14th dolphin dies at the Mirage! RIP Bella!

14th dolphin dies at the Mirage! RIP Bella!

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Category : call to action health issues park updates

The ‘dolphin death pool’ in Las Vegas has claimed its 14th victim. Bella died at the Mirage Dolphin Habitat in the Mojave Desert on April 14th, 2022 after undergoing treatment for gastroenteritis for several weeks, according to a press release sent out to local news stations.

Bella was born on September 6th, 2008 to Huf-N-Puf and Lightning. She lived 13 years, 7 months and 8 days in captivity while dolphins in the wild live to be 40-60 years old. Bella spent 4,968 days without protection from the sun’s harsh UV rays as she sat at the surface, chewing at the gates between the three pools. She gave birth on August 16th, 2019 to her daughter Lady Aces who is still languishing within the hotel’s backyard swimming pool.

Bella’s early death is a dreadful example of the reasons we need MGM and Hard Rock to end the display of captive dolphins at the Mirage Hotel and Casino. If you would like to make a splash in this movement, then join grassroots activist organizations Free the Mojave Dolphins from the Mirage Las Vegas and CompassionWorks International on April 30th at the Mirage volcano from 11am to 12:30pm. We will be urging locals and tourists alike to place pressure on the Hard Rock to shut down the animal exhibits once and for all and move the dolphins and big cats to properly accredited sanctuaries.

Big Cats Cause an Uproar in Las Vegas Resort

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Category : big cats

Have you heard of the magician Dirk Arthur? It seems that many people haven’t, but that didn’t stop the Westgate in Las Vegas from hiring him on as their new act. Dirk Arthur is going to attempt to evade animal activists by only using a bobcat and a snow leopard on his act. His show was set to debut on November 1st, and for reasons unknown to us, was pushed back to November 15th at 6 pm.

Jonathan Kraft, Founder and Director of Keepers of the Wild spoke out two years ago stating, “Times have changed and it’s just appalling how these animals live on concrete, from box to box to box. They’ve got a miserable life and it’s really a terrible form of abuse”. He is the authority to speak to given the fact that Jonathan became an animal activist after training two cubs for a Las Vegas production and witnessing the abuse and neglect provided by other animal trainers.

The last time I blogged about Dirk Arthur, I posted:

Dirk Arthur says he is for conservation, but he has been cited by federal agencies for serious violations of the Animal Welfare Act, including forcing tigers and a lion to undergo a painful declawing surgery. This procedure amputates the last joint on each toe, and is highly frowned upon. He has also kept his large cats in metal cages with no protection from the harsh elements in temperatures over 100 degrees.

When Dirk Arthur performed during the last days of the Riviera, I hosted several protests in front of the hotel that attracted media attention. It was truly a shock when the Westgate picked up his bill. We also protested him during his last run at Westgate. Animal Defenders International released an expose, and he quietly ran away. Activists are already beginning to plan to put constant pressure on the hotel until they drop the show for good this time.

For information on the opening protest, follow this facebook event page.

Phone your complaints into the Westgate Hotel and urge them to drop Dirk Arthurs inhumane performance: (702) 732-5111

Upcoming: 3rd Annual ‘Thanks but No Tanks!’

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Category : protests & events

Thanks but No Tanks 2014

The Las Vegas activist pod will be coming together once again this holiday season to convince tourists that there is nothing cheery about visiting the Mirage Hotel and Casino as long as animals are used as an entertainment attraction. We will be meeting for our 3rd Annual “Thanks but No Tanks!” protest that happens the Saturday following Thanksgiving.

Tourism is slow for our city during Thanksgiving holiday weekend, but Las Vegas is a popular destination for those who are seeking to travel away for the holidays due to cheap hotel rooms. According to the LA Times, it is especially common for Asian tourists from Southern California.

Our goals for this protest are to engage with the tourists and passersby in conversation about the horrors behind the captive dolphin industry and convince them to not purchase a ticket to any facility that holds dolphins. We will be displaying posters to motorists and pedestrians, and handing out educational brochures regarding the local #MojaveDolphins campaign.

Empty the Tanks 2014

We are speaking out on behalf of the 13 dolphins that have been documented to have died prematurely within the Mirage Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. We are the voices of Beetle, Sgt Pepper, Sage, Squirt, Rascal, Picabo, Banjo, Sigma, Darla, Bugsy, Merlin, and the calves of both Darla and Sigma. We will continue splashing for Duchess, Lightning, Huf-N-Puf, Maverick, Osbourne, Sophie, Bella, K2, Miramar, and Coco. We will never be silent.

