Growing support for the aquarium to care for sick, injured animals: survey

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The Vancouver Aquarium is claiming it has overwhelming public support for rescuing and rehabilitating injured and sick cetaceans.

A new survey comes as the Park Board is about to release the re-written bylaw that could shape the transition to a complete ban.

The survey was done by an Angus Reid panel for the Aquarium, and it found 95 per cent of people in Metro Vancouver think the facility should look after sick and injured cetaceans long-term if the Department of Fisheries and Oceans decides the animals can’t survive in the wild.

President and CEO of the Marine Science Centre Dr. John Nightingale is hopeful it will make a difference. “Between the survey and the thousands of letters going into the Park Board that we’ve been copied on, so we’re going to presume there’s even more. The survey numbers show the public is strongly supportive of continuing to operate the rescue centre.”

The Vancouver Park Board has voted in favour of a ban on cetaceans, though says it will be mindful of the three that are there right now. “We are extremely concerned the Vancouver Park Board’s proposed ban will have a devastating impact on current and future injured, sick or orphaned cetaceans,” says Head Veterinarian Dr. Martin Haulena.

The aquarium says its program is the only facility in Canada that can provide animals like whales, dolphins and porpoises the care they need. “We have remained deeply committed to the well-being, rescue and rehabilitation of marine mammals for more than 50 years,” adds Nightingale.

The aquarium claims more than 11,000 letters have been sent to the Park Board.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today