News l 100,000 people have petitioned to RWS to free 25 bottlenose dolphins

More than 100,000 people have petitioned to Resorts World Singapore (RWS) through, Change.org, the Singapore animal welfare group to free the 25 dolphins that they are holding in captivity. Dolphin activist Barbara Napoles started the petition- "Please Help Free the "Sentosa 25" from Resorts World in Sentosa Singapore" on Change.org, the world's fastest growing social change platform, bringing the dolphins' plight to the attention of tens of thousands of animal lovers and tourists.

In 2008 the were initially 27 dolphins caught in Solomon Islands and two have died in captivity at Langkawi, where they were previously held. The remaining 25 dolphins are kept in Philippines while the housing facility at Sentosa is still being constructed.

The dolphins are to become the latest  marine park attraction for the resort in Sentosa.Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) bought the mammals for an "interactive dolphin spa programme" at its Marine Life Park attraction, where visitors can interact with the animals.

Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) has responded to concerns from dolphin activists on the welfare of its bottlenose dolphins. Its Marine Life Park (MLP) spokesperson said that its team of experts, including world-renowned veterinarians and scientists from various fields in marine husbandry, is providing the very best care for them with a superior diet, daily enrichment, and veterinary care. And the bottlenose dolphins are residing in a facility that is safe and conducive to their health and well-being.

Singapore-based animal welfare group, Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES) is supporting the petition and have rolled out their own roadshows to spread awareness about the dolphins' plight. But RWS maintain their position and said that the dolphins that have been living under their care for the past three years have acclimated well to their interim environment.