I am Conflicted.

[SeaGlass Siren]

So, next year in Toronto, across the Metro Toronto Convention Center will be... dadaaa!! RIPLEY'S AQUARIUM!! and i live just above Toronto so I can go anytime I want.

The thing is, i don't do the whole "animals in captivity" thing and i haven't done enough research to make a decision if i should/shouldn't to go :| .... and even if i make the decision not to go, at the same time i want to go see mermaid performers because COD DARN IT, I WANT TO BADLY SEE A MERMAID.

What to do.. what to do... :head explodes:

thoughts? opinions?

[Mermaid Danielle]

I think the best thing you can do is do your research. Many of the animals may have been bred in captivity (which I am personally ok with) instead of taken from the wild, but you won't know if you don't do research. As far as the mermaid performers go, if the captivity thing really bothers you that much, I'd say just wait for a different performance. There are many mermaids that perform in non-aquarium settings (like the MerBellas at the renaissance festival). Hope this helps!

[SeaGlass Siren]

so far every resource i've look at are either reviews, protests, but nothing about the way they care for the animals or where they came from :|
are there any resources you guys can recommend?

[MerEmma]

I wouldn't worry about it if I were you. I've heard it's a great show and I'm sure that the creatures are taken well care of there. I've been to themeparks and I've felt like they were safe and being well taken care of about 80% of the time.

[Shivice]

I can say haveing been to the Ripley's Believe it or Not Aquarium in SC, the animals are very well taken care of. Ripley's is one of the best aquariums I've been to in regards to customers, and the animals.

[AptaMer]

Hmm, well Ripley's seems to be sensitive to concern about animal welfare. Right on their main hompage for the new aquarium they mention it, and talk about how the animals will supposedly be very well cared for.

http://www.ripleyaquariums.com/canada/

One place that has been getting a lot of bad press lately is the Marineland park at Niagara Falls.

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/1241961--marineland-animals-suffering-former-staffers-say

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/1253334--marineland-allegations-of-poor-treatment-of-deer-bears

[SeaGlass Siren]

Yes, that's why I'm particularity worried about visiting Ripleys. Toronto zoo isnt as good either. The pens are too tiny, and I've been there maybe 3 times. I have never set foot inside marineland and I never will. And I've read enough to know not to go there 0-0

Ive checked the website, but I wanted to be extra sure that they're not being harmed in anyway. Do you know of anyone who works there that I can talk to?

[Mermaid Annariea]

mermaid melissa does shows at ripleys aquarium, and as a marine activist, i dont think she would work there if the animals were being harmed.
heres a video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brei3f-jWQk

[SeaGlass Siren]

Phew! Ok that's helped a lot :) thanks guys!!

Ive decided to go after all. One trip though. Or two.