Resorts World Sentosa to End Wild Dolphin Sourcing and Suspend Breeding Program
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Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) will stop sourcing wild dolphins for its aquarium and is suspending its captive-breeding program. The resort is now assembling an expert panel to determine the future of the more than 20 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins currently held at its Oceanarium.
Facts First
- RWS will stop sourcing wild dolphins for its aquarium.
- The resort is suspending its captive-breeding program for dolphins.
- An expert panel will determine the future of the more than 20 dolphins currently held.
- RWS states its dolphins receive high-quality, round-the-clock care from a dedicated team.
- The facility obtained 27 dolphins from the Solomon Islands in 2008 and 2009, with at least four dying during transit or from infections.
What Happened
Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) will stop sourcing wild dolphins for its aquarium and is suspending its captive-breeding program. The resort is now assembling a panel of experts to determine the future of the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins currently held at its Oceanarium. Staff at the facility report there are 'more than 20' dolphins there, with the youngest being a 7-year-old male named Kenzo. RWS obtained 27 dolphins from the Solomon Islands in 2008 and 2009, and at least four dolphins died during transit or from infections during that acquisition process. The exhibit opened to the public in 2013.
Why this Matters to You
This policy shift may signal a broader move in the tourism and entertainment industry toward more ethical wildlife practices, which could influence the types of animal exhibits you encounter on future vacations. For visitors to Singapore, the future of a major local attraction is now under review, which could change the experience offered at the resort. The expert panel's work represents a step toward a more deliberate, science-based decision regarding the dolphins' welfare.
What's Next
The assembled panel of experts will determine the future of the dolphin population at RWS. Their recommendations could lead to the dolphins remaining in their current habitat, being relocated to a sanctuary, or another outcome. RWS has declined to comment on the sourcing and breeding decisions, so the full rationale and timeline for these changes may become clearer as the panel's work progresses.