#OccupyMirageVolcano tweetsheet

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Category : call to action protests & events

On Saturday January 17th, Las Vegas animal rights activists will descend upon the Las Vegas strip to occupy the space in front of the exploding Mirage volcano. This is a very popular photo spot for the tourists. Every night starting at 5pm, the volcano erupts on the hour and half hour. During our two hour protest, the volcano will erupt with fire and loud noise 5 times. Tourists will be fixated on our protest spot trying to catch a glimpse of the volcano. In the process, they will forced to read our messages. This was proven to be an effective protest method in January. Our main goal is to cover as much space along the volcano as possible. Spread out!

For our dolphin friends who do not live close enough to travel to our protests, we ask that you spend the two hours (or whatever time you can allocate, whenever) tweeting to the Mirage Hotel and Casino. We have made up a tweet sheet, but as always, you can send your own messages. Feel free to grab images from our social media accounts. Stay polite and factual.

  • Las Vegas Protest: #OccupyMirageVolcano @TheMirageLV 1/17 5-7pm. Sister event 2 #MiracleMarch4Lolita. #MOJAVEDOLPHINS pic.twitter.com/FjNkaqrefQ (Tweet This!)

     

  • #MojaveDolphins @TheMirageLV suffer w/ #poxvirus aka #dolphinpox. #OccupyMirageVolcano for Cetacean Rights. pic.twitter.com/e4PAbOJcYC (Tweet This!)

     

  • #MojaveDolphins will #OccupyMirageVolcano until @TheMirageLV provides shade for dolphins in intense 110F+ summers. pic.twitter.com/tn41GcbOol (Tweet This!)

     

  • Nobody wants to support business with sick #MojaveDolphins on display for profit, @TheMirageLV. #OccupyMirageVolcano pic.twitter.com/S9SHYADg7X (Tweet This!)

     

  • After 24 yrs, it’s time for @TheMirageLV to reinvent themselves without live animals. #OccupyMirageVolcano. pic.twitter.com/AYq3LOfQbQ (Tweet This!)

     

  • Not 2 late 4 @TheMirageLV 2 Be Rehab/Release Facility! @RichardOBarry #MojaveDolphins #OccupyMirageVolcano pic.twitter.com/l9fRvtJPHi (Tweet This!)

     

  • It is unethical to be breeding #mojavedolphins in the middle of the harsh desert, @TheMirageLV #OccupyMirageVolcano pic.twitter.com/H1aXchye6q (Tweet This!)

     

  • Myself & Everyone I know will be boycotting @TheMirageLV until they cease the breeding program & provide shade. #OccupyMirageVolcano (Tweet This!)

     

  • #MojaveDolphins are forced to swim in small repetitive circles @TheMirageLV. This is torture. #OccupyMirageVolcano pic.twitter.com/kP8VuT2tpl (Tweet This!)

     

  • Don’t become captivated by #MojaveDolphins @TheMirageLV. There is no beauty in stolen freedom. #OccupyMirageVolcano pic.twitter.com/YQKozOJw76 (Tweet This!)

     

  • Not stopping battle @RichardOBarry started 24 years ago. We’ll #OccupyMirageVolcano for cetacean rights. @TheMirageLV pic.twitter.com/NjIdcX3ULT (Tweet This!)

     

  • Kids are our future, and they know right from wrong. You should listen to them, @TheMirageLV. #OccupyMirageVolcano pic.twitter.com/gw5YNsc0os (Tweet This!)

     

  • We stand strong outside @TheMirageLV, #OccupyMirageVolcano. #MojaveDolphins are being used as slaves. Do not support. pic.twitter.com/u51FtMTfKy (Tweet This!)

     

  • The company @MGMResortsIntl refuses to provide shade for #MojaveDolphins @TheMirageLV #OccupyMirageVolcano. Boycott. pic.twitter.com/C1DxMynWcw (Tweet This!)

     

  • Why can’t @MGMResortsIntl afford for @TheMirageLV to fix the peeling paint in #DolphinDeathPool? #OccupyMirageVolcano pic.twitter.com/JgOOXECMeg (Tweet This!)

     

  • Why does @MGMResortsIntl provide misters for ppl @TheMirageLV but no shade 4 WORKING animals? #OccupyMirageVolcano pic.twitter.com/5vyGjgNXPN (Tweet This!)

