ISTANBUL: The destiny of a female walrus has caused quite a stir at a dolphinarium in Istanbul. The German dolphin and whale protection organization ProWal examined the facility in the middle of February and discovered that beside dolphins and a Beluga whale there was also a walrus, which is being forced to participate in the show's program although it has been revealed to have massive skin injuries. Andreas Morlok, the manager of ProWal, said in a press statement: “I have already seen a lot of animal suffering, but what happens there currently is pure animal cruelty.” Sarah, the walrus who was caught in South America, has severe injuries, the organization reported. Her skin is “sore and peels off at some places.” Local Turkish organizations and activists have said that Sarah's skin often peels off after being used in the program. They said her teeth have been pulled out despite a ban under Turkish Animal Protection legislation. One veterinarian confirmed that Sarah must have “immense pain.” The water, which contains chlorine, the constant alighting from the pool, and the inadequate veterinary care and treatment have left a “profound impact on the animal.” Sarah suffers from the artificial environment, which is exposed to deafening disco music during the shows. “We were able to document how a child, when taking photos with the animals, had even kicked the walrus and the staff of the dolphinarium didn't react. In the strongest terms we condemn this disrespectful and not species-appropriate use of captive animals aiming to purely commercial objectives,” wrote one Turkish blogger and activist. ProWal has filed criminal charges against the operator of the dolphinarium, a Turkish-Russian syndicate. According to the animal protection organization, the authorities have not become active. Turkish animal welfare campaigners visited the dolphinarium last week. The managers of the facility “don't give any time for rehabilitation to the animal,” a statement read. The animal welfare campaigners demanded that Sarah be brought out of the facility and taken into veterinary care immediately. BM
