The Rectory

Keiji

Mar 23, 07 - 3:18 PM

Top Facilities/Worst Facilties

I was just curious as to what facilities people consider to be the tops in the marine mammal world.
Which parks do you whole-heartedly supprt, if any?

Personally, I really favor the Vancouver Aquarium. Their habitats are gorgeous, and their shows are very educational. The staff are all very friendly, like a big family. Also, their conservation efforts and research are wonferful.

I also hear good things about the Shedd aquarium, but it sounds like it is all under cover, so that the animals don't get much natural sunlight. Of course, I could be wrong.

To contrast this, what facilities have you seen that you'd consider the worst? I haven't visted any personally, that I speak honestly about...However, It seems that MSQ and Marineland Canada are some of the worst.

Russ Rector

Mar 23rd, 2007 - 3:26 PM

Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties

GULFARIUM, GULFWORLD, CLEARWATER MARINE SCIENCE CENTER, DOLPHINS PLUS, DOLPHINS COVE, THEATRE OF THE SEA, DOLPHIN REASERCH CENTER,AND MOTE MARINE LAB

lolita fly far away......

Mar 23rd, 2007 - 3:38 PM

Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties

My favorite orca facilities from best to worst:

SeaWorld of Florida
SeaWorld of California
SeaWorld of Texas
Marineland Cote D' Azur: They have a large facility
Loro Parque: big tank
Six Flags :love shouka but she's all alone
Marineland Canada:big death rate but rumor is genetics
Kamogawa SeaWorld: good breeding but bad tanks and captured orcas:(
port of Nagoya: they love ku but captured harshley
Izu-Mito Sea Paradise: Facility too small
Taiji Whaling Museum: lone orca and gets no exercise

Keiji

Mar 23rd, 2007 - 3:46 PM

Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties

Mr. Rector, are those good or bad facilities?

orca dream

Mar 23rd, 2007 - 5:26 PM

Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties

BAAAAD.

Hikaru Tsuki

Mar 23rd, 2007 - 6:11 PM

Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties

I agree with Keiji with MSQ and MLC being low-rated facilities.

I will also agree with the VA being a good one. Being non-profit and putting so much of their money into research and their marine mammal rehabilitation programs earns lots of points from me.

I will also note that while the Sea World parks take good care of their orcas and provide them with as much enrichment as possible and great medical care, I do wish they would be more education-based. They have an AMAZING opprotunity to educate, but they fail to do so.

Keiji

Mar 23rd, 2007 - 9:10 PM

Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties

It is a shame that SeaWorld is so uneducational...you have to look pretty hard to learn much.

Ollie

Mar 24th, 2007 - 3:28 AM

Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties

Best:

Sea World Australia,Sea Worlds,Shedd Aquarium,Vancouver Aquarium.

Most other facilities may have large tanks,but still trea their animals like circus acts.

*COUGH* MARINELAND FRANCE *COUGH*

Mystic Thunder

Mar 24th, 2007 - 8:30 AM

Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties

WORST:
Seaworld san diego, miami seaquarium,Florida's gulfarium, these are some I've been to that I didnt appreciate.

BEST OR IN BETWEEN:
Discovery Cove Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando(in between),
these two are the best ones i've been to. I havent been to many marine parks so the ones i have been to i used.

Lolita fly away.....

Mar 24th, 2007 - 10:45 AM

Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties

Why does evreybody hate SWC? they care the most out of all of them! The people in this forum don't know crap about any captive orca I'm done with it.

Keiji

Mar 24th, 2007 - 10:55 PM

Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties

I'm a little surprised to hear SWC as one of the worst too...last time I was there I remember seeing the trainers being nothing but loving and caring toward the animals.

Move lolita! do it now!!!!

Mar 24th, 2007 - 11:05 PM

Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties

i always thought the swc was the best out of the sw's then florida, then texas...

Hikaru Tsuki

Mar 25th, 2007 - 7:10 AM

Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties

Just because a couple members here feel SWC is a bad facility, that does not make it so. SWC is great in animal care and a very sucessful park. In that aspect, it is concidered one of the best facilities. However, in the education department, I'd rank any SW park as one of the worst.

Lolita fly away.....

Mar 25th, 2007 - 9:15 AM

Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks SWC isn't all that bad plus my three favorite people on the forum:)

orca dream

Mar 25th, 2007 - 9:35 AM

Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties

I think Marineland France is one of the best because of their large facilities. The killer whales could have some shade from the sun though...

