change.org/closebodrumdolphinpark
15:00 Signature Delivery | 15:30 Press Statement w/ public participation
We urge the immediate closure of Bodrum Dolphin Park and the protection of captive marine mammals in the facility! #YunuslaraOzgurluk #CloseBodrumDolphinPark #BodrumYunusParkınaHayır
Led by Freedom for Dolphins Platform (Yunuslara Özgürlük Platformu), local NGOs in Kaş and BGKO, and later greatly aided by the successful Change.org campaign by Turkish author Buket Uzuner, as well as Dolphin Project’s Richard O’Barry’s remote support, long-running efforts on a national and international scale culminated in the closure of the Kas Dolphin Park in April 2013.
In 2010, similar efforts led by the Dolphin Angels in Fethiye and supported by thousands achieved the release of two dolphins, Tom and Misha, from a tiny concrete pool; and thanks to Born Free’s operation “Back to the Blue“, their successful return to the wild.
The Bodrum Dolphin Park is another facility inhumanely keeping wild dolphins, walruses and sea lions for commercial gain.
The Freedom for Dolphins Platform, who managed to cancel the building of new dolphinara in Izmir and Istanbul (Turkey) in 2014, are now focusing on the closure of the Bodrum Dolphin Park, together with Buket Uzuner: change.org/closebodrumdolphinpark
There’s still hope for the captive marine mammals in Bodrum, Mugla, Turkey!
Newly elected mayor, Ahmet Aras, can not only be the beginning of a new era for Bodrum, but also a symbol of freedom for the animals held captive in Bodrum Dolphin Park. To achieve this objective, we are mobilizing once again together with Buket Uzuner and Bodrum City Council (Bodrum Kent Konseyi). In the meantime, we will need your support more than ever!
Our demands to the Turkish authorities concerned are as follows:
– The permanent closure of the Bodrum Dolphin Park in Guvercinlik, which is operating with only a permit for “alcohol-licensed restaurant”.
– The voiding of all CITES documents issued for the animals at the facility.
– In accordance with Article 24 of Turkish Animal Protection Law 5199 and international agreements, the protection of captive marine mammals in a marine sanctuary run by marine mammal specialists and located in a remote bay.
– Legislation to prevent the opening of new dolphinariums and close all the remaining ones in Turkey.
According to the Universal Declaration of Animal Rights:
“· All wild animals have the right to liberty in their natural environment, whether land, air or water, and should be allowed to procreate.
· Deprivation of freedom, even for educational purposes, is an infringement of this right.
· No animal shall be exploited for the amusement of man.
· Exhibitions and spectacles involving animals are incompatible with their dignity.”
Thank you!
Link to sign and share the petition: change.org/closebodrumdolphinpark
More information can be found on this link and our social media platforms below:
www.facebook.com/yunuslaraozgurluk
