Straits Times Forum
Dec 4, 2009
Absence of whale sharks won't hurt IR
I REFER to last Saturday's report, 'Sentosa's whale shark plan being reviewed'.
According to expert opinion, keeping the whale sharks in the upcoming Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) is neither practical nor feasible, despite the integrated resort's 'strong focus on education and marine life conservation'.
It is unnecessarily cruel to confine these large oceanic animals in an 8ha enclosure, vastly different from their natural environment. This aquarium is far from ideal for proper scientific study. The cacophony of peripheral activities is unnecessary and a stressful distraction. In their natural habitat, these animals have infrequent contact with humans. Held captive in a small aquarium, there is a real risk that more members of an already endangered species will die.
To fulfil its desire to contribute to marine life conservation, RWS could channel revenues, from all aspects of its business, to well-established research centres. This is a more feasible way to support conservation efforts.
I doubt the absence of the whale sharks will dampen the overall appeal of RWS as an entertainment venue.
Goh Si Guim