     

  • The @MGMResortsIntl allows @TheMirageLV to house incompatible dolphins for profit. #OccupyMirageVolcano. 🙁 dislike pic.twitter.com/118SGqb3FD (Tweet This!)
  • Protesters outside @MGMResortsIntl @TheMirageLV in Las Vegas on the strip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWV6RheAFUE #OccupyMirageVolcano #MojaveDolphins (Tweet This!)
  • #CallToAction: No More #MojaveDolphins Swimming in Las Vegas. http://chn.ge/1lturWj 80,000 Voices & Counting! (Tweet This!) 
  • #CallToAction: Say NO to Yoga @TheMirageLV with #MojaveDolphins http://chn.ge/1xAHcKY Yoga=NonHarming&Compassion! pic.twitter.com/eIs7YDEA8N (Tweet This!) 

     

  • #CallToAction: @ClarkCountySch Stop Sending Kids to @TheMirageLV Habitat http://chn.ge/1lYUEDe #MojaveDolphins pic.twitter.com/vSsbvSEmdZ (Tweet This!)

     

  • #CallToAction: @USDA_APHIS Investigate @TheMirageLV & Enforce AWA 3.103(b) http://chn.ge/1qIRkMB @FinsandFluke pic.twitter.com/xVugGGATtV (Tweet This!) 

     

  • #CallToAction: @MGMResortsIntl Don’t Open #StingrayCove @TheMirageLV! http://chn.ge/1lYVqjL #MojaveDolphins pic.twitter.com/7VJFLZKNjc (Tweet This!)

     

  • #Call To Action: @MGMResortsINTL Retire #MojaveDolphins To Ocean Sanctuary! @TheMirageLV pic.twitter.com/wTObT7mQrg http://chn.ge/1vLqzHn (Tweet This!) 

     

  • #CallToAction: #MojaveDolphins Petition List! Lend Your Voice Against @TheMirageLV http://bit.ly/1lYVYGn pic.twitter.com/x9ZVi0zVwn (Tweet This!)

Rascal’s 10 Year Secret.

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Category : protests & events

IMG_4368Picabo gave birth to a male dolphin at the Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on May 15th 2001. Less than 4 years later, that dolphin calf had passed away from unknown reasons. His name was Rascal, or as Steve Wynn affectionately referred to him, Wizard, named after the dolphin’s father and original mojave dolphin, Merlin. His death rounded off 2004 with 4 cetacean fatalities within the Mojave desert.

IMG_4354Sigma was captured in 1975 from the waters of Texas, and she lived for almost 30 years in captivity. Her final swim was on March 21st 2004. Picabo was captive born, one of the first to take place at the Mirage habitat. Named after the US Olympic skiier, Picabo Street, she was born March 14th 1994. She only lived to be about 10 years old, passing away from acture septic peritonitis on July 6th 2004. Bugsy was born two weeks after Picabo on March 31st 1994. He passed away from a pulmonary abcess on July 2nd 2004, 4 days before Picabo. Picabo’s son, Rascal, passed away from a cause yet to be determined on December 3rd 2004.  What happened within those pools in the year of 2004?????????

IMG_4416Protesters took to the Las Vegas strip on December 6th 2014 to alert the public that their money being spent at the Mirage is funding the abuse of cetaceans. Thirty activists lined themselves up along the gate in front of the iconic exploding volcano outside of the Mirage hotel. As the volcano erupted, tourists eyes were drawn as if by a magnet, to our signs in front of the action. Many people are completely shocked to find out that this hotel is keeping aquatic animals.

IMG_4315If this group existed a decade ago, we could of shut the dolphin habitat down. Four deaths in one year is outrageous. Mirage needs to feel the heat. Jim Murren, the CEO of MGM resorts, has told Free the Mojave Dolphins and Ric O’Barry that he plans to get shade up for the dolphins in 2015. Temperatures are currently frosty, but summer is fast approaching. These dolphins cannot go another year without any protection from the harsh environment.

IMG_4380Continue to contact the Mirage with your questions and complaints about the way they are choosing to make their money in a desert environment. Voice your concerns over the telephone at 702-791-7111. You can email Jim Murren, the CEO of MGM resorts at [email protected] or you can direct your emails to the person in charge of public relations Yvette Monet [email protected] Push for them to arrange a meeting between Ric O’Barry and Jim Murren. We keep being declined.

