Resumen en español

WSPA and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) have collaborated on The Case Against Marine Mammals in Captivity, an in-depth look at the arguments used by the display industry to justify captivity and the scientific research which discredits these claims.  An update of a 1999 version by HSUS (click here for original report), the report synopsis was released in 2006 and can be read here >>

For decades, marine attractions around the world have marketed themselves as invaluable enterprises that contribute significantly to the research, conservation and public appreciation of marine species.  They further contend that the animals they hold are better off in human care and perhaps even enjoy it.  The Case Against Marine Mammals in Captivity uses the latest research to debunk these assertions and to expose the realities of life for the dolphins, small whales and other marine mammals that are induced to entertain us. 

Traumatic captures, impoverished quality of life, scarce conservation benefits, mis-education of the public, aberrant behavior and more are the true hallmarks of captive marine mammal facilities.  The Case Against Marine Mammals in Captivity will help to change the way the public “sees” captivity. To read an overview of the report, click here.

The First Trauma

Contrary to popular belief, marine mammals are still seized from the wild. These traumatic captures often involve high-speed chases in which the animal is brought to the point of exhaustion. Then it's wrenched from its pod and wrestled into submission onto the boat. Sherwin says, “Right now, dolphins and small whales sit, in shock, in pens and tanks that are completely alien to them. Even those with the stamp of approval from a government agency cannot obscure the brutality and inhumanity of capture operations.”

It is not surprising that research has shown the mortality rate for bottlenose dolphins spikes six-fold during the first few days of captivity.

Some might argue that the distress of individual animals could be justified if it serves some greater good.  In the case of captive dolphins, the display industry claims that the education and conservation benefits outweigh the welfare implications.  Once again, this argument doesn't hold up.

Operators of marine displays say that the public learns about marine mammals by viewing them in captivity and, as a result, are more likely to become advocates for the animals.  But this claim is, at best, mere speculation and, more likely, an advertising gimmick, as there has never been a published, objective study on the educational value of marine parks and aquaria.  Naomi Rose, PhD, marine mammal scientist with the HSUS, says, “In fact, there is little evidence that the public learns much beyond the fact that whales and dolphins are not fish.”  Further, many of the behaviors observed at marine parks – eating dead fish, jumping through hoops and allowing humans to ride on their dorsal fins – are completely contrary to a dolphin's true nature and teach the public nothing about the real lives of these fascinating creatures.

Captive display programs also contend that they're doing vital conservation and research work. However, it is well established that captive marine mammals are not ideal research candidates since they live in artificial environments and, as such, often don't exhibit natural behaviors.  So the scientific research done at marine parks is usually limited to improving the maintenance and breeding of captive animals.  And those captive-breeding programs are not designed to add to the numbers of threatened or endangered species in the wild. Instead, they simply create more animals destined for the display industry.   Susan Sherwin says, “A whale or dolphin birth in captivity is heralded as a victory for conservation efforts and a boon for wild species.  But these animals will never see beyond manmade confines.  Their birthright simply is to replenish the stock of animals available for display, to be ready and waiting to meet the growing demand.”

The Longevity Myth

Supporters of mammal exhibits say their animals are safer than wild counterparts, who must contend with the likes of predators, pollution and food shortages. This, of course, completely overlooks the fact that these animals are supremely adapted to their environment.  According to industry rationale, then, this should mean that captive marine mammals enjoy much longer lives.   In reality, captive dolphins live about as long as their wild dolphins.   If the captive environment is supposedly so much safer, why don't these animals live longer? The answer is stress.

Even the best facility can't mimic the complexity of the ocean ecosystem. In the wild, dolphins may travel many miles a day foraging for food, socializing