25 March 2001

Greens welcome Lee's comments on importing captive dolphins

Green Party MP Sue Kedgley today welcomed Conservation Minister Sandra Lee's opposition to importing dolphins for the Napier amunsement park Marineland.

"Having publicly opposed the plans to bring in more zoo-bred dolphins for Marineland last year, the Greens are delighted with the Minister's comments," said Ms Kedgley.

Ms Kedgley said that as the decision on whether Marineland can import more dolphins is the decision of the Minister, it looks as if the days of keeping dolphins in captivity are fast coming to an end.

"The Green Party believe dolphins should not be kept in captivity and we oppose any more dolphins for Marineland.

Ms Kedgley said she thought most New Zealanders would agree that dolphins were very special creatures that belonged in the sea instead of a tank, and that New Zealand should not in any way contribute to or aid the capture or captive breeding of dolphins.

"The school of dolphins that entertained Wellingtonians in the Wellington Harbour last week is a perfect example that if people really want to see and swim with dolphins then they can do so in the wild and on the dolphins terms," said Ms Kedgley.

Sue Kedgley MP: 04 384 9123, 025 270 9088 Jonathan Hill (press secretary): 04 470 6719, 021 440 090

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