APPENDIX 



Prepared Statement of Senator Bryan 



Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to be here today as our Committee considers the re- 

 authorization of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. As you know, when this land- 

 mark legislation was passed in 1972, Congress recognized the enormous edu- 

 cational, aesthetic and recreational benefits derived from the public display of ma- 

 rine mammals. 



In 1972, no such facility existed in Nevada. However, three years ago such a facil- 

 ity opened at The Mirage. The experiences of thousands of adults and students have 

 demonstrated the wisdom of the original drafters of the MMPA in supporting the 

 public display of marine mammals. 



Approximately 750,000 individuals visit The Mirage Dolphin Environment every 

 year to see these wondrous animals and to listen to presentations by the animal 

 care staff about dolphins and their environment. 



Perhaps more important is the fact that and average of 35,000 students, students 

 who represent the future of America, participate in education programs sponsored 

 by The Mirage each year. In fact, 700 teachers have completed a special four-week 

 course sponsored by The Mirage on marine education. The quality of this course is 

 demonstrated by the fact that it has received a 100 percent rating of excellent on 

 evaluation forms from teachers who have completed the course. 



The contribution of The Mirage Dolphin Environment to the citizens of Nevada 

 and to the students in what is the eleventh largest school district in the United 

 States has been as significant as it will be enduring for each of the people who have 

 visited The Mirage from around the world or who have participated in any one of 

 its numerous educational programs. 



Mr. Chairman, I would like to insert in the record at this point a statement sub- 

 mitted for record by The Mirage Dolphin Environment. 



Prepared Statement of The Mirage Dolphin Environment 



As a public display facility, the purpose and intent of The Mirage Dolphin Envi- 

 ronment is to provide a healthy and nurturing home for dolphins and to increase 

 public appreciation and awareness of marine mammals and their environment. 



The health and welfare of the six dolphins currently maintained by The Mirage 

 is tended to by sixteen professional staff and consulting veterinarians, and has been 

 validated by the successful birth and health of a two year old dolphin within the 

 short three year period we have been operational. Cared and maintenance at our 

 facility is reviewed by USDA inspectors who make a minimum of two surprise on- 

 site inspections every year. 



Approximately 750,000 individuals visit The Mirage Dolphin Environment every 

 year. Tourists from around the world mix with local residents to experience the 

 wonderment of dolphins. All of our visitors are provided with guided tours which 

 offer information on our facility, marine mammals, and their importance in aquatic 

 ecosystems. Following the introductory tour, visitors are welcome to stay and ob- 

 serve the animals at their leisure from either above or below water viewing areas, 

 it is interesting to note that, in a 1.5 million gallon environment designed for free- 

 dom of movement and separation from the public should they choose, the dolphins 

 choose to spend the majority of their time in public observation areas, seemingly as 

 interested in our visitors as the visitors are in them. Animal Care Staff are always 

 available to answer questions and often engage in discussions with visitors inter- 

 ested in obtaining more in-depth information on marine mammals and conservation 

 efforts. 



While only some of our out-of-town visitors have observed dolphins in the wild, 

 most have visited other marine parks on more than one occasion. All feel that each 

 visit offers something unique and special. All continue to seek out the experience 



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