Mystic Thunder

Mar 25th, 2007 - 10:00 AM

Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties

Hey, what do you guys hate most about SW FL? I hate the dolphin cove most. It's gross, the tank is shallow and dirty. Plus, they took a pic of me bending down to pet a dolphin and you can see all the way down my shirt. my mom saw the pic and was like OH MY GOSH!! havent been there since. my friend also got a pic taken of her bending down and you can see down her shirt too.

Lolita fly away.....

Mar 25th, 2007 - 10:02 AM

Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties

remember the size of the tank doesn't have anything to do with how much they work them, how much they feed the, care for them or even get vitamins they were almost bought out in 2006 but luckily got to stay.

orca dream

Mar 25th, 2007 - 12:41 PM

Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties

SWF is okay, to me. But they need to expand some of their exhibits, like dolphin cove and the back tanks of the stadiums. Also I thihnk the sealion show should have a more spacious stage and pool.

Keiji

Mar 25th, 2007 - 10:17 PM

Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties

In a way, I'd agree with the sea lion expansion. They don't seem to need it for their shows though, and it probably makes it easier for the trainers...but, I think it would be neat to see a sea lion show in a larger pool, where they can really spread their 'wings'. They've got some amazing skills.

As for the pictures being taken bending over...yes, that could have been a little perverted. But, understandable if you were working with a dolphin. I'd rather have a picture with me interacting with the dolphin than just standing next to it. lol

ProudOrcaWarrior

Jul 15th, 2008 - 11:06 AM

Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties

Here's my list, from best to worst:
1. Monterey Bay Aquarium- their only marine mammals are otters, and they don't make them perform! The otters also raise orphan pups behind the scenes, which are released into the wild.
2. Shedd aquarium- yes, they've got show dolphins, but they've got an entire pod of them, although I don't know if they like being indoors.
3. Baltimore Aquarium-yes, I know they keep dolphins, but the dolphin shows are more educational than circus-like, and they also let the dolphins swim around in their big show tank before performances, and they're always frolicking. They also have a pretty successful breeding program, and their dolphins are all captive born. They also used to have seals, they didn't make them do tricks, but they don't have them any more.
4. Vancouver Aquarium- their dolphins are all rescued/sent from other facilities, they were one of the first to stop capture, and they also helped return springer the orca to the wild. They don't seem to have a good breeding program, though, as only one beluga has survived to adulthood, and Hana the dolphin has miscarried both her pregnancies. The best part: they stopped having orca shows!
5. Georgia Aquarium-from what I hear, they're a good aquarium, but I think that's because they've got a lot of stuff. Most of their belugas and whale sharks have died, but they seem to be doing fine now.
6. All three seaworlds- they keep cetaceans and make them do silly tricks. Their male orcas all have collapsed doral fins, and not many live past their fifteenth birthday. However, they're also concerned with conservation: they help rehabilitate manatees, and SWC also released a gray whale into the wild. They also keep their orcas in larger tanks, and they always have about half a dozen of them, so the orcas are atleast never lonely.
70. Mundo Marino- poor Kshamenk! All alone in that tiny tank!
8,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000-MiamiSequarium- They exploit and kill their animals, they're rude to their workers, and they lie to the public but their still in business. Does anyone see anything wrong with that?

Russ Rector

Jul 15th, 2008 - 11:28 AM

Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties

YOU SHOULD TAKE A LOOK AT GULFARIUM, GULF WORLD,CLEARWATER MARINE SCIENCE CENTER, DOLPHINS PLUS, THEATER OF THE SEA, DOLPHIN REASEARCH CENTER AND OF COURSE HAWKS KEY RESORT IF YOU TRULY WANT TO SEE SOME REAL DOLPHIN CRAP HOLES!$$$$!!!!

Another Random Person XD

Aug 10th, 2008 - 11:53 PM

Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties

Just my thoughts on the current facilities :D

Marineland France- Love the space and huge tanks

SWT- love the 40 foot show tanks

SWC- Large rear tanks,

MLC- Again, plenty of space, like a small cove

Loro Parque- I think has the right amount of animals, deep show tanks as well.

SWF- Getting too crowded, but still a good park nonetheless

Loro Parque- Right where it whould be in my opinion

SFDK- Could be bigger, but Shouka seems content

Mundo Marino- Tanks too small, needs better heating system.

Kamogawa- Needs larger tanks, but the current orca group seems content with eachother :)

Taiji Whaling Museum- Namis cove needs to be deeper

MSQ- uhh. gee what can i say...Needs to be expanded to about 50X its current size XD

Another Random Person XD

Aug 10th, 2008 - 11:55 PM

Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties

^^ Despite the fact MLC has a bad orca history =/

ProudOrcaWarrior

Aug 11th, 2008 - 6:00 AM

Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties

What can I say? All marine parks one way or another have a bad orca history.