IMG_4393

 

Protesting Dirk Arthur @ Riviera

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Category : big cats protests & events

IMG_3675Have you heard of the magician Dirk Arthur? It seems that many people haven’t, but that didn’t stop the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas from hiring him on as their new act. Has the city already forgotten the horrible accident last decade with Roy Horn and his beloved Mantecore? Dirk is one of only a few performers left around the globe that continue to use exotic animals in their act. He was recently dropped from Caeser’s Entertainment Corporation, ending his shows at the Harrah’s casinos in both Laughlin and Reno, Nevada. Together, we can push the Riviera to drop his act from their bill.

IMG_3671Dirk Arthur says he is for conservation, but he has recently been cited by federal agencies for serious violations of the Animal Welfare Act, including forcing tigers and a lion to undergo a painful declawing surgery. This procedure amputates the last joint on each toe, and is highly frowned upon. He has also kept his large cats in metal cages with no protection from the harsh elements in temperatures over 100 degrees.

petaActivists gathered on Wednesday November 19th outside of the casino on the Las Vegas strip to protest Riviera’s involvement with Dirk Arthur. His show officially starts on December 1st, so local activists have come together to plan a 3 day long public awareness event taking place just feet from the open casino floor. Get together with your family and friends to show your support for the animals who are forced to perform 6 days a week. We will be meeting Saturday Nov 29th: 3:00-5:00pm. Sunday November 30th: 3:00pm-5:00pm. Monday December 1st 5:00-7:00pm. Posters will be provided, but in limited supply. Feel free to create your own. You can also help us raise awareness by dressing in animal costume/face paint. We welcome all forms of your creativity.

dirkarthurheader

 

Please leave comments on the social media pages belonging to the Riviera Hotel and Casino–

Email the Riviera’s president, Robert Kunkle, and tell him you’ll be going elsewhere until the show is axed. [email protected]

Call the Riviera box office at 702-794-9433, press 2. Urge the ticket agent to forward your comments to management. 

Join local activists thanksgiving wknd protesting #DirkArthur #WildIllusions @RivieraLasVegas Cruelty is no illusion pic.twitter.com/1RLJnlU6i3 (Tweet This)

 

Email @RivieraLasVegas Robert Kunkle and tell him you will boycott until #DirkArthur #WildIllusions is off the bill! pic.twitter.com/0Gy0pRI6Nf (Tweet This)

 

Call @RivieraLasVegas box office 702-794-9433 press 2. urge them to pass your comments to management #dirkarthur pic.twitter.com/4kzBM4PX48 (Tweet This)

 

There is no excuse for using big cats for entertainment @RivieraLasVegas It’s a recipe for suffering #DirkArthur pic.twitter.com/k2RmdLrTzd (Tweet This)

 

Caesar’s severed ties with #DirkArthur.. @RivieraLasVegas we ask you to do the same. 2015 is no time for animal acts pic.twitter.com/s9llPlKvyv (Tweet This)

 

#dirkarthur’s use of exotic animals is out of style. @RivieraLasVegas we will not support you while you support him! pic.twitter.com/EIPQ9WHMnF (Tweet This)

 

Roy Horn was mauled on stage @TheMirageLV a decade ago & now @RivieraLasVegas brings #dirkarthur #CaptivityKills pic.twitter.com/yxI7LdPoPK (Tweet This)

 

Hey @RivieraLasVegas Animal abuse is not entertainment. Drop the curtain on #dirkarthur #wildillusions! pic.twitter.com/4EP4ZxxUl9 (Tweet This)

 

#DirkArthur has left big cats in metal cages in temps over 100F! @RivieraLasVegas don’t be part of animal cruelty! pic.twitter.com/2NwYVLln4H (Tweet This)

 

#DirkArthur mutilates his big cats with declawing which violates #AnimalWelfareAct @RivieraLasVegas cancel the show! pic.twitter.com/J1T70RTdUt (Tweet This)

 

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Categories

Tags

aeta animal enterprise terrorism act ariana grande audio bananas BenDeLaCreme call to action celebrities cetaceans dirk arthur dolphin habitat dolphin pox dolphins dolphin safe ellen degeneres events fins and fluke fins and fluke radio florida fruit killer whales las vegas strip las vegas tourism leopards ligers lions miami seaprison miami seaquarium mirage las vegas non-cetaceans orca politics recipes rest in peace ric o'barry riviera hotel and casino seaworld seaworld orlando steve-o taiji the cove the mirage hotel and casino tweet sheets vegas rock dog radio wild illusions
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