LETTER FROM FRANCE: FREE THE ORCA

To the editor: Once again your Vancouver Aquarium might have thought that it would be the best advertising for your province and country to import new animals in captivity, and once again we all are here to say, NO! ("Dolphin Pool Questioned" Feb.21) As you had probably realized it, wherever we can live, we are concerned about such terrible facts and can take action, even at distance. On behalf of our association "Les Orques Associées" and all french environmentalists, we urge you to make a definitive end at this shame for humans: keeping animals in captivity. The Vancouver Aquarium is already sadly famous for its disgusting act toward the poor great orca: Bjossa. Didn't they realize that we all are potential tourists for your country as long as we can watch animals like the kings of the oceans in the wild? Would we fly a long time to watch those poor animals in a pool? Those who can stand such activities can do it here in France. We are ashamed to be humans like those who are able to sell Bjossa to San Diego, the worst aquatic center in North America, as we all are aware of her bad state. Please do tell them not to take us for fools as they promise that Bjossa won't be another Shamu. How could they promise anything as they have sold her? Will they have any control as soon as she will have left her only friend and if she survives the transport? Of course not, but they may think that Vancouver people will trust them anyway. And what for? That's the most terrible thing with humans: they would sell anything for money. Why don't they try to change their politics and follow what people are ready to pay for, namely rehabilitation for animals? We say stop capturing any new animals but be ready for helping those kept in captivity. We say no to importing dolphins or sharks; let them live free. If you want people come to Vancouver, you have a lot of possibilities with your wonderful nature to organize eco-tours. The Japaneses have already understood that it worked well and brought money, so what are you waiting for? Thanks to Internet, our association has already sent these lastest bad news to everyone on our world list and it won't be long before many other conservationists get involved in this matter. Thanks for helping your city to become a great example for all others in a right way: acting for the nature, not against it!

Natacha Zana "Les Orques Associées" Paris, France