…is just wondering “to what purpose do we encage these leviathan”. The most convincing argument that we have heard is to study, to do research on them. Keeping them in captivity provides a unique opportunity to observe them. We ask “to observe them doing what?”
Will we be able to observe their natural social behaviors while they are our quests in these humble quarters? Will we be able to follow, and thus map their regular migratory pattern? Will we be able to determine their natural dietary habits and nutritional requirements? Or maybe we could learn more about their mating technique.
The next best argument that we have heard is “for the purpose of conservation of the species”. Again, an honorable goal. But shouldn’t we first figure out how to preserve their natural environment. Does it do us any good to conserve a species when there is no place left that is fit for them to live?
And then there is the question “what do we do with these animals when they outgrow their tank?” Rhincodon typus can reach lengths of over 40 ft.
Finally, what can we learn about the whale shark while it is in captivity that can not be learned by tagging and observing it in the wild?
Not sure exactly what position we should take on this issue. But one thing is certain, the situation does raise a lot of questions, and these are just a few…