July 2005

Thanks in part to the swift action of WSPA members, the Minister of the Environment in Bermuda has refused the application for a dolphin display permit to Lynn and Martin Hassell of Dolphin Oasis. The Hassell's, longtime dolphin profiteers, had hoped to establish a second captive dolphin facility in Bermuda as a counterpart to the original Dolphin Oasis. The minister's decision effectively puts an end to their quest to establish this new facility in Bermuda.

When WSPA first brought this matter to our members attention last December, things were looking grim for the dolphins and approval of a display permit seemed imminent. But, in the wake of an international campaign to highlight the plight of dolphins, Bermuda has responded to the many voices calling into question the impact of the captivity industry on the welfare of dolphins and local marine environments.

Please take a moment to send a letter of thanks to Bermuda's Minister of Environment, without whose support, the outcome for the dolphins might have been drastically different.

The Honorable Neletha Butterfield MP
Minister of the Environment
Dept of Environment
Government Administration Building
30 Parliament Street
Hamilton, HM12
Bermuda