End of an era
Date: 15 September 2008
Department of Conservation (DOC) staff have been saddened to learn of the death of Kelly, Marineland's last dolphin. East Coast Hawke's Bay Conservator Peter Williamson said today that animal lovers everywhere will appreciate what a blow the death is for Marineland staff, some of whom, have cared for Kelly for over thirty years.
"We want to thank Gary Macdonald and his team at Marineland for the way they have cared for not only Kelly, and Shona, the dolphin that died in 2006, but also a great range of sick and injured marine mammals and seabirds. Marineland people have worked closely with Hawke's Bay DOC staff and we really appreciate that shared understanding and co-operation over the years," Mr Williamson said.
Kelly and Shona, both captured as juveniles and taken to Marineland in 1974, played a significant role in raising public awareness and understanding of the intelligence and beauty of marine mammals. The dolphins demonstrated their intelligence in performing for audiences and gave pleasure to many thousands of people over the years.
"Marineland was part of the movement to encourage people to get close to marine mammals in a way that had not been possible before. Now we have moved on to a new phase with far more awareness of the special nature of dolphins and easy access to information about them.
"Advances in boating development have led to the proliferation of eco-tourism ventures that provide opportunities for people to see and learn about dolphins in the wild. Kelly and Shona and the people who cared for them have been part of a significant conservation process, and our thoughts are with Gary and his team at this sad time," Mr Williamson said.