The government of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and the management of Dolphin Discovery are close to finalising contractual arrangements that would result in the commencement of works at a section of Prospect Reef Hotel and Resort, Tortola to facilitate the return of a ‘Swim with the Dolphins’ programme.
In 2017 Hurricane Irma ravaged the Virgin Islands – including the facility on Tortola that accommodated Dolphin Discovery. The dolphins were eventually transferred to two other locations, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, however, due to demand from the many cruise liners that visit Tortola that advertise swimming with dolphins as a ‘once in a lifetime experience’ to their passengers, the re-establishment of a facility on the island is being planned.
Junior Minister for Tourism, the Hon Shareen D Flax-Charles is overseeing the project to return Dolphin Discovery to Tortola, one of the largest islands in the Caribbean. When cruise liners dock at port, it is reported that approximately 500 people will participate in the Dolphin Discovery activity on any given day. Open 365 days a year, this means that each individual dolphin can be expected to interact with up to 50 tourists a day, placing an enormous amount of stress on the animal for one reason – business profit.
As the trend grows for tour/travel operators ceasing ticket sales to facilities that keep captive marine mammals, it is time for the cruise industry to encompass a more ethical focus to experiences they offer their passengers and move away from captive animal-related excursions.
Please support the campaign!
Send a polite email today
Junior Minister for Tourism, Honourable Shareen D. Flax-Charles sflax-charles@gov.vg
Urge the BVI Government not to sign the new agreement which would allow the return of Dolphin Discovery to Tortola
Sign the petition
Our colleague working on the ground in Tortola plans to present an online petition to the relevant authorities requesting that Tortola remains captive dolphin free.
Please sign and share widely on social media ‘Stop the return of captive dolphins to the British Virgin Islands’
Together, we hope to stop captive dolphins and Dolphin Discovery returning to Tortola!
