[nagdu] updated information from the Bahamas

Wed Dec 28 16:43:01 UTC 2011

I am cutting and pasting the information some were unable to read the whole e-mail due to photo involvement.

To: cherylandmaxx at hotmail.comCC: mwilliamson at bahamas.comSubject: Fw: Dolphin Encounters- Service AnimalsFrom: EbSmith at bahamas.comDate: Wed, 28 Dec 2011 08:47:12 -0500Good Morning Mrs. Echevarria, I have forwarded the response from Dolphin Encounters. Dr, Springer Chief Vet. from the Ministry of Agriculture is in the process of writing various government agencies to find out what the Bahamas legal polices are,in this matter. I will let you know what his findings are. Regards 
From:        "Latoya Rolle" <Latoya.Rolle at dolphinencounters.com> To:        <EbSmith at bahamas.com> Date:        12/20/2011 01:56 PM Subject:        Dolphin Encounters- Service Animals Good afternoon Ebian,   My apologies for the very delayed response.   Dolphin Encounters Ltd. wanted to ensure that we adhered to all rules and regulations stipulated by the Government of the Bahamas as it relates to Service Animals.   Though Ms. Echevarria was originally denied access to our beach side with her service animal we have revisited our policy to ensure that we accommodate all guests travelling with service animals to our beach, as long as we are given advanced notice. However, these animals will not be allowed to enter the waters on Blue Lagoon Island as it’s shared with all of our animals including the Sea Lions.   With regards to dolphin and sea lion encounters please see the below from our Director of Marine Mammals:   Dolphin Encounters is a world class animal facility that provides interactive programs for guests to meet dolphins or sea lions in an incredible in-water experience.  Our number one priority is to ensure the utmost safety for both guests and animals in all interactions.  We are accredited by both the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the International Marine Animal Trainers Association.  We strive to accommodate any guest that wishes to meet one of our marine mammals. We are one of few facilities that provides water wheelchairs for guests that are challenged, and all dolphins are trained to interact with all behaviors for the guest in the wheelchair.   Our animals receive the best of veterinary care with 4 physicals per year to ensure excellent health (more than most humans!).  We have accommodated guests with service dogs for many years, as long as prior notification is given when reservations are made, as we do boat transfers and we must inform the boat department that the dog is approved to board.  In 2006, the sea lions joined our animal family.  Over the course of the last 5 years, we have had 4 sea lions born at our facility.  At any given time, we have very young sea lions or pregnant females.  Because dogs and sea lions are susceptible to some of the same diseases, we as a facility, in discussion with our veterinary team, made the decision that dogs are not allowed around our sea lion habitat.  I realize that service dogs are traveling with health certificates, but we are in a different country and with all the new viruses, bacteria’s and fungi that develop yearly, we cannot be certain that something brought to the facility could possibly be something our animals have never been exposed to before.  Our animal health will always be our priority.  We will continue to allow service dogs for those participating in the dolphin program as long as there is someone to supervise the animal while the guest is in the water (a paying guest).  Dogs will not be allowed in the water or on the platforms.  We reserve the right to ask that the dogs will not be allowed near the sea lions.     Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.     Kind regards,   Latoya Rolle Sales & Marketing Supervisor Dolphin Encounters Ltd. Tele: 242-363-7167 Fax: 242-363-4437   www.dolphinencounters.com www.bahamasbluelagoon.com 

From: EbSmith at bahamas.com [mailto:EbSmith at bahamas.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2011 10:11 AM
To: Latoya Rolle
Subject: RE: 2nd E-mail Travel agent who had issues with a location in the Bahamas in reference to an Excursion with Norwegian Cruise Lines   Good Morning, Hope all is well. I am still waiting on a response in this matter. 
I got another email from Mrs. Cheryl Echevarria this morning. 

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