The new rules, which came into effect on July 1, 2023, aim to protect animals and ensure their welfare. They prohibit the use of animals in live shows, including performances, exhibitions, and educational programs. This ban applies to all protected marine wildlife and terrestrial animals, including those in zoos and aquariums.

1, 2023, the park announced new measures to address these concerns. **Key Measures:**

* **No feeding of animals:** Visitors will no longer be allowed to feed animals at the park. * **Animal enclosures:** The park will be upgrading its enclosures to provide more space and enrichment for the animals. * **Animal welfare training:** Park staff will receive training on animal welfare and ethical treatment.

This confusion stems from the fact that the new regulations are not explicitly clear about the welfare of animals in the context of the shows. While the regulations do mention animal welfare, they do not provide specific guidelines or standards for ensuring animal welfare during the shows. For example, the regulations might mention that animals should be treated humanely, but they don’t specify what that means in practice. This lack of clarity can lead to different interpretations and potentially harmful practices. Furthermore, the regulations might not adequately address the specific needs of certain animals, such as those that are particularly vulnerable to stress or injury.

The decline in captive cetacean numbers is attributed to several factors, including the high cost of maintaining these animals, the ethical concerns surrounding their captivity, and the growing awareness of the animals’ natural behaviors and needs. The high cost of maintaining captive cetaceans is a significant factor contributing to their decline. These animals require specialized care, including large, complex enclosures, specialized diets, and constant monitoring.