PRESS RELEASE

            Today, Thursday March 14^th, members of KOALA (Kitchener Ontario Animal Liberation Alliance) conveined at the overpass on Franklin Street in Kitchener to display a large banner reading “SHUT DOWN MARINELAND, MAY 18, #OPSID”.  The banner was viewed by thousands of motorists driving on highway #8 for two hours during rush hour traffic.

            This action was part of Marineland Animal Defence’s global awareness week (March 9-17^th), which calls on animal advocates all over the world to raise awareness about Marineland’s extensive track record of animal cruelty while at the same time educating people about issues surrounding animals in captivity.

            One KOALA member was quoted as saying “Marineland is one of the worst marine parks in the world.  They are suing their own employees for telling the media about the ongoing cases of animal abuse.  They are suing activists for trying to raise awareness.  Whales have been killed, many other animals are sick and injured.  They even found illegal mass graves of “spent” Marineland animals right next to the park which the Ministry of the Environment is still investigating.  Also, Marineland’s owner John Holer is so inhuman that he actually shot and killed two dogs from a neighboring property for simply wandering onto the property.  When will it end?  We need to shut this place down!”

            Last year on October 7th, 2012, over 800 protestors stormed the park and shut down a dolphin show during a demonstration on closing day.  Another demonstration is schedueled for May 18^th, 2013 for Marineland’s opening day.

            For more information please contact: groupinfo.koala@gmail.com or google #OPSID.

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