FOUR dolphins have been rescued from a Bali hotel, where they were performing tricks for tourists in “deplorable” conditions. One of the dolphins is blind — thought to be from chlorine toxicity — and also had teeth removed. The incident has thrown the spotlight on animal abuses in Bali, a popular holiday spot in Indonesia. A recent report estimated 1,500 animals — from tigers to turtles — are held in cruel conditions for the entertainment of tourists. The Melka Hotel originally had five dolphins in its hotel pools, charging tourists to jump in and grab photos, as well as performing shows. One of the dolphins died just days before a rescue attempt in August. Of the four remaining dolphins, only two were healthy enough to remove at the time, Rocky and Rambo. The other two required months of treatment. The Dolphin Project, which spearheaded the rescue, described the dolphins as living in a “small filthy swimming pool.” The last two dolphins were finally rescued last week. Dewa had extensive cuts under his body, believed to be from performing a “beaching” trick, or being forced to jump out of the water up onto broken tiles. The other dolphin, Johnny, is understood to be blind — potentially from chlorine in the pool. The pair have been taken to a specially designed sanctuary in the ocean. Without teeth — and other ongoing health issues — they may need to remain in the sanctuary for the rest of their life. The Dolphin Project said there was also three saltwater crocodiles, two leaf monkeys, several birds, snakes and porcupines removed from the property. The Melka Hotel was given permits by the government to keep the dolphins — where they had been performing tricks for more than a decade. A recent report by World Animal Protection (WAP) uncovered the dark side of tourism in Bali. It found widespread abuses of elephants, turtles, dolphins, orangutans and civets on the island. WAP says some elephants are beaten at a young age, in a process designed to break their soul, so they submit to humans.(SD-Agencies) (SD-Agencies) | 