Marine attraction wants new dolphins

"Political correctness" is preventing Napier's Marineland from replacing its ageing dolphins, says the manager of the tourist attraction.

Nearly five million people have visited the Hawkes Bay marine zoo since it opened in 1965, but its future could be in doubt after the dolphins go.

Manager Gary Macdonald said animal zoos in New Zealand imported other animals, yet there appeared to be a lot of sensitivity over importing dolphins.

Shona, one of the marine zoo's two common dolphins, is now 36 and beginning to feel her age, while the other dolphin, Kelly, is also in her mid-30s.

Most common dolphins do not survive past 20.

Captured at sea, Shona arrived at Marineland in 1974 and has performed almost daily ever since.

There are fears that if one dolphin dies, the other will soon follow.

Some Napier City councillors have suggested that the building on Marine Parade be turned into a Maori cultural centre or a wine centre.

Mr Macdonald said he had no doubts that the dolphins had always been the key to Marineland's success. Fur seals, sea lions, otters and penguins were side- shows.

"Without the dolphins we would struggle, but we are working on a review of Marineland, coming up with a package that would make it viable with other species available to us," he said.

"It is political correctness - it's okay for any other species or animals to be held, it seems.

"No one seems bothered about the fact we have seals, penguins and all the rest, but we just can't have a dolphin."

Mr Macdonald said that while it was not prohibited to import dolphins born in captivity, there was considerable pressure not to.

In the past he had investigated importing dolphins bred in other zoos.

"Napier City Council has been told by the Government that it is unlikely we will be able to be granted a permit for that," he said.

"It's really sad for New Zealand. This is the only marine park in the country. Despite the fact we have an abundance of marine mammals on our coastline, many people never get to see them."

The Department of Conservation said the minister would ultimately rule on an application to import a dolphin, after it had been considered by the director-general.

Each application had to be considered on its own merits, it said, and there was no "blanket view".

- NZPA