This was a trip especially for Rhiannon. Utterly obsessed with life in the oceans, she had seen signs for the Sealife Park and desperately wanted to go.
However, for me, it was deeply distressing. I completely detest the idea of dolphins (and most other animals, to be honest) being kept in captivity and forced to perform for the public. Seeing dolphins in places like this actually distresses me to the point of tears. The things we sacrifice for our children, though.
I refuse to go to zoos. Wildlife parks are a little better and the only "zoo" I have ever truly enjoyed was my hero, Gerald Durrell's, Conservation Trust in Jersey.
I kept my ideals to myself as much as possible so as not to spoil her day and took a few photos for her to remember.
While we were waiting for the "show" to start, Rhiannon went down to the horribly small tank to see the dolphins up close. One of them noticed her through the glass and came to take a closer look. She was thrilled although rather scared by the sheer size of it.
She was very pleased to have seen the creatures up close and personal, as it were.
I was just pleased to leave.
