The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society has officially requested that the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) withdraw accreditation from Sea World's facility in Orlando, Florida. 

This is in response to Sea World Orlando selling six young sea lions to the U.S. Navy for use in operations such as detecting terrorist activity and underwater mines. Dependable and sophisticated tracking equipment, which does not call for the undue stress and potential death of animals, already exists.

It has always been a Sea Shepherd position that human beings have no right to draft and enlist non-human species for service in the violent internecine wars of humanity. As a marine wildlife conservation organization, the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is absolutely opposed to using dolphins, seals, and sea-lions in warfare.

Sea World's profitable transaction with the Navy specifically violates the American Zoo and Aquarium Association's (AZA) policy for the sale and transfer of animals. AZA regulations stipulate that when member institutions sell or transfer animals, "It is imperative that the member be confident that the animal will be cared for properly."

The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society does not believe that drafting unwilling animals into dangerous combat zones qualifies as "proper care." AZA policy also states "all additions and removals are compatible with the Association's stated commitment to 'save and protect the wonders of the living natural world.'"

The welfare of these unfortunate baby sea lions was certainly not Sea World's priority when it handed them over to the United States Navy.

With regard to the sale or transfer of animals to a non-accredited facility, the AZA requires the facility to be licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Navy is a non-accredited facility that does not possess a USDA license.

The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society urges the concerned public to contact the American Zoo and Aquarium Association and urge them to withdraw the accreditation for Sea World Orlando.

E-mail to: Syd Butler at generalinquiry@aza.org

And/Or write, fax or phone to:

Syd Butler, LL.B. Executive Director, The American Zoo and Aquarium Association

8403 Colesville Rd., Ste. 710 Silver Spring, MD 20910-3314

Tel.: 301-562-0777 Fax: 301-562-0888 Email: generalinquiry@aza.org

SAMPLE LETTER:

Mr. Butler:

I have chosen to send the following letter because it accurately expresses my views regarding this issue.

I understand that Sea World Orlando sold six young sea lions to the Navy for use in operations such as detecting terrorist activity and underwater mines. Dependable and sophisticated tracking equipment, which does not call for the undue stress and potential death of animals, already exists.

Moreover, Sea World's profitable transaction with the Navy specifically violates the American Zoo and Aquarium Association's (AZA) policy for the sale and transfer of animals. AZA regulations stipulate that when member institutions sell or transfer animals, "It is imperative that the member be confident that the animal will be cared for properly."

I fail to see how drafting unwilling animals into dangerous combat zones qualifies as "proper care." AZA policy also states "all additions and removals are compatible with the Association's stated commitment to 'save and protect the wonders of the living natural world.'" The welfare of these unfortunate baby sea lions was certainly not Sea World's priority when it handed them over to the Navy.

With regard to the sale or transfer of animals to a non-accredited facility, the AZA requires the facility to be licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Navy is a non-accredited facility that does not possess a USDA license.

For these reasons, I respectfully ask you to immediately and permanently revoke Sea World Orlando's accreditation. Thank you for your valuable time and consideration in this important matter.

Sincerely,

YOUR NAME