Stop dolphin show at uShaka: Animal rights activist

Karen Wadsworth Borain of Amanzimtoti, south of Durban, recently visited the small town whose methods of dolphin and whale hunting became the subject of the 2009 Academy Award-winning documentary, The Cove.

The gruesome annual hunt sees the slaughter of thousands of dolphins for their meat - over a six-month period. It's been condemned by animal rights activists, individuals and governments alike, calling for an end to the brutal killings of these highly-intelligent sea creatures. 

While some of the animals are killed and consumed, others are kept in captivity and trained for aquariums around the world.

Wadsworth says mindsets need to change around the appreciation of these animals.

"Children don't need to watch a dolphin jumping through a hula hoop to learn that conservation is important. I think that people will still support our local aquarium if there isn't a dolphin show," she said.

uShaka Marine World management says they are happy to discuss Wadsworth Borain's concerns with her.