The Environment and Forestry Ministry’s (KLHK) Directorate of Ecosystem Natural Resources Conservation evacuated seven dolphins from the Dolphin Lodge captivity. The evacuation was carried out after Indonesian celebrity Lucinta Luna’s riding a dolphin at that location went viral.
“Today the Directorate General of Nature Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE) Directorate and Bali Police evacuated the dolphins belonging to PT Biayu Samudra Bali,” confirmed the Head of the Regional Conservation Section I BKSDA Bali Sumarsono, Tuesday (27/4/2021).
His party stopped the operation of Dolphin Lodge on April 15, 2020. However, Dolphin Lodge was still operating.
Now, the seven dolphins have been evacuated to a conservation organization that already has complete facilities and permits. The location is in the Exotic Benoa Park.
The management of Dolphin Lodge resisted the evacution process. However, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry still evacuated the dolphins.
Lucinta Luna’s action, which was considered an animal abuse, was recorded in the video uploaded by her to social media. In the video, Lucinta Luna and her friends were “riding” a dolphin.
One of the criticisms was conveyed by Susi Pudjiastuti, the former Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.
“Many people think money & fame can buy and allow them to do anything … including being ignorant and being stupid,” wrote Susi Pudjiastuti.
photo by Antara / Nyoman Hendra Prabowo