There is always a big debate with animal lovers about just how much zoos and aquariums can really 'educate' us about each animal.
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| Shimoda floating aquarium |
For example, you don't hear the gibbon song at Ueno Zoo because each gibbon is alone in a cage compared to the wilderness of the forest where they sing from tree to tree. BUT, these places can offer us the chance to see creatures we might never normally come face to face with even if we do travel to their country of origin.
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| The dolphin 'homes' |
The dolphins at Shimoda aquarium are directly from Taiji, but that is not what this is about.
Once captured dolphins, turtles and all sea creatures at this aquarium deserve some semblance of respect and good quality of living conditions especially given the vast area of water they would normally live in. But, as if witnessing the mass murder of their family members or the brutal and heartbreaking separation from their babies, these creatures are then made to live in horrid conditions while still being expected to perform tricks for the visitors as well as accompany snorkelers in the water.
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Improve the living conditions at Shimoda aquarium! Sign this petition!
(change.org)
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While the whole experience is a learning process for the humans involved, what does it all mean for the animals? The dolphins are supposed to stay in that rectangular compound that is rusting at the sides? We saw plastic bags and garbage floating on the water...
And the loggerhead turtles?
Please see the pictures below...
I wish I had taken more and some video just to prove the point, but I think you can imagine..
Loggerhead turtles need much more space than what the aquarium is offering them... all nine of them, outside the gift shop.
This is not education. This is cruel.Look at their shells, their sad faces and their horrid 'house'. This needs to change.
I have written some messages to the aquarium because we need to know if they are aware of this situation and they are changing it at all.
Also, to precipitate any futures changes that they should be making, I have started a petition, we need as many signatures as possible to show them that many people care about this situation. 
Please sign and share and even though these creatures will have to live in captivity, let's at least make it a more pleasant experience for they deserve that much.
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Improve the living conditions at Shimoda aquarium! Sign this petition!
(causes.com)
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They can grow up to 120cm!! and 140kg....but not in this tank..
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Improve the living conditions at Shimoda aquarium! Sign this petition!
(causes.com)
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Improve the living conditions at Shimoda aquarium! Sign this petition!
(change.org)
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And, I forgot to even add this, but when you arrive at Izukyushimoda station, there is a tank with two or three turtles waiting to 'greet' you and remind you of your potential visit to the aquarium. Ugh.
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| Taken from their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/shimoda.aquarium/photos/a.267730456663115.41250.262665050502989/366126693490157/?type=1&theater |
