Washington, D.C. — This week, another dolphin died at The Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas. With this tragic loss of “Beetle,” the hotel continues to live up to its reputation as a death trap for captive dolphins, reports Born Free USA.[teaserbreak]
Born Free USA, a global leader in animal welfare and wildlife conservation, has long spoken out against this hotel’s dire and exploitative exhibit, where 15 dolphins have died since it opened in 1990. In 2009, mere weeks before another dolphin named Sgt. Pepper died at The Mirage, Born Free USA called on the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to deny the hotel’s request to import two additional captive dolphins into the country for its exhibit. One of these dolphins was Beetle, who was moved from one dolphin tank to another after NMFS approved the permit request.
According to Adam M. Roberts, CEO of Born Free USA and Born Free Foundation, “We now see, more plainly than ever, why this move should never have been approved—and why dolphins do not belong in a cement prison outside a Las Vegas hotel. Even one death is too many, and yet with a death toll of 15, it is abundantly clear that The Mirage is no place for captive wildlife. These remarkably intelligent animals are not ours to use for profit or for entertainment. Every aspect of Beetle’s daily existence—and the lives of the nine who remain—was manipulated for showmanship and profit. He died at a quarter of his natural lifespan without ever experiencing life outside a concrete bathtub.”
The Mirage President and CEO, Trevor Scherrer, told reporters that Beetle was a “beloved member of our dolphin family,” but treated him like a prisoner. Roberts adds, “With a dismal animal care record, lack of educational and conservation value, and a mounting casualty list, it’s time for The Mirage to finally close the doors on this exhibit, once and for all.”
Born Free USA is a global leader in animal welfare and wildlife conservation. Through litigation, legislation, and public education, Born Free USA leads vital campaigns against animals in entertainment, exotic “pets,” trapping and fur, and the destructive international wildlife trade. Born Free USA brings to America the message of “compassionate conservation”—the vision of the U.K.-based Born Free Foundation, established in 1984 by Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna, stars of the iconic film Born Free, along with their son Will Travers. Born Free’s mission is to end suffering of wild animals in captivity, conserve threatened and endangered species, and encourage compassionate conservation globally. More at www.bornfreeusa.org, www.twitter.com/bornfreeusa, and www.facebook.com/bornfreeusa.
Media Contact: Rodi Rosensweig, 203/270-8929, therodicompany@gmail.com