What is the Marine Life Park?
The Marine Life Park (“MLP”), one of the main attractions at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), will be the world’s largest oceanarium when it opens in 2012. It will house over 100,000 fishes in over 55 million litres of water which includes the aquarium, dolphin experience and Reef Swim. The MLP will be all about family fun, interactive multi-sensory experiences and, most importantly, ocean conservation. We envision MLP as a showcase for ocean science education, research and stewardship.
Why did RWS include the MLP as one of the attractions at the integrated resort?
Situated on Sentosa Island, our integrated resort has the advantage of being surrounded by water and, hence, we wanted to give Singaporeans and visitors the opportunity to understand and appreciate the unique marine life in our oceans. The MLP will play an important role in educating visitors on the diversity and beauty of marine life. For many visitors to the MLP, it will likely be their first close-up encounter with marine life, and we hope this experience will inspire them to think about the part they can play in caring more about marine animals and their conservation.
In addition, the MLP will also have a structured education and research programme for the propagation and conservation of marine life animals. MLP will work with both local and overseas academic institutions and other marine animal facilities to collaborate on a variety of research and educational programs.
What can visitors expect when they go to the MLP?
There is plenty awaiting visitors at the MLP! The MLP will offer a myriad of activities for guests of all ages. At the Reef Swim guests will be able to snorkel amongst thousands of brightly colored tropical fish. Or they can hop in an intertube to tour the 620m Adventure River which includes an underground grotto or experience the fun and excitement of our exhilarating water slides and a wave pool.
How big is the marine life population at the MLP?
There will be over 100,000 fishes across various species of fish such as non endangered sharks, jellyfish and moray eels. Other aquatic species include a variety of rays, angelfish and many pelagic school fish. One of the most interesting and educational elements of MLP will be our Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins.
Testimonials abound about how deeply-moving encounters in aquariums and parks have inspired guests to become more aware and proactive as it relates to conservation of the environment. Some guests may even be inspired to take up careers in marine conservation and education. We offer many of the same opportunities and experiences that will inspire our guests and potentially make a positive impact.
There is the view that certain marine life species, such as dolphins, should roam free rather than be housed in ocean parks and aquariums? Would they be safe in your park?
We have assembled a team of experts to support our efforts in various aspects pertaining to the care, well- being, education, research and conservation of marine life.
The MLP has already opened its laboratory and developed the required veterinary and husbandry procedures and protocols required to house and maintain marine mammals. In addition, we are pursuing the launch of new conservation and research initiatives. The care and well-being of our marine life will take precedence over all else.
Why did the MLP source its dolphins from the wild instead of from captive sources?
We hold the belief that zoological organizations have a role to play in wildlife conservation and that to avert species crises, controlled wildlife collections can occur for quality zoological facilities to increase our understanding of the species and for breeding purposes.
To put it in context, the movement of marine animals including dolphins is governed by the United Nations Environment Programme which upholds the internationally agreed upon policies of CITES. Bottlenose dolphins, which are the species of dolphins that will be housed at our marine park, are not classified as endangered nor are they threatened with extinction.
Our research programs with our animals in conjunction with field research are on the fundamental pieces of worldwide conservation of marine mammals. Our staff will collaborate with other research facilities and institutions to conduct studies important to the conservation of marine animals and their environment. We want to play our part in the propagation of dolphins, and very early made the decision to implement a breeding programme at our marine park.
Dolphins have bred successfully in marine parks, an important measure of successful adaption of dolphins to human care. Today, the success of these breeding programmes provides us with valuable insight and knowledge into the propagation of this and other marine mammal species. Decades of successful breeding of bottlenose dolphins in parks that span Australia to Hong Kong and the United States have shown these animals to be very adaptable to living in controlled environments.
Why has Resort World Sentosa decided to display dolphins when there is controversy surrounding this? [Updated 25th Aug 2011]
It is easy to believe that leaving dolphins to live in the wild is the right thing to do. We all love images of dolphins swimming in blue limitless waters. It is far more difficult to get people to see what’s happening below the water or on the surface of our oceans. If you are tuned into the environment, you know oceans are struggling more than they ever have. Seeing a dolphin in the wild might not necessarily indicate that it has not ingested oil, or eaten radiated fish or survived an attack by a hungry shark. We all want a wild that is free from nuclear waste, oil spills and depleted fish supplies.
Increased vulnerability to diseases, as well as reproductive failure, are concerns for wild dolphin populations due to extremely high accumulation of chemical and metal residues released into the environment by human activities through runoff or incineration and airborne transport of toxic chemicals (Starvos et al., 2011; Hall et al., 2006; Wells et al., 2005; Schwacke et al., 2002; Lahvis et al., 1995; Kuehl et al., 1991; Cockcroft et al., 1989). These findings have both direct and indirect impact on human health as well (Fair et al., 2007; Bossart, 2006; Houde et al., 2005).
