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Right and my assertion is that because the whales are incapable of understanding their "sacrifice" for their species they are simply kept in a state of anxiety,

Right and my assertion is that because the whales are incapable of understanding their "sacrifice" for their species they are simply kept in a state of anxiety, trapped in a too small enclosure for the remainder of their days and THAT trumps any argument built on vagueries about the potential conservation benefits. I'd much rather spend all the money used in housing these whales on field studies and establishing conservation zones in the actual environment.

mthoms 9y ago
There's nothing whatsoever vague about the benefits it provides researchers (and therefore the species). To suggest otherwise is anti-science akin to climate denial. You're also misunderstanding the choices available: 1) The alternative for the whale in this scenario is death. Are you sure the whale would choose that over living in an aquarium? How sure? Remember - The overwhelming majority of human beings don't even make that choice (see: suicide rates of long-term prisoners). 2) > I'd much rather spend all the money used in housing these whales on field studies and establishing conservation zones in the actual environment. What money? You mean the money generated from the aquarium? Oh wait. Ummm... I have some very bad news about your proposed scheme. It really doesn't sound like you've thought this through. I admire the compassion of people like you. I really do. But, you seem to be living in some alternate universe from the rest of us. You might be better served to think with your heart and your brain.
- tedajax 9y ago
  Tone down the condescension. Obviously zoos and aquariums can do great work but there are animals in this world that do not live in captivity very well and if they were capable of properly weighing the options I'm sure many would choose death. I know many humans (myself inclused) who would make the same choice. If we can show certain species of whale can handle captivity well then by all means save them, house them, whatever but I doubt these particular whales are being let go lightly and sitting around saying 'think of the missed scientific opportunity' ignores the well-being of the whale. And maybe if it were possible to communicate to the whale the benefit of its sacrifice it might be ok but we can't and to ignore the anxiety of the whale is cruel.

mthoms 9y ago

There's nothing whatsoever vague about the benefits it provides researchers (and therefore the species). To suggest otherwise is anti-science akin to climate denial. You're also misunderstanding the choices available: 1) The alternative for the whale in this scenario is death. Are you sure the whale would choose that over living in an aquarium? How sure? Remember - The overwhelming majority of human beings don't even make that choice (see: suicide rates of long-term prisoners). 2) > I'd much rather spend all the money used in housing these whales on field studies and establishing conservation zones in the actual environment. What money? You mean the money generated from the aquarium? Oh wait. Ummm... I have some very bad news about your proposed scheme. It really doesn't sound like you've thought this through. I admire the compassion of people like you. I really do. But, you seem to be living in some alternate universe from the rest of us. You might be better served to think with your heart and your brain.

tedajax 9y ago
Tone down the condescension. Obviously zoos and aquariums can do great work but there are animals in this world that do not live in captivity very well and if they were capable of properly weighing the options I'm sure many would choose death. I know many humans (myself inclused) who would make the same choice. If we can show certain species of whale can handle captivity well then by all means save them, house them, whatever but I doubt these particular whales are being let go lightly and sitting around saying 'think of the missed scientific opportunity' ignores the well-being of the whale. And maybe if it were possible to communicate to the whale the benefit of its sacrifice it might be ok but we can't and to ignore the anxiety of the whale is cruel.