SAFARI WORLD
APINYA WIPATAYOTIN
Safari World's plan to import bottlenose dolphins from the Solomon Islands has been opposed by an animal rights group.
The Save Japan Dolphins Coalition recently sent a letter to the Department of Fisheries, lobbying the agency not to grant the zoo an import licence.
The letter voiced concern that the dolphin population in the Solomon Islands is not known, so large-scale hunting of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins could pose an extinction threat.
The dolphin is listed in Appendix II of Cites - the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Trade is permitted under the condition that the export of animals must not be detrimental to a species' survival in the wild.
But there is no credible information to clarify the dolphin population.
The letter also said: "If allowed to proceed, we believe this import will jeopardise the international reputation of the country and its tourism industry.
"Thailand is an international destination for tourists. There is no reason why Thailand needs to import a few dolphins."
Safari World was not available for comment.
Acting director of the Licence and Fisheries Management Division Bancha Sukkaew said that a special committee on the status of preserved wildlife, comprising authorities, wildlife experts and representatives from non-government organisations, would approve import licences for animals covered by Cites.
The bottlenose dolphin species is also protected by Thai law, which requires a permit for their import and export.
"At the moment, we have not received any request from the zoo to import dolphins," said Mr Bancha.
"I understand the international concern over the issue, but please be assured our decision will be made not only according to the law, but will also be based on the facts about the risk of extinction."
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