It started as the mere skeleton of a building, located on Via de Ventura off the Loop 101. Drawing the attention of Arizona residents, citizens were left in wonder as to what the mysterious structure would become. Only time would reveal just what controversy and ridicule the upcoming business would face. Construction for the structure gained momentum, and a sign positioned itself proudly and prominently on sight. The structure, no longer a mystery had finally claimed a name: OdySea Aquarium, a desert mirage come true right in the heart of the Arizona, one of the hottest states in the U.S.
The 200,000-square-foot Aquarium, which is believed to be the largest in the southwest, is set to open in the late summer/early fall season. OdySea Acquarium aims to offer people an immersive, oceanic adventure unlike any other. However, will this experience be equally as wondrous and remarkable for the marine animals kept in captive for solely entertainment purposes?
In many aquariums similar to OdySea where marine animals are held captive for entertainment purposes, the marine animals face high risks of stress induced physical and psychological problems due to neglectful care and inadequate conditions such as, malnutrition from being fed dead fish, to the poor living conditions of small tanks forcing marine animals to swim in endless circles.
Captive dolphins, sharks, turtles, penguins and other marine animals have been casted to be the stars of OdySea Aquariums and will be showcased like trophies in glass cases displayed for the world to see. However, these “stars” may not be the moneymaking mechanism the company may hope for, but may consequently become the main force to drive people away.
An online petition contesting the captivity of dolphins in Arizona has been created. The petition is directed at Ventura CEO Mauricio Martinez del Alva, Northern Gateway CEO Amram Knishinsky, LLC; Grey Stafford - GM, Dolphinaris Arizona, Scottsdale, AZ.
The petition has gained around 153,737 supporters varying from Arizona citizens and animal activist from other states and countries. Many supporters wholeheartedly believe that the captive marine animals of OdySea Aquarium face severe ill-treatment.
“My family and I will not visit the aquarium if this Dolphinarium isn't stopped. Many friends and family members feels the same way,” said one Scottsdale resident whom signed the petition. “Dolphins do not belong in the desert nor do us humans need to swim with them. We need to admire and respect these beautiful creatures and they need to be in their natural habitat. This Dolphinarium is a horrible and cruel idea.”
While time is ticking away until the grand open of OdySea Aquarium, hope for the captive marine animals should not be abandoned, but remain prevalent. The petition is close to reaching its goal of 200,000 signatures. If reconsideration is to be demanded from all parties involved in OdySea Aquarium, the campaign urging the company to abandon their plans to have captive dolphins in their facility must remain at the forefront.
The campaign has immensely benefited from mass media attention and local involvement and the next protest against OydSea Aquarium will be held July 30.
Marine animals are not domestic animals. Marine animals living in captivity defies the habitat and true nature of the lives these animals are meant to live. Will pain and suffering become accustomed by these marine animals or will they be returned to there rightful habitats where they will live the lives they are meant to? The fate of the captive dolphins and marine animals of OdySea Aquarium just may be in the hands of the public
