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Nicaraguan government bans dolphin exploitation
2nd February 2003
The Nicaraguan Minister of Environment, Jorge Salazar Cardenal, confirmed today, through a letter addressed to WSPA`s Regional Director Gerardo Huertas, that his Government has banned the use & exploitation of Bottlenose dolphins indefinitely.
In his communication, Salazar said that this new law guarantees that in Nicaragua, these animals will be fully protected.
WSPA was expecting this ban after the successful rescue, rehabilitation and liberation of Bluefield & Nica, two bottlenose dolphins captured last August in Corn Island, Nicaragua, and released by our organization just a month after.
During this operation, Minister Salazar himself participated and collaborated with the liberation of both animals and was touched by WSPA´s enormous efforts to heal and safe the dolphins.
As a result of a campaign promoted by WSPA Latin America and member society Amigos de los Animales in Panama, at present, a similar legislation is being considered at the Panamanian Congress as part of a new law on Animal Welfare that also includes a circus ban.
Richard O'Barry
Marine Mammal Specialist
World Society for the Protection of Animals
WSPA
Phone/Fax: 305-668 1619
http://www.freethedolphins.com
http://www.dolphinproject.org
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