© Steve SnodgrassAccording to an online news source, Canadaland, and reporter Robert Hiltz, radio hosts have been silenced by their bosses, who hypocritically claim otherwise.[teaserbreak]
As noted here, Marineland, a theme park and aquarium in Niagara Falls, Ontario, has been the subject of investigation by the Toronto Star and Zoocheck Canada out of concern for the welfare of its animals. Various former trainers have also made allegations of animal neglect and abuse.
Since Marineland seems predisposed to sue its critics, here is a disclaimer: I first visited Marineland decades ago and never, ever returned. I was so sickened by what I saw.
Understand that, in my line of work, I’m used to seeing animal abuse. I have a strong stomach and my job requires me to examine what I’d often rather not see. I keep a close eye on zoos, aquariums, and the like. But, after attending a meeting of Niagara Falls City Council years ago, I realized that we were up against a problem I couldn’t resolve. Facts don’t seem to matter when there is money on the table. The laws and regulations governing animal welfare in Canada are notoriously weak and Marineland is a tourist attraction that brings money and jobs to the community.
Of course, this IS Niagara Falls: one of the seven natural wonders of the world. An inventive City Council could hardly help but be able to attract new tourists and create additional jobs around the magnificent cataract. But, why bother, when the only concern about Marineland is the welfare of its imprisoned animals?
However, I’m not that cynical. I think, with proper investigation and reporting, the majority of people who are compassionate will understand and share our concerns.
Which brings us to Hiltz’s July 18 story. What he found was that Bell Media had sent a memo ordering its radio hosts to shut up about the dark side of Marineland. It said:
According to Hiltz, Cummings (who sent that memo) and various radio hosts didn’t respond to his queries. But, what is disquieting to me is the bigger issue of the sad decline (more evident in the U.S. than Canada, perhaps) in independence of news media. Bell did this before, but the employee responsible was fired, with Bell CEO George Cope writing: “The independence of Bell Media’s news operations is of paramount importance to our company and to all Canadians.”
Yeah, right; tell it to the belugas. Bell reportedly runs three major radio stations in the region, including EZ Rock, which one survey shows to be the highest rated station in that area.
Listeners deserve better. So do the animals who endure life at Marineland.
Keep wildlife in the wild,
Barry