Yeap. Shame that they couldn't move the remaining exhibits to the National Aquarium down the road. I know they plan to move the penguins there. Cost-wise it may well be considerably cheaper than renovating the Marineland site and still retain the marine mammals in the town. I would suspect that would also improve the aquariums gate as well.
The video is interesting in the very stilted answers given by the Barbara Arnott, the Mayor of Napier. She rather glibly said 'times have moved on' as regards performing dolphins and seals; although apparently a number of locals and others such as myself certainly don't totally share that view. And she was very uncomfortable when faced with the fact that animals may have to be killed if they can not be found new homes deferring the blame to the NZ Department of Conservation.
Seems to me there is a political agenda going on here as much as anything else; clearly if animals are killed she could forget being re-elected which is something she and her council may not of factored into a decision to close the site.
Although for the life of me from a basic economic point of view I can't see why they didn't continue to keep the Marineland open for the time being unless there where pressing health and safety reasons. Although obviously the animals not being on public display is no doubt considered prudent as a political position.
It will be interesting to see what resolution the Judicial Review considers on hearing all the evidence. Clearly a lot more going on here than just an ageing marine attraction and the fate of it's pinnipeds and sea birds.
