Odysea Aquarium! (Phoenix: 2013, amusement park, condo)

[BIG CATS]

Originally Posted by observer53

The dolphins will not be in a "perfectly controlled environment", but in open tanks, subject to pollutants from the nearby freeway, Valley Fever spores from dust storms, the unrelenting sun, and the stresses of confinement (and other less than optimal conditions). I find this whole development to be contrary from the trend in this industry moving away from confining these marine mammals. But, it's on an Indian reservation, where they can do pretty much what they want.

I was talking about the sharks, but dolphins being subjected to this is no different than SeaWorld or any other zoo across the world. The dolphins always exhibit happiness wherever I see them perform, nor do they look the least bit stressed or sick. The people that perform with these dolphins care more for them than they do their own family members. Its not like theyre performing for Billy Joe Bob at the local carnival.

[Valley Native]

I don't see what the big deal is. There's obviously a demand for Sea World styled entertainment without having to travel to CA or FL. I remember seeing all the protests over Odysea on the news footage a few months back. They reminded me of the NIMBYs who raise a fuss over practically every development. They don't think theme parks of any kind belong in "the desert", and now they don't want dolphins in "the desert". They have a right to express their views, but my guess is they must not have anything better to do with their time.

[DetroitN8V]

Originally Posted by Valley Native

I don't see what the big deal is. There's obviously a demand for Sea World styled entertainment without having to travel to CA or FL. I remember seeing all the protests over Odysea on the news footage a few months back. They reminded me of the NIMBYs who raise a fuss over practically every development. They don't think theme parks of any kind belong in "the desert", and now they don't want dolphins in "the desert". They have a right to express their views, but my guess is they must not have anything better to do with their time.

Or they simply find the time to defend those that cannot defend themselves. I'd wager that the protesters tend to be more highly educated than the people that attend such places.

Also, I don't think SeaWorld has the demand that you think it does. Regardless, demand or not doesn't make it right.

[take57]

Originally Posted by BIG CATS

I was talking about the sharks, but dolphins being subjected to this is no different than SeaWorld or any other zoo across the world. The dolphins always exhibit happiness wherever I see them perform, nor do they look the least bit stressed or sick. The people that perform with these dolphins care more for them than they do their own family members. Its not like theyre performing for Billy Joe Bob at the local carnival.

I must have missed "dolphin whisperer" on your resume. Tell us more Dr. Dolittle.

[PhureeKeeper]

Will non-residents put these attractions towards the top of their "must see" list in Arizona? I would never think of looking for aquatic life in the desert. I don't see what the draw would be.

[asufan]

Originally Posted by PhureeKeeper

Will non-residents put these attractions towards the top of their "must see" list in Arizona? I would never think of looking for aquatic life in the desert. I don't see what the draw would be.

No, and honestly I probably will never go either. Sea World is maybe a 2 times in a lifetime thing for me, and as far as Aquariums I really prefer the Birch Aquarium at UCSD in La Jolla for the educational aspect for the kids (they have sharks there as well). I think of this as an attraction for locals that aren't as fortunate as my family and maybe for school field trips.

[Finger Laker]

There are 5m residents here, they will not be solely dependent on the tourist trade

Not to mention I think most people are smart enough to understand things like enclosed exhibits and air conditioning. While not a destination attraction they can definitely draw on tourists who are here for other reasons who may not have the same attraction at home.

The aquarium at the wildlife zoo had been there for a bit now and continues to expand and isn't exactly in an area with a concentration of tourists

[take57]

Originally Posted by PhureeKeeper

Will non-residents put these attractions towards the top of their "must see" list in Arizona? I would never think of looking for aquatic life in the desert. I don't see what the draw would be.

I'm guessing they're counting on making their money on visiting 'golf widows/families'.

[asufan]

Originally Posted by Finger Laker

There are 5m residents here, they will not be solely dependent on the tourist trade

Not to mention I think most people are smart enough to understand things like enclosed exhibits and air conditioning. While not a destination attraction they can definitely draw on tourists who are here for other reasons who may not have the same attraction at home.

The aquarium at the wildlife zoo had been there for a bit now and continues to expand and isn't exactly in an area with a concentration of tourists

There's an aquarium at Arizona Mills too, another place I haven't been

[azriverfan.]

Really excited for this. I think this the first step to making that area like Arlington, TX (Dallas area) where a lot of amusement parks and others focus in on one part of the city and form an entertainment district.