StephD

Aug 21st, 2008 - 9:02 PM

Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties

Monterey Bay rules when it comes to education and they're "tanks" are very realistic (what few they have). The educational value rates REALLY high there, People will actually learn a few things.

orcasplash

Aug 26th, 2008 - 9:11 AM

Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties

does anyone else think SWC should put up some shade for their orcas?

Orca

Aug 26th, 2008 - 11:06 AM

Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties

Large portions of the show, back, and Close Up pools are already shaded throughout the day from the sun by both the stage set, the audience stands, and the buildings that surround the stadium.

ProudOrcaWarrior

Aug 28th, 2008 - 2:01 PM

Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties

Now that I think about it, Loro Parque doesn't have a bad orca history. But they've only had orca for a couple years. But at least they were captive-born, not kidnapped from the wild, and their tank is HUGE.

Dr. James Pollack MDVM

Sep 11th, 2008 - 2:30 PM

Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties

I'm a marine mammal vet at the national aquarium in Baltimore Maryland and i have to say that most of you mean well but don't know the first things about what is "good or bad". In order to be a marine mammal vet you have to have so many internships and experience with different marine facilities in the country before getting your medical license. I have been to a few that are "good" and others that aren't worth calling facilities.
The best that i have seen and have worked at are: The National Aquarium in Baltimore,Oregon Coast Aquarium,New England Aquarium, and the rest are the only aquariums recognized as the best place for education and fun while "NOT" exploiting their animals.They are: Monterey Bay Aquarium,Georgia Aquarium,John G. Shedd Aquarium,Aquarium of the Pacific,and some of the sea world parks.
The worst i have worked at or visited are: Marine land in canada,Niagra falls aquarium,central park zoo,Loro Parque theme park,Reino Aventura(Keiko aka free willy's former home)disney's animal kingdom,busch garden parks and many more the list goes on.

Russ Rector

Sep 11th, 2008 - 2:47 PM

Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties

SHEDD SUCKS DOC! HAVE YOU EVER SEEN THEIR OR ANY MMIR???????

