September 2006

Known as one of the most exploitive marine parks in the world, Manati Park in the Dominican Republic is once again in the news for trying to import at least four new dolphins from Cuba to its tanks. There's still time to keep this import from happening.

Minister of Environment, Max Puig, has not made a final decision yet about whether to approve the permit and has been influenced in the past by public pressure on this issue. Please send your letter to Mr. Puig today requesting that he protect dolphin welfare by denying Manati Park's permit.

Manati Park opened its doors in 1995. Using the slogan “Fun with Animals”, Manati has been successful at luring tourists into its tanks for years. The park's dolphins are forced to interact with visitors all day every day. Living in captivity and enduring nearly constant interaction is very stressful for dolphins. Though exact statistics are not available to the public, witness reports and anecdotal evidence suggest that several dolphins have died at the park over the past several years.

Without dolphins, Manati Park would be forced to close its doors once and for all. Please take a moment to write a polite letter to Minister of Environment, Mr. Max Puig, let him know that you support his decision to protect dolphins and the environment and urge him to swiftly deny Manati Park's dolphin import request.

Ministry of Environment, Mr. Max Puig.
Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic
Email:  mortiz@medioambiente.gov.do