Dolphins, sea lions to arrive for 45 days on Oct 1

Orphans and children with special needs get free tickets.

KARACHI: Four Russian dolphins and two sea lions are slated to arrive in Pakistan’s first ever pool for them to put on shows for 45 days at the Pakistan Maritime Museum Karachi this October.

“Pakistan would be the first country among the South Asian Association For Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to hold a dolphin show,” said CEO Mustafa Kamal of Talent Broker International. (Not to be confused with Senator Mustafa Kamal).

The Talent Brokers International has signed an eight-month contract with a Russian company, Utrish Dolphinarium, and will hold shows in Karachi and Lahore, said Kamal.

Trainers, dolphins, dolphin handlers and veterinary doctors from the Russian company would arrive in Karachi and the fate of the pool and dolphins depends on the public’s response, Kamal added.

“Complementary shows for orphanages and children with special needs would be organised and there will be no ticket for special children whenever they visit the pool,” said Kamal while talking to The Express Tribune.

Environment Minister Sheikh Muhammad Afzal said that people want to come to such events. “Pakistan was fortunate enough to have over 1,000 blind dolphins but they have been having a difficult time here,” the minister admitted while appreciating the efforts of the organisers.

The pool will be 80 feet long, 50 feet wide and 14 feet deep and will be able to seat around 4,000 people. It will take a month to build.

“The infrastructure will be handed over to the Navy once the 45 days are over,” said Kamal.

“We might open the pool for the public once the organisers are done with it as there are very few swimming pools,” said Commodore Khalid Masood. Four shows would be conducted daily, including two for school children in the morning, one for the corporate sector and one for the general public. The tickets will be priced at Rs450 for adults and Rs250 for children.  DG Maritime Commodore Muhammad Aslam said that it would be an honour for the Pakistan Navy to hold such shows that would provide entertainment in these difficult times.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 13^th, 2012.