Vancouver Courier Letters November 09, 2003

Aquarium story 'shoddy' journalism

To the editor:

For a newspaper that routinely complains about the shoddy state of reporting in our two dailies, you certainly never seem to raise the bar when it comes to the Vancouver Aquarium ("Sea lions not displayed for entertainment, says researcher," Oct. 26).

Instead of doing research, Sandra Thomas resorts to quoting Analise Sorg just like the dailies. Why not actually visit the aquarium, meet the amazing biologists and volunteers who really do love the aquatic environment and learn about the education programs which reach thousands of schoolchildren, many of whom are inspired to choose conservation as a career?

As for the sinister "profit motive" always leveled at this organization by Ms. Sorg (and her friends who write to newspapers with their vitriolic views on the motives of the aquarium), maybe Ms. Thomas would discover that these funds all really do go towards genuine marine research.

Gorm Damborg,

Vancouver

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Exploiting animals never right

To the editor:

Gorm Damborg nicely skirts the issue that Annelise Sorg has consistently raised, namely the ethics of keeping marine mammals such as orcas, belugas, dolphins and sea lions in captivity and using them as entertainment for profit ("Aquarium story 'shoddy' journalism, Letters, Nov. 9).

It's not about money spent on research-it's about how living creatures are exploited to generate profit for a non-profit organization that pays $1 a year in rent on public land.

There is no argument that the biologists and volunteers are wonderful, and that the education programs reach thousands, although it could be argued that Mr. Damborg could do a little research of his own and substantiate just how many they have inspired to choose conservation as a career. And by the way, the correct spelling of Ms. Sorg's name is Annelise. Clearly Mr. Damborg has the skills to produce shoddy journalism. But who would hire him?

Patrick Cotter,
Burnaby

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Courier giving Aquarium bum rap

To the editor:

Gorm Damborg's letter regarding the Aquarium is long overdue. Most of us heartedly agree with him in his views ("Aquarium story 'shoddy' journalism, Letters, Nov. 9).

The mandate of the Aquarium is to educate the public and the young, as well as research aspects of marine life. Sandra Thomas and the Courier show bias against the Aquarium. She is totally influenced by Annelise Sorg, who should not be quoted on her so-called "views." She lacks integrity, knowledge and understanding of wildlife.

It is time readers stand up for the values of education offered by the Aquarium as well as the very important research.

As for the monetary aspect, all funds are used to further research as well as encourage young people to work and study towards a marine career.

It is vital for the public to be exposed to the wonders of the sea and marine life-to ensure the awareness and support for the environment.

Lorna and Roger Lewis,
Vancouver