(Apparently this doesn't have much to do with the dolphins themselves. SOURCE: Armenia Now)
Starving for animals: Prominent writer to go on hunger strike against dolphin tank construction in Yerevan
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Vahram Tatikyan says he will be on hunger strike until the dolphin tank is dismantled
By SIRANUYSH GEVORGYAN
ArmeniaNow reporter
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Vahram Tatikyan, an eccentric bard and publicist known as a staunch environmental advocate, says he will start a hunger strike in opposition to the controversial construction of a tank for holding dolphins and other sea animals in Yerevan.
The construction project that was initiated by a Ukrainian organization, Nerum, and now is in progress just off the city center – on land leased by the Yerevan Municipality in Komitas Park, near the "Pantheon" – has caused an uproar among local environmentalists and animal-rights activists who say Armenia is not suitable for such an attraction.
Like a number of environmentalists and animal protection activists Tatikyan also thinks that dolphins and other sea animals will not survive in Armenia's climate. Besides, he says, such a construction near the Pantheon, where prominent Armenians are buried, will "defile the spiritual aura of the place."
"Can you imagine a dolphin tank being built in the yard of an Etchmiadzin church," says Tatikyan, referring to the seat of the Holy See of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
He describes as "perverted" the idea of building a dolphin tank near the Pantheon.
Construction began in August and 80 percent of the project has already been completed.
If plans are fulfilled, the tank – five meters deep with a radius of 18 meters – would house four dolphins, one sea lion and two seals. The complex would accommodate 900 visitors.
For many years the Komitas Park has been in a neglected state and many welcome the construction of a dolphin tank there.
In response to concerns voiced by environmentalists, Yerevan's municipality says that the new attraction will be fenced from the rest of the Pantheon, and sea animals will be provided with water which will be close to sea water by its composition.
Tatikyan says he will start his hunger-strike near the construction site itself beginning October 20. He says he will stop talking in three days "to conserve energy" and is determined to continue his protest until the structure is dismantled.
Late last month a representative of the Ukrainian company said the tank might be ready for use "in about two months".
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