. But who are you going to believe: the people who devoted their lives to caring for the animals or the industry group dedicated to promoting business and profits?
File it under another totally predictable outcome. I guess we’ll have to wait and see whether Ontario’s government decides to take any action, or not. You now what my prediction would be. Hope I’m wrong..
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