We believe now more than ever, that zoological parks and research are necessary because in today’s world, humans and animals are no longer isolated from each other. Almost everything we do affects them and our shared environment. We want to work for marine animals and with marine animals. And, yes, we believe there is a great need for healthy populations of dolphins in the wild and a small number in zoological parks that have the ability to properly care for them and learn from them.
Does being in a marine park shorten a dolphin’s lifespan? [Updated 25th Aug 2011]
No. Scientific data over the past decades show that bottlenose dolphins can indeed thrive in marine parks. Dolphins in marine parks have lived in excess of 40 years, often exceeding the average life span of many of their counterparts in the wild. Contrary to popular belief dolphins in the wild do not necessarily enjoy a totally carefree life; in the wild, they can become victims of predation, are taken as ‘by catch’ by many fishing fleets, and are subjected to on-going ocean pollution.
The MLP will ensure that our animals will be given top-class care and treated with respect and dignity at the park.
Isn’t life in captivity cruel for dolphins that need miles of wide-open space? [Updated 25th Aug 2011]
It is tough to make spatial judgments for any organism: humans, pets or wild animals.
It is not the pools that make a difference. We have learned that what makes the difference: 1) adequate space; 2) a varied daily schedule of activities including play, learning, exercise, socialization and rest; 3) a healthy diet; 4) uncompromised medical care; and most importantly; 5) positive relationships and interactions with humans.
Our dedicated team of experts from Marine Life Park (MLP) includes highly respected veterinarians and experts from various fields in marine husbandry, and they are committed in providing the very best care for our dolphins with a superior diet, daily behavioral enrichment and veterinary care. There are five vets in this core team, counting over 75 years of experience between them. We have also built a marine mammal clinical diagnostic laboratory to ensure proactive animal health exams and treatments are available around-the-clock. All our dolphins have been under a robust health and husbandry programme since the beginning. This programme will continue at the animals’ new facility at our Marine Life Park when it opens.
Are you going to make them perform and do tricks? [Updated 25th Aug 2011]
We do not intend to do shows, but will surely allow them to explore the range of their natural physical abilities in exercise sessions.
Why are dolphins playing with basketballs and hula hoops? [Updated 19th November 2011]
As we have always maintained, there are no plans to conduct animal shows. Dolphins in the wild are often in search of opportunities to interact and play. In zoological environments, balls and hoops encourage play activities among dolphins. These activities promote health and social interaction among the animals. As part of caring for our marine mammals, the Marine Life Park team has introduced various enrichment devices that are water resistant, durable and safe for our animals.
Our dolphins are now in a well-established facility in Subic Bay, the Philippines. It includes a dedicated veterinary clinic, a marine mammal clinical diagnostic laboratory and enclosures that exceed international standards. Our dolphins are cared for by our team of veterinarians and marine mammal specialists who collectively represent over 300 years of relevant experience working in more than 60 marine mammal facilities globally.
Don’t you force dolphins to be with humans? [Updated 25th Aug 2011]
No. We build a relationship with the animals, but we never “force” an animal to be with humans. In fact a lot of time will be allotted for dolphins to interact with other dolphins in small and large groups.
There are examples of many wild animals seeking out strange animal companions or humans when alone. Bonds are important and our dolphins have humans and a pod of 25 animals with which they will interact.
We encourage you to reserve your opinion until you see our dolphins in their new home at our MLP and meet the skilled caregivers who will carefully guide the animals along their acclimation process.
 Don’t you just feed the animals frozen fish and either give them food or remove food to make them do what you want? [Updated 25th Aug 2011]
Nothing could be further from the truth. Frozen fish is often a better alternative than live fish as the freezing process destroys any parasite load food fish may carry. In addition to this, the types of fish selected have the optimal amount of nutrients and taste. Even so, we go beyond and supplement the fish with vitamins. We only use positive re-enforcement techniques to bond with our dolphins. Each of them has a specific diet that is specially designed by our veterinary and animal care team to ensure they receive the proper amount of nutritious food in order to keep them healthy.
Won’t your dolphins live shorter lives in captivity? [Updated 25th Aug 2011]
These days, the lifespan of dolphins in marine parks and aquariums is expected to be longer than many in the wild, including those who have been exposed to oil spills, forced to compete with other predators or eat contaminated food.
Based on recent research by the Alliance of Marine Mammals and Aquariums, the estimated median lifespan of bottlenose dolphins in human care is now nearly double that of dolphins in the wild.
Where are the dolphins and how are they coping? [Updated 25th Aug 2011]
Our dolphins are currently housed in Subic Bay, the Philippines, in a facility that is safe and conducive to their health and well-being. We exceed stringent international regulations in our facility and ensure our dolphins have space to play, rest, interact and grow healthily.
Did two of your dolphins die? If so, how? [Updated 25th Aug 2011]
In 2010, we were saddened by the loss of two of our dolphins to a water-borne bacterial infection Melioidosis that also afflicts animals in the wild. No medical expense or effort was spared but, unfortunately, we could not save them. MLP will be participating in efforts to learn more about this disorder for the benefit of wild and captive populations.
