Whatever happened with the abused Stingrays?

[1KWIK_69]

Is that cage they built for Stingrays still around? They were trying to shore it up after the stingrays they originally cut the barbs off of and stuck in there escaped last March. We saw them working on it when we did a check out dive at Blue Caribe. I hope the damn thing isn't still around.

 

[jjwdiver]

Its still there and they try to capture cruise ship tourists who wander too close...usually the one who buy the sombreros and drink too much tequila. (humor)

 

[1KWIK_69]

Its still there and they try to capture cruise ship tourists who wander too close...usually the one who buy the sombreros and drink too much tequila. (humor)

Not so sure about the humor part. I'd say that's pretty much accurate. hbrother:

 

[Sue Sue]

Is that cage they built for Stingrays still around? They were trying to shore it up after the stingrays they originally cut the barbs off of and stuck in there escaped last March. We saw them working on it when we did a check out dive at Blue Caribe. I hope the damn thing isn't still around.

Sadly, the captive stingrays are still there. DH and I saw the fence and some tourists entering the area for their "Swim with the Stingray experience" in November as we passed by on the way out for a dive. It really is a shame for the rays..... Unfortunately, what can be done to stop it..??? S

 

[cdreamer]

Destroy the fence and let them out.

 

[sharky60]

Umm, a little stingray fact here...

...clipping of the stinger on a ray is not abuse, the barb is made of similar material to our fingernails and much like our fingernails when clipped causes no distress to the animal and will grow back.

Not that I'm defending the ray encloser at all, I've always felt that a natural enounter with sealife if much more satisfying than a captive one, and if I never get to dive with "such-and-such" animal in it's natural habitat, then that's the way it was ment to be.

And as a good friend on the board has pointed out, ray is just a fish, a cousin to the shark actually, if you have enjoyed scallops in restaurants on a regular basis, chances are you have eaten ray once or twice, as they are used for scallop subsitute on occation.

The place people should be up in arms about is the dolphin experience closer to town, in April they had no less than 5, and as many as 7 animals in an enclosure that wasn't big enough for one of the mammals.

 

[Jupiter31]

Umm, a little stingray fact here...

...clipping of the stinger on a ray is not abuse, the barb is made of similar material to our fingernails and much like our fingernails when clipped causes no distress to the animal and will grow back.

Not that I'm defending the ray encloser at all, I've always felt that a natural enounter with sealife if much more satisfying than a captive one, and if I never get to dive with "such-and-such" animal in it's natural habitat, then that's the way it was ment to be.

And as a good friend on the board has pointed out, ray is just a fish, a cousin to the shark actually, if you have enjoyed scallops in restaurants on a regular basis, chances are you have eaten ray once or twice, as they are used for scallop subsitute on occation.

The place people should be up in arms about is the dolphin experience closer to town, in April they had no less than 5, and as many as 7 animals in an enclosure that wasn't big enough for one of the mammals.

Both should be closed - blame the operators; most who go are unaware (ignorant) of how the animals are treated - what really pisses me off is the stingray BS is next to my favorite hotel and dive operation, Blu Angel/Caribe Blu.

But then, I'm not a fan of animals preforming tricks for people and feel the best environment for marine life is the ocean. SeaWorld, circuses, those type of venues - nah - not for me.

 

[don Francisco]

I'm not defending these dolphin or stingray encounter operations, but there is flip side to consider.

For many people these will be their first and only encounter with these creatures. If it leads to added interest or concern for the ocean and it's inhabitants that's a positive benefit.

Our oceans are under great environmental stress with many species depleted or otherwise threatened to near the point of collapse, yet resources are allocated based not only on need but in competition with other concerns. Every added person who is aware of or cares about the ocean environment is one more supporter for needed conservation policies.

It's great to say that wild creatures should be left wild, but in the long haul it might not be the best policy. Kind of a catch 22.

 

[Jupiter31]

I'm not defending these dolphin or stingray encounter operations, but there is flip side to consider.

For many people these will be their first and only encounter with these creatures. If it leads to added interest or concern for the ocean and it's inhabitants that's a positive benefit.

Our oceans are under great environmental stress with many species depleted or otherwise threatened to near the point of collapse, yet resources are allocated based not only on need but in competition with other concerns. Every added person who is aware of or cares about the ocean environment is one more supporter for needed conservation policies.

It's great to say that wild creatures should be left wild, but in the long haul it might not be the best policy. Kind of a catch 22.

You make a point

But the truth is its still a shame that to rase awareness and generate interest, marine mamals (dolphins, whales, for example) are forced to proform stupid "tricks" for the amusement of people.

Your point is valid; the flip side - that many people come away from these shows thinking that "all's well" and don't elevate their thinking to a higher purpose - is equally valid.

 

[cicopo]

I certainly can't condone these kind of attractions but do fully agree that their existance will spur an interest in learning more by some who visit, use, or refuse to use because of the suspected cruelty captivity causes. Zoo's and public as well as research aquariums aren't that different to some, but also raise awareness, plus in a lot of cases research that inspires young people to take an interest too, especially when broadcast via TV or the net. Awareness plus education can do a lot to ease the commercial uses where there is only a drive to make money rather than help or save the main attraction from a life in the wild, which for some species is a risky life due to poaching. Thanks to the internet we all have a better chance of passing along a bit of educating to those who have never even thought about the topic until they hear that at such & such a travel destination they can swim with, pet, etc something captive.