No response from Underwater World Singapore after marine experts slam dolphins' living conditions
After two visiting marine experts gave a withering review of dolphins' living conditions here, we approached Underwater World Singapore (UWS) for a response on Monday (Nov 3).
UWS has not responded to the queries.
SPH Razor had interviewed two marine experts, Naomi Rose and Samantha Berg.
In Singapore to speak at an ACRES event on Oct 30, the duo also visited Resort World Sentosa's (RWS) Marine Life Park and UWS' Dolphin Lagoon.
Naomi Rose is a marine mammal scientist with the Animal Welfare Institute while Samantha Berg is an animal activist and former trainer at Sea World.
The pair's beef?
Poor water quality and run-down facilities at UWS.
They were also upset that the dolphins had extended contact with humans.
"This (UWS) is one of the worst facilities for water quality.
The tank was full of algae, chipped paint and the water quality was simply below standards..." - Naomi Rose speaking to SPH Razor.
The interview was done on the back of a report that local wildlife group Wildlife Watcher released on Oct 27 - in which it highlighted how Han the dolphin had "visible head and mouth (injuries and) skin problems."
UWS had clarified that the dolphin in question was suffering from "non-contagious skin cancer". Their team of marine mammal trainers is taking care of it.
Positive points
The pair, however, did have some praise for the show at UWS.
Rose said she found the show was better than others due to the absence of loud music. UWS' version was also quite informative.
"It was low-key and there was a great deal of educational information... it was informative," she said.
Source: SPH Razor
Related report: Underwater World Singapore says its dolphin has skin cancer
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