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| Signs of Aggression* "Dolphins have not been domesticated. They are wild animals, even if they are in captivity and have been trained to be around people. Dolphins are large, powerful animals that can inflict serious harm on people… There's this misconception that [dolphins are] friendly; that they're Flipper; that they want to play with people." – Trevor Spradlin, National Marine Fisheries Service The number of incidents of dolphin aggression towards humans is difficult to determine, as there currently are no reporting requirements for such occurrences. However, substantial evidence does exist, particularly as reported by the media, that human-dolphin injuries are perhaps more common than the public is led to believe. This statistic is expected to rise as 1) more dolphins are taken from the wild to populate swim programs and captive shows (since wild animals tend to be more aggressive and difficult to manage); and 2) an increasing number of dolphin facilities are opening, especially in Latin America and the Caribbean, with staffs inexperienced in marine mammal care and management. Government assessments of swim-with-the-dolphin programs clearly state that dolphins are least likely to be aggressive and dangerous only when the MOST controls are put on them and their natural behaviors are suppressed. Not only is this requirement contrary to industry claims that such endeavors promote species education and conservation, but continued submission causes great anxiety in the animals, which further manifests into physiological ailments and even death. Dolphins demonstrate aggression by: • Raking their teeth along your limbs. • Pushing, bumping or head butting. • Approaching with an open mouth and "jaw popping", which is a warning sign. • Pulling swimmers under the surface. • Not allowing participants to leave the water. "Dolphins can be aggressive, especially if they don't want you in their tank… They are so strong and so fast; they might want to send you a mild message and you could get hurt." – Dr. Lori Marino, Marine Biologist, Emory University • Women and children are most often the targets for aggressive dolphin behaviors. • It is important to recognize that though some aggressive acts are intentional, many injuries are accidental. Dolphins can weigh from 300 to 1200 pounds, which is more than some horses. At times, the animals don't know their own strength or they just can't get out of the way in time to avoid a collision. * All quotes were taken from public statements made by the individuals and is in no way meant to serve as an endorsement of Wild for Dolphins or the content of this fact sheet. |
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