“With a death toll of 15 dolphins, it is abundantly clear that The Mirage is no place for captive wildlife.” Born Free CEO
Born Free USA says the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas lives up to its reputation as a death trap for captive dolphins after another bottlenose dolphin, “Beetle”, died earlier this past Tuesday at the hotel. Beetle was 1 of 10 dolphins that drew visitors to its aquatic habitat and entertainment venue.
Since the Mirage opened in 1990, 15 dolphins have died at the well-known, popular Siegfried and Roy Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat In 2009, Sgt Pepper, another dolphin, died there at the young age of 2. His death was attributed to a lung infection. One of those two dolphins was Beetle.
Born Free called on the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to deny the hotel’s request to import two additional captive dolphins into the states for its exhibit. After the NMFS approved the permit request, Beetle was moved from one dolphin tank to another.
Beetle joined the habitat in 2010. He was only 12 years upon his premature death.
Born Free USA has spoken out against the Mirage’s aquatic exhibit for a long time due to its exploitative nature.
Mirage President and CEO Trevor Scherrer told reporters that Beetle is a “beloved member of our dolphin family.”
Adam M. Roberts, CEO of Born Free USA/Foundation says the dolphin was treated like a prisoner. “We now see, more plainly than ever, why this move should never have been approved – and why dolphins do not belong in a cement prison outside a Las Vegas hotel. Even one death is too many, and yet with a death toll of 15 it is abundantly clear that The Mirage is no place for captive wildlife…..Every aspect of Beetle’s daily existence – and the lives of the nine that remain – was manipulated for showmanship and profit. He died at a quarter of his natural lifespan without ever experiencing life outside a concrete bathtub.”
Roberts adds, “With a dismal animal care record, lack of educational and conservation value, and a mounting casualty list, it’s time for The Mirage to finally close the doors on this exhibit once and for all.”
A necropsy will be performed to determine the cause of death. Male bottlenose dolphins like Beetle typically live approximately 40-45 years of age.
Dolphins shouldn’t be dying at such a young age. It’s as bad as SeaWorld and both places defend what they do. Disgusted and sad. 🙁
15 dolphins have died???? What’s wrong with them? Stop the habitat!
They shouldn’t be allowed to have any dolphins with that many dying in their care. Why isn’t anyone investigating and stopping them from getting more? This is very wrong!
This is a travesty! They need to shut the place down. It is cruel and unfit for these animals.
This is absurd!
They need to stop keeping animals in captivity. They belong in the wild. They were born there and should die there. Stop interfering with their lives!