Aquarium merits calm discussion

In slightly more than 60 years, the Vancouver Aquarium has grown into a complex multilayered institution staffed by dedicated animal workers with an international reputation. The debate surrounding its future should reflect that complexity by basing decisions on a calm analysis of issues ranging from employment stability and tourism to research, education and contemporary attitudes toward captive animals.

I agree with a couple of points made in the May 20 Sun editorial, but it descended too often into superficiality. “Park board joins forces with zealots” does not reflect the growing opinion that keeping intelligent animals in captivity is wrong.

Claims that captive whales are necessary for research are misleading. The aquarium’s Coastal Ocean Research Institute is just that — oceanic. It supports serious research on whales in the wild and does not require captive animals. Nothing can be learned about captive whales except how to keep whales in captivity. Education is another muchrepeated mantra in favour of keeping animals in captivity. Modern audio-visual technology gives far better and far kinder ways to teach people about animals of all types.

The aquarium seems to appreciate some of these points because they have clearly switched their tactics toward emphasizing rehabilitation over research and education. In this, they have my full support. The problem with rehabilitation is there are only three outcomes — dead, successful release, or alive but unreleasable. I would find it hard to kill an unreleasable cetacean, so would support keeping those animals in an extended care facility.

There is lots to discuss, so please let’s use good data in a thoughtful and polite manner. We need a broad-based analysis of the issues so we can ensure the survival of the aquarium as a thriving Vancouver institution while also maintaining the common aim of improving the health of B.C.’s wild animals.

Mike Seear, Vancouver