Dubai: The world has not forgotten. Sammy the whale shark and his gilded captivity still matters. Organisations have added momentum to Gulf News' 'Free Sammy' campaign with an open letter appealing for the release of the animal.
Sammy has now been in captivity for over 160 days. The campaign was wound down on January 16 with a final call to "not let the whale shark be forgotten".
Lisa Shrake Perry, programme manager for EWS-WWF (Emirates Wildlife Society in association with the World Wide Fund for Nature), said: "Since the beginning [September], we have given interviews and called for the whale shark to be released. But, our messages were never returned by Atlantis.
"So, we thought we would collectively write a letter signed by national and international organisations, so they understand that there is a lot of weight to it."
The signatures include representation from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) and EWS-WWF.
The open letter states that the whale shark is a "threatened species" and explains that taking an animal, which is a potential breeder out of its natural habitat further weakens the whale shark population.
Will Sammy the Shark ever be released? Are enough steps being taken to help the whale shark? What more can be done?
Your comments
Free Sammy Now! Or else, unfortunately he will surely die. He does not have enough space or inspiration or any other mate to breed with. This is selfish and cruel of the Atlantis hotel and I shall complain personally to the Ministry about this unfair imprisonment of a truly noble creature.
Nathan Bigsby
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: February 12, 2009, 13:05
If you want something bad enough - you have to push hard for it. Get everyone interested in releasing Sammy together.
Bindu Sathianesan
Dubai, U A E,United Arab Emirates
Posted: February 12, 2009, 12:40
The issue will end only if Atlantis really wants to release Sammy, but unfortunately Atlantis wants Sammy in their possession without any natural justice. Let Sammy help them in their business.
Omar
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: February 12, 2009, 12:02
I'm all for freedom, but when you consider that Sammy has been in captivity for this long, loses its sense for survival. So, if it were to be released I don?t think would stand a chance out in the wild.
I guess it would be best to keep her there then for everyone to do a "Free Willy" here in the UAE.
Carlyle
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 12, 2009, 11:23
I applaud the efforts of the WWF. Corporations should be held accountable for the damages they cause. A win for the WWF will be a positive step in getting them to be taken seriously in future battles. Good luck guys. Let's Free Sammy!!
Val
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 12, 2009, 10:49
It just makes you wonder... is there such a thing as human conscience?
Sreenath Somanath
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: February 12, 2009, 10:06
Sammy has captured the hearts of people and become an enduring symbol of freedom. Wildlife conservation is one of the best actions that people can do prevent extinction of the species in order to have a balance ecosystem. It is very important in maintaining the healthy wildlife population. It would be great if they will send back Sammy in the ocean but make sure he is in perfect health. Lets think of the futre of our next generation not of what we have now. Let's not deprive the rights of the future genereation of enjoying the gift of nature.
Edwin Ibanez
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: February 12, 2009, 09:43
Why would Atlantis want to keep a shark that doesn't belong in an aquarium? What are they waiting for?
I don't get it. If you think about the bad publicity for Atlantis.... keeps me guessing! Strange!
Hoffmann
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 12, 2009, 09:21
Again when the business is seeming to be slow... Atlantis has started marketing tactics! Any ordinary person has started to realise this. Is it such a big task to have a whale released?
Thomas
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 12, 2009, 09:20
Am so surprised to find out that until now Sammy wasn't released. The call for her release has continuously fallen to deaf ears of Atlantis' management. What is wrong with these people? Authorities should step up and act on this matter. International organisations have intervened but they too have been totally ignored. Are they (Atlantis) too greedy for money so as to make one gentle creature, and endangered for that, their main attraction? Do you think 160 days of captivity made her better? No- because she's not in her natural habitat. What if it's the other way around? You people of Atlantis be placed in Sammy's habitat, would you survive? Release her!
Tim
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 12, 2009, 09:10
The whale shark is targeted by commercial fisheries in several areas. They are also held in captivity in Japan and US.
They are not an endangered species.
What's the big deal?
Sophie
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 12, 2009, 08:37
I don't understand why only Sammy or whatever. Why not release all animals from ALL zoos, and all aquariums.
I feel this is just another publicity stunt by everyone involved. But I strongly believe that Sammy should be set free by hotel along with all other animals.
Faisal
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 12, 2009, 07:54
It is quite apalling that despite so much of an international outcry and pressure the Atlantis Management turns a blind eye.
Rajesh A
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 12, 2009, 07:52