	The Rectory Lolita IS Dying, let's talk about it. Russ Rector
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Author	Comment
Keiji Mar 23, 07 - 3:18 PM	Top Facilities/Worst Facilties I was just curious as to what facilities people consider to be the tops in the marine mammal world. Which parks do you whole-heartedly supprt, if any? Personally, I really favor the Vancouver Aquarium. Their habitats are gorgeous, and their shows are very educational. The staff are all very friendly, like a big family. Also, their conservation efforts and research are wonferful. I also hear good things about the Shedd aquarium, but it sounds like it is all under cover, so that the animals don't get much natural sunlight. Of course, I could be wrong. To contrast this, what facilities have you seen that you'd consider the worst? I haven't visted any personally, that I speak honestly about...However, It seems that MSQ and Marineland Canada are some of the worst.
Russ Rector Mar 23rd, 2007 - 3:26 PM	Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties GULFARIUM, GULFWORLD, CLEARWATER MARINE SCIENCE CENTER, DOLPHINS PLUS, DOLPHINS COVE, THEATRE OF THE SEA, DOLPHIN REASERCH CENTER,AND MOTE MARINE LAB Email: captivitykills@comcast.net
lolita fly far away...... Mar 23rd, 2007 - 3:38 PM	Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties My favorite orca facilities from best to worst: SeaWorld of Florida SeaWorld of California SeaWorld of Texas Marineland Cote D' Azur: They have a large facility Loro Parque: big tank Six Flags :love shouka but she's all alone Marineland Canada:big death rate but rumor is genetics Kamogawa SeaWorld: good breeding but bad tanks and captured orcas:( port of Nagoya: they love ku but captured harshley Izu-Mito Sea Paradise: Facility too small Taiji Whaling Museum: lone orca and gets no exercise
Keiji Mar 23rd, 2007 - 3:46 PM	Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties Mr. Rector, are those good or bad facilities?
orca dream Mar 23rd, 2007 - 5:26 PM	Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties BAAAAD.
Hikaru Tsuki Mar 23rd, 2007 - 6:11 PM	Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties I agree with Keiji with MSQ and MLC being low-rated facilities. I will also agree with the VA being a good one. Being non-profit and putting so much of their money into research and their marine mammal rehabilitation programs earns lots of points from me. I will also note that while the Sea World parks take good care of their orcas and provide them with as much enrichment as possible and great medical care, I do wish they would be more education-based. They have an AMAZING opprotunity to educate, but they fail to do so. Email: hikaru_tsuki@hotmail.com
Keiji Mar 23rd, 2007 - 9:10 PM	Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties It is a shame that SeaWorld is so uneducational...you have to look pretty hard to learn much.
Ollie Mar 24th, 2007 - 3:28 AM	Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties Best: Sea World Australia,Sea Worlds,Shedd Aquarium,Vancouver Aquarium. Most other facilities may have large tanks,but still trea their animals like circus acts. COUGH MARINELAND FRANCE COUGH
Mystic Thunder Mar 24th, 2007 - 8:30 AM	Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties WORST: Seaworld san diego, miami seaquarium,Florida's gulfarium, these are some I've been to that I didnt appreciate. BEST OR IN BETWEEN: Discovery Cove Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando(in between), these two are the best ones i've been to. I havent been to many marine parks so the ones i have been to i used.
Lolita fly away..... Mar 24th, 2007 - 10:45 AM	Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties Why does evreybody hate SWC? they care the most out of all of them! The people in this forum don't know crap about any captive orca I'm done with it.
Keiji Mar 24th, 2007 - 10:55 PM	Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties I'm a little surprised to hear SWC as one of the worst too...last time I was there I remember seeing the trainers being nothing but loving and caring toward the animals.
Move lolita! do it now!!!! Mar 24th, 2007 - 11:05 PM	Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties i always thought the swc was the best out of the sw's then florida, then texas...
Hikaru Tsuki Mar 25th, 2007 - 7:10 AM	Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties Just because a couple members here feel SWC is a bad facility, that does not make it so. SWC is great in animal care and a very sucessful park. In that aspect, it is concidered one of the best facilities. However, in the education department, I'd rank any SW park as one of the worst. Email: hikaru_tsuki@hotmail.com
Lolita fly away..... Mar 25th, 2007 - 9:15 AM	Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks SWC isn't all that bad plus my three favorite people on the forum:)
orca dream Mar 25th, 2007 - 9:35 AM	Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties I think Marineland France is one of the best because of their large facilities. The killer whales could have some shade from the sun though...
Mystic Thunder Mar 25th, 2007 - 10:00 AM	Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties Hey, what do you guys hate most about SW FL? I hate the dolphin cove most. It's gross, the tank is shallow and dirty. Plus, they took a pic of me bending down to pet a dolphin and you can see all the way down my shirt. my mom saw the pic and was like OH MY GOSH!! havent been there since. my friend also got a pic taken of her bending down and you can see down her shirt too.
Lolita fly away..... Mar 25th, 2007 - 10:02 AM	Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties remember the size of the tank doesn't have anything to do with how much they work them, how much they feed the, care for them or even get vitamins they were almost bought out in 2006 but luckily got to stay.
orca dream Mar 25th, 2007 - 12:41 PM	Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties SWF is okay, to me. But they need to expand some of their exhibits, like dolphin cove and the back tanks of the stadiums. Also I thihnk the sealion show should have a more spacious stage and pool.
Keiji Mar 25th, 2007 - 10:17 PM	Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties In a way, I'd agree with the sea lion expansion. They don't seem to need it for their shows though, and it probably makes it easier for the trainers...but, I think it would be neat to see a sea lion show in a larger pool, where they can really spread their 'wings'. They've got some amazing skills. As for the pictures being taken bending over...yes, that could have been a little perverted. But, understandable if you were working with a dolphin. I'd rather have a picture with me interacting with the dolphin than just standing next to it. lol
ProudOrcaWarrior Jul 15th, 2008 - 11:06 AM	Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties Here's my list, from best to worst: 1. Monterey Bay Aquarium- their only marine mammals are otters, and they don't make them perform! The otters also raise orphan pups behind the scenes, which are released into the wild. 2. Shedd aquarium- yes, they've got show dolphins, but they've got an entire pod of them, although I don't know if they like being indoors. 3. Baltimore Aquarium-yes, I know they keep dolphins, but the dolphin shows are more educational than circus-like, and they also let the dolphins swim around in their big show tank before performances, and they're always frolicking. They also have a pretty successful breeding program, and their dolphins are all captive born. They also used to have seals, they didn't make them do tricks, but they don't have them any more. 4. Vancouver Aquarium- their dolphins are all rescued/sent from other facilities, they were one of the first to stop capture, and they also helped return springer the orca to the wild. They don't seem to have a good breeding program, though, as only one beluga has survived to adulthood, and Hana the dolphin has miscarried both her pregnancies. The best part: they stopped having orca shows! 5. Georgia Aquarium-from what I hear, they're a good aquarium, but I think that's because they've got a lot of stuff. Most of their belugas and whale sharks have died, but they seem to be doing fine now. 6. All three seaworlds- they keep cetaceans and make them do silly tricks. Their male orcas all have collapsed doral fins, and not many live past their fifteenth birthday. However, they're also concerned with conservation: they help rehabilitate manatees, and SWC also released a gray whale into the wild. They also keep their orcas in larger tanks, and they always have about half a dozen of them, so the orcas are atleast never lonely. 70. Mundo Marino- poor Kshamenk! All alone in that tiny tank! 8,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000-MiamiSequarium- They exploit and kill their animals, they're rude to their workers, and they lie to the public but their still in business. Does anyone see anything wrong with that? Email: vivaearthgirl@hotmail.com
Russ Rector Jul 15th, 2008 - 11:28 AM	Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties YOU SHOULD TAKE A LOOK AT GULFARIUM, GULF WORLD,CLEARWATER MARINE SCIENCE CENTER, DOLPHINS PLUS, THEATER OF THE SEA, DOLPHIN REASEARCH CENTER AND OF COURSE HAWKS KEY RESORT IF YOU TRULY WANT TO SEE SOME REAL DOLPHIN CRAP HOLES!$$$$!!!! Email: captivitykills@comcast.net
Another Random Person XD Aug 10th, 2008 - 11:53 PM	Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties Just my thoughts on the current facilities :D Marineland France- Love the space and huge tanks SWT- love the 40 foot show tanks SWC- Large rear tanks, MLC- Again, plenty of space, like a small cove Loro Parque- I think has the right amount of animals, deep show tanks as well. SWF- Getting too crowded, but still a good park nonetheless Loro Parque- Right where it whould be in my opinion SFDK- Could be bigger, but Shouka seems content Mundo Marino- Tanks too small, needs better heating system. Kamogawa- Needs larger tanks, but the current orca group seems content with eachother :) Taiji Whaling Museum- Namis cove needs to be deeper MSQ- uhh. gee what can i say...Needs to be expanded to about 50X its current size XD Email: orcaayla@yahoo.com
Another Random Person XD Aug 10th, 2008 - 11:55 PM	Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties ^^ Despite the fact MLC has a bad orca history =/ Email: orcaayla@yahoo.com
ProudOrcaWarrior Aug 11th, 2008 - 6:00 AM	Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties What can I say? All marine parks one way or another have a bad orca history.
StephD Aug 21st, 2008 - 9:02 PM	Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties Monterey Bay rules when it comes to education and they're "tanks" are very realistic (what few they have). The educational value rates REALLY high there, People will actually learn a few things. Email: stephdoiron@rogers.com
orcasplash Aug 26th, 2008 - 9:11 AM	Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties does anyone else think SWC should put up some shade for their orcas?
Orca Aug 26th, 2008 - 11:06 AM	Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties Large portions of the show, back, and Close Up pools are already shaded throughout the day from the sun by both the stage set, the audience stands, and the buildings that surround the stadium.
ProudOrcaWarrior Aug 28th, 2008 - 2:01 PM	Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties Now that I think about it, Loro Parque doesn't have a bad orca history. But they've only had orca for a couple years. But at least they were captive-born, not kidnapped from the wild, and their tank is HUGE.
Dr. James Pollack MDVM Sep 11th, 2008 - 2:30 PM	Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties I'm a marine mammal vet at the national aquarium in Baltimore Maryland and i have to say that most of you mean well but don't know the first things about what is "good or bad". In order to be a marine mammal vet you have to have so many internships and experience with different marine facilities in the country before getting your medical license. I have been to a few that are "good" and others that aren't worth calling facilities. The best that i have seen and have worked at are: The National Aquarium in Baltimore,Oregon Coast Aquarium,New England Aquarium, and the rest are the only aquariums recognized as the best place for education and fun while "NOT" exploiting their animals.They are: Monterey Bay Aquarium,Georgia Aquarium,John G. Shedd Aquarium,Aquarium of the Pacific,and some of the sea world parks. The worst i have worked at or visited are: Marine land in canada,Niagra falls aquarium,central park zoo,Loro Parque theme park,Reino Aventura(Keiko aka free willy's former home)disney's animal kingdom,busch garden parks and many more the list goes on.
Russ Rector Sep 11th, 2008 - 2:47 PM	Re: Top Facilities/Worst Facilties SHEDD SUCKS DOC! HAVE YOU EVER SEEN THEIR OR ANY MMIR??????? Email: captivitykills@comcast.net