Letter: Why'd they allow dolphins on tribal land?

The Native American community is usually associated with compassion and a non-exploitative approach toward wildlife and nature. A “tribal lands" dolphinarium represents the antithesis of all that the First Nation peoples stand for, at least in the minds of most Americans.

Dolphins in captivity suffer tremendous abuse, quietly, silently, while proprietors of the swim programs reap huge financial rewards. Dolphin ailments in captive environments include ulcers, digestive ailments, sunburn, depression, pneumonia, muscle necrosis, weakened immune systems, broken teeth and infectious skin diseases.

It appears that the lure of financial windfalls at the expense of these hugely sentient beings has overwhelmed the sense of responsibility indigenous peoples used to be known for. The impetus to just "do what's right" for our wildlife is lacking here. The exploitation of these dolphins must not be allowed, ever.

— Taffy Williams, Tuckahoe, New York