Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Dear WDCS

I have a few complaints regarding "Captive Cetaceans: a handbook for Campaigners".

First of all, please update your material.  The most recent version is from 1998 which in my opinion is grossly out of date considering that the current year is 2012, and presumably statistics have changed and more research has been conducted and published.  This is important because if you actually expect people to use this, then at least arm them with correct, scientifically up to date information; especially since the pdf document is particularly popular with the google search engine.  The popularity makes the average person vulnerable to old information that would not hold any water against "the industry".

Second, please make sure the edit your manual thoroughly.  In my honest attempt at taking the manual seriously I came across basic spelling errors indicative of a lack of professionalism.  In scientific literature, an article is extensively proofread to avoid making the research look like a petty backyard operation.  So if you want this manual to look like more than just liberal animal rights activism and have more credibility, then please, please, proofread.

-a scientifically literate person, that wants to save the whales too

1 comment:

  1. Congratulations on your acceptance to veterinary school!

    I couldn't help but notice your latest blog :) I wanted to reach out on behalf of WDCS and recommend some of our more recent publications regarding various captivity issues (outlined below). I appreciate you noting the issues with the document (it has remained up as reference for a while) and I was wondering if there was something in particular I could help you to research?

    As an active non-profit WDCS has many pressing issues and we strive to keep our followers as educated as possible. Please do let me know if there is anything I can help you learn more about.


    The items below can be found at www.wdcs.org/publications.php

    Captivity

    Dolphinaria - A review of the keeping of whales and dolphins in captivity in the European Union and EC Directive 1999/22, relating to the keeping of wild animals in zoos. (2011)

    Dolphin Assisted Therapy: Can you put your faith in DAT? (2007)

    Driven by Demand (2006)

    Biting the Hand that Feeds - the case against petting pools (2003)

    Captive Cetaceans: A Handbook for Campaigners (1998)

    Free Corky Campaign Factsheet (2006)

    Captive Orcas - ‘Dying to Entertain You’ (2001)

    ReplyDelete