Ocean Park has changed its mind about how it will fund a study on wild dolphins in the Solomon Islands. The study aimed to have wild dolphins imported to the theme park.
The South China Morning Post reported yesterday that Ocean Park will now directly fund the study. It is expected to cost US$100,000. The study will decide whether or not there are enough wild dolphins around the islands for some to be brought to Hong Kong.
Conservationists and scientists had objected to Ocean Park funding the study because it involved paying the Solomon Islands government, which would profit from any possible future dolphin sales.
The theme park also came under fire from hundreds of primary school pupils who threatened to boycott it if it went ahead with importing wild dolphins.
So far about 300 students have signed the petition which was inspired by the documentary The Cove, which showed the slaughter of dolphins Ocean Park's director will meet the students to discuss the park's point of view on the issue.