Two female bottlenose dolphins have died in captivity of
bacterial infections. They had been housed at Langkawi as part of a
group of nine wild-caught dolphins for an exhibit by Resorts World
Sentosa.
Bottlenose dolphins are the most common and well-known species of
oceanic dolphin, and inhabit warm and temperate oceans worldwide. A
fairly large number of bottlenoses are currently kept in captivity
in aquarium exhibits around the world.
STOMPer Kenny wrote:
"In October 2010, two out of the nine dolphins
housed in Langkawi died.
"RWS confirmed the deaths only after questions from
the media, two months after their deaths. RWS said it did not
announce the news immediately as it was awaiting conclusive
pathology results.
"RWS stated that '2 females - one aged between four
and five years and the other, around 10 - died from an acute
bacterial infection of Melioidosis. The bacteria, Burkholderia
pseudomallei, can be transmitted through contact with contaminated
soil and surface waters, with infections occurring primarily during
the rainy season.'
"The dolphins died despite RWS' 'world-class team of
experienced professionals and animal experts' and despite their
stated 'mission to provide our animals with top-class care, and to
treat them with respect.'
"RWS also stated that 'care and well-being of the
dolphins are of paramount importance'. RWS further mentioned that
bottlenose dolphins 'are very adaptable to living in controlled
environments'."
http://singaporeseen.stomp.com.sg/stomp/sgseen/what_bugs_me/650016/2_rws_bottlenose_dolphins_die_despite_worldclass_care.html