Dolphins In Captivity - Steps To End Cruelty To Animals

Dolphins are some of the most intelligent creatures on Earth and their captivity is a huge problem. Dolphins are captured in the wild and shipped to aquariums such as Sea World and trained for peoples amusement. There are also several events marketing an experience to touch and play with dolphins and as this sounds amazing, there are several things to consider. In their capture, dolphins are not treated well and many are unable to survive. Dolphins can live for decades in the wild, but in captivity their life expectancy can be as low as 5 years. In captivity, dolphins are subject to swimming in small pools full of chemicals, often starved so they will perform tricks for food, and develop numerous stress-related disorders.

There is a great interview with Dr. Lori Marino, a neuroscientist and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychology and faculty affiliate of the Center for Ethics at Emory University. She makes reference to evidence of behavioral changes and abnormalities in animals held in captivity, and dolphins are not an exception. There is also evidence that stress increases can cause damage to an animal in the form of self mutilation. She also states that claims of a dolphin show being educational are unfounded and unsupported.

Dolphins are also such intelligent creatures, demonstrating self awareness, numerical continuity, complex play behavior, and creativity. Dolphins do not belong in captivity and I encourage everyone to take a step to stop the mistreatment of such amazing beings.

In Taiji, Japan more than 20,000 dolphins are slaughtered every year. Some dolphins are sent to dolphinariums worldwide for human entertainment while others are packaged for food, posing a risk of mercury poisoning to humans. Dolphin meat is often disguised as other forms of fish and was even distributed in school lunch programs in Japan.

The Cove is a movie made in 2009 to expose the senseless killing of these dolphins every year and won an Academy Award for best documentary. The goal of the movie was to halt the killing of these dolphins and to change the fishing practices in Japan. It is a visceral movie that commands a call to action and educates its audience to one of the cruelest forms of animal abuse today.

Click to Help Save Japan Dolphins

Several things can be done to fight the capture and mistreatment of dolphins. One simple way is to make a choice to not support large aquariums where dolphions are held. This can be as simple as not purchasing a ticket to dolphin shows.

Another great way is to get actively involved. There is a great website that helps to raise awareness and money to fight the capture and brutal killing of so many dolphins. Please check them out on the website Causes and sign up to spread the word and donate money if able.

Many of the links below have other ways to get involved with contact ionformation if one truly desires to be involved and active as possible.