Over 3,000 dolphins and whales are held in tanks worldwide for the benefit of humans. A life in captivity for cetaceans may appear harmless – the reality is very different. Instead of a life in the wild where they live in close-knit family groups, travel great distances, and dive deep into their environment, dolphins and whales are forced to live in tanks a tiny fraction of the size of their natural home range, confronted by barriers in every direction.
Denied everything natural to them, these intelligent, social marine mammals endure immense physical and psychological distress and damage – endless circling, tooth damage from bar/pool chewing, dorsal fin collapse, anxiety, frustration and depression – ultimately resulting in disease and premature death. This is cruel, and why Marine Connection works tirelessly to end the suffering of dolphins and whales in confinement.
Captivity is a global issue
We can’t change the past but can change their future by speaking out against captivity worldwide.
Marine Connection works to:
- Ban captures of wild cetaceans for public display
- End the breeding of dolphins and whales in captivity
- Oppose the creation of new facilities
- Stop tour operators selling tickets to attractions with captive cetaceans
- Close existing dolphin/whale shows
- Inspect marine parks and dolphinariums to assess conditions, raising concerns with authorities
Over the years we have achieved many successes for dolphins and whales in captivity, but much work still needs to be done.
This must be the last generation of dolphins and whales held in confinement.
By sharing these powerful and thought-provoking stories from our anti-captivity campaign, you will help raise awareness of their needless suffering.
Are you dreaming of swimming with captive dolphins?
Swimming with captive dolphins is on the ‘to do’ list for many holiday makers. These ‘experiences’ are promoted and sold by tour operators as a lifetime opportunity where you can have a one-to-one encounter with the animals.
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Whilst on the surface ‘swim with dolphins’ (SWD) activities may appear a harmless interaction, the truth is far darker, for both the dolphins’ concerned and paying customers. Dolphins are worked year-round, with no respite from tourists paying to touch/swim with them or be photographed with them. This constant exposure to the public, endless confinement in a small space (often concrete tanks), and never ending demand on them to ‘perform’, results in many dolphins developing stress-related diseases. And the danger isn’t just to the dolphins, the public are at risk from injury and/or disease too. There are diseases which can pass from human to dolphin and vice versa and many documented cases of injuries to participants being bitten or butted by dolphins, incurring serious bruises and even broken bones.
If you love dolphins please do not add this activity to your ‘bucket list’.
What is the truth behind dolphin-assisted therapy?
Over the years dolphin-assisted therapy (DAT) has become increasingly popular, promoted as a method of treating individuals identified as having mental and/or physical disabilities, but do we have the right to use dolphins and turn them into therapists for the benefit of mankind?
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Marine Connection has always questioned the efficacy of DAT for several reasons but mainly, the notion that interacting with captive dolphins in a tank or sea pen has real healing effects, despite the fact that there is no scientific evidence proving a lasting effect for patients; and for the dolphins concerned, despite the fact that many themselves suffer with stress due to being held captive, are forced to interact with paying ‘clients’.
Claims made by facilities in support of DAT have been challenged by eminent scientists including colleague Dr Lori Marino who co-authored the following paper with the late Scott Lilienfeld.
