Endangered Beluga Ridden and Photographed... Controversy Over Animal Abuse at Geoje Aquarium

At Geoje Sea World, a dolphin experience facility on Geoje Island, Gyeongsangnam-do, a program where visitors ride dolphins like surfboards is being operated, drawing criticism on the 19th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Bong-ju] Geoje Sea World, a dolphin experience facility in Geoje, Gyeongnam, has been embroiled in controversy over animal abuse for operating a program where participants ride belugas (white whales), rare marine mammals, like amusement rides.

Recently, a video was posted on Geoje Sea World's social network service (SNS) showing a child riding a dolphin around the swimming pool.

This program, known as the "VIP Ride Experience," allows participants to ride dolphins around the pool while taking photos as part of an experiential play activity.

Geoje Sea World reportedly charged 200,000 KRW per session of 70 minutes for this program.

After the video was released, netizens raised their voices in condemnation, calling it animal abuse. Comments such as "How can they let people ride them when they can't even be returned to nature?" have flooded the video, urging the cessation of dolphin abuse.

Geoje Sea World reportedly explained to Geoje City that this program does not violate the Animal Protection Act.

Meanwhile, a petition criticizing this was posted on the Blue House website. The petitioner pointed out that the facility creates programs using dolphins, sells "usage rights" under that name, and generates profits.

The petitioner also claimed that the facility has been criticized for overworking dolphins by making them participate in extended nighttime experiences without rest to make money.

Controversy over endangered dolphins and surfboards posted on the Blue House National Petition Board. Photo by Blue House National Petition Website Capture

Meanwhile, Geoje Sea World was previously criticized for animal abuse after it was revealed that six dolphins died in 2017.

Since the facility opened in April 2014, a total of six dolphins died: two in 2015, three in 2016, and one in 2017.

When this fact became known, animal protection groups called it a predictable outcome and urged the release of dolphins, criticizing the policies on dolphin importation and breeding.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.