Why can’t you focus your conservation efforts on why dolphins are disappearing in the wild rather than do it in your aquarium? [Updated 25th Aug 2011]
Conservation activism and action result from many things; it could be from education programmes, field research, an ocean experience, a tragedy or a film. Our blue planet needs our help in all forms and for us to work together.
Our Marine Life Fund is set up to support many field conservation programmes. These all contribute to reversing the many downward trends in wild environments and populations. We maintain that combining learning in controlled environments with that in wild environments is the best way forward, while getting people to embrace an experience with such an incredible marine animal. In light of continued ocean and marine life health decline, we see zoological institutions as being the last haven for some species, much like zoos have been for 20 species that were saved from extinction.
Why can't you release the dolphins? [Updated 25th Aug 2011]
We are unequivocal in our commitment to taking on the responsibility of providing uncompromised care for all our marine animals including our dolphins. Our dolphins have been in our care for three years. They have acclimated to human care, and we are confident they will continue to thrive.
 Hundreds of thousands of people around the world have already signed a few global petitions to you to free the dolphins. Why is the MLP still keeping these dolphins? [Updated 25th Aug 2011]
To put it in context, it is a fact that millions of people visit marine life parks each year. Their encounters have inspired many to take up careers in marine biology, veterinary science, and to take action on marine conservation.
As with any public issue, there will always be divergent views. However, we hope animal lovers would do their research and learn about these animals from various sources to get a balanced view. We are always opened to dialogue and suggestions that help us advance our marine conservation and education mission.
We will continue to do what is best for our animals. We know that putting our animals back into the wild does not advance the cause for their conservation.
Why are you saying that dolphins are no longer safe in the wild? [Updated 25th Aug 2011]
More and more, we humans find ourselves competing with, and thereby threatening wildlife. Increasingly, we must share the same environment and resources. The marine life in our oceans is increasingly facing a struggle to survive against ongoing man-made and natural environmental disasters, as recent events have shown us. And for decades to come, such devastating catastrophes and conflicts will continue to challenge the survival of animal life in the wild, highlighting why we so strongly believe that zoological facilities will continue to play a crucial role in today’s world. Through the medium of marine life parks, the public and researchers can effectively learn about marine animals, oceans, and the complex interconnections we share with planet Earth.
Why are you so certain that MLP will be able to contribute to education and conservation? [Updated 25th Aug 2011]
We have seen that the zoological model works. We hope to get people excited about oceans and protecting them as well as using our funds to do effective marine conservation, research and education. This mission unites every zoological institution with high standards hoping to impact its community and visitors.
Well-run zoological facilities can also serve as protective guardians of individual animals, especially for those species living in habitats that are in peril. Now, more than ever, it is timely for us to fulfill this significant role before it is too late. We do not want to see a reoccurrence of another dolphin going extinct such as the Yangtze River Dolphin. If these animals had been studied in captivity and if there was a zoological population, there would have been hope for their survival.
Various studies have demonstrated that research with marine mammals under the care of reputable zoological facilities has been and continues to be instrumental in increasing our understanding of dolphin perceptual and cognitive abilities, dolphin communication, dolphin physiology and reproduction as well as dolphin social behaviour (Stan A. Kuczaj II, 2010), among others. Such valuable information yielded, especially via long-term studies, would have been impossible to achieve for those marine mammals living in the wild.
Two independent research studies conducted in 2009 further conclude that guests who view dolphins in zoological setting demonstrated an increase in conservation-related knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions immediately following their experience and retain what they learn. Participants in dolphin interactive program learned about the animals and conservation, shifted their attitudes, and acquired a sense of personal responsibility for environmental stewardship (Miller, 2009; Sweeney, 2009).
What have you done so far in marine conservation and education? [Updated 25th Aug 2011]
We have set a clear vision to build a MLP that will make a mark in marine conservation and research. We have promoted conservation causes such as sustainable sharks finning, saved corals, funded anti-poaching patrols in the Galapagos Islands, and set up the Marine Life Fund for marine conservation and research.
High on our agenda is our mission to make MLP a world-class institution by hosting conservation and education based programmes and curricula in matters relating to the MLP’s entire collection, including our dolphins. For our research programmes, the MLP team will collaborate with other globally recognised research facilities and institutions in joint research ventures.
On the educational front, Resorts World Sentosa recently entered into an agreement with Sea Research Foundation to jointly develop a marine environmental curriculum for students in Southeast Asia. Contents of the tertiary school curriculum will be drawn from Sea Research Foundation’s Mystic Aquarium, distinguished for its marine animal education, research and husbandry expertise.
As part of the three-year agreement, Sea Research Foundation and the National Geographic Society will join forces with the MLP to bring the award-winning JASON Project science programs to students in the region. For more information on JASON Project, please visit www.jason.org.
How big will the MLP be?
The MLP is eight hectares in size and contains 20 million litres of seawater which is part of the overall 55 million litres of seawater that make up the entire park.
When will the MLP open?
The MLP will open to the public in 2012.
If you have any questions about the Marine Life Park or about the dolphins, please visit the Marine Life Park Blog to post your queries or comments.
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