Safety Issues

“It would never be acceptable for zoos to allow visitors to interact freely in an enclosed space with chimpanzees, gorillas, lions, or elephants. It is folly to regard interactions with marine mammals as safer than with other large wildlife species.”

– The Case Against Marine Mammals in Captivity, 2009 report by HSUS and WSPA

RISK TO HUMANS

People are at risk of disease, injury, and death when allowed direct contact with marine mammals, including through “swim-with-the-dolphin” programs. People can contract diseases that are difficult to diagnose and treat, such as skin rashes and respiratory diseases. Marine mammals are wild animals and can be unpredictable and aggressive despite being “trained.” Due to their powerful jaws and sharp teeth, incredible size and strength, and ability to be violent, it is not surprising that captive animals have been aggressive towards humans who these animals are forced to interact with.

RISK TO ANIMALS

Captivity is still an issue in the U.S. and Canada where some of the most regulated facilities exist. Dolphin attractions that occur in some tropical destinations (e.g., Cuba, Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic) are an even greater problem, because regulation is often absent and conditions poor. In some facilities, there have been cases of pregnant females being overworked. There have been problems with dolphins being kept in extremely small pools, some surrounded by jagged, rusty fences or located near sewage outfalls. Their diet is not regulated, so they are fed rotten fish, and many have suffered or died from disease and starvation.

Even the most regulated facilities pose safety hazards to captive whales and dolphins. Animals are often trained to jump out of the water into platform or stage, essentially beaching itself. This “trick” undoubtedly causes great discomfort for animals adapted to the ocean environment and can also cause permanent injuries to internal organs. When whales and dolphins beach themselves in the wild, it is typically because they are in distress (e.g., sick, injured, or disoriented) and many of them die from the injuries they sustain from pressure on their internal organs.

When people are allowed to interact with marine mammals, there is always risk to the animals. Sadly, there have been many cases of people placing foreign objects (e.g., inappropriate food items, glass, stones, etc.) in the mouths of dolphins. Even just wearing jewelry or sunscreen can damage dolphins’ skin, which could ultimately lead to infections.

As you can see, captive marine mammals, particularly those forced to interact with humans, are at risk of physical and mental damage. People participating in (and paying for) captive dolphin attractions are directly supporting the industry, which ultimately results in further exploitation, injury, and death of whales and dolphins all around the world.