Sin City's "Death Pool" No Fun for Captive Dolphins

I've only visited Las Vegas once and personally didn't find it appealing. I couldn't imagine living in the noisy, bustling city for the rest of my life.

Thankfully, I have a choice. But the dolphins in Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage have no choice.

Hope4Dolphins and other advocacy groups have brought attention to the issue, pointing out that the Dolphin Habitat has earned the nickname "Dolphin Death Pool." Over 14 dolphins have died — nearly all from infection or disease — since 1990 when the exhibit opened. Many were under the age of 10.

Wild dolphins can live 40 years or more, depending on the species. A pamphlet distributed by the Mirage falsely claims that dolphins in captivity out-live their wild relatives.

The Mirage portrays the exhibit as an important research and educational tool, but they can't fool groups like the World Society for the Protection of Animals and Born Free USA, who say the operation is merely for profit. The facility mentions conservation, but really pushes for visitors to embark on a "trainer for a day" experience, according to a tourist who recently visited the area.

To be a "trainer for a day" will cost you between $495 and $795, depending on how many observers you wish to have. Much like other captive dolphins, Mirage's dolphins will perform mindless tricks for food upon your signals.

For an exhibit claiming to promote conservation and education about wild dolphins, forcing dolphins to perform tricks they would never do in nature is nothing short of hypocritical. Furthermore, the pool is too shallow, too small and barren of anything remotely close to what is found in the ocean.

The dolphins are also subjected to a stressful surrounding environment, including constant noise, air pollution and blaring lights. The desert climate is harsh for the dolphins, who receive little protection against the hot sun, dry air and extreme temperature shifts that can occur.

With each death, the Mirage seeks to "restock" their pools by breeding or transferring dolphins to the facility. Born Free USA has attacked the casino's determination to keep dolphins for profit, and has even called upon the National Marine Fisheries Service to deny all future requests for more dolphins.

The group accurately states that, "with a death rate of close to 75 percent, the Mirage hotel has repeatedly proven it cannot provide adequate care for these complex and intelligent mammals.”

In the past, Mirage has housed tigers in the building, but due to large opposition from the public, the casino is now tiger-free. Hope4Dolphins believes if enough people speak out against the Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat, it will end for good.

Put pressure on the Mirage's Dolphin Habitat to do the right thing for dolphins and end its deadly business. Sign the petition today and speak up for Vegas' dolphins.

Editor's Note: This post originally referred to Born Free USA as the Born Free Foundation, which is a separate U.K.-based organization.

Photo credit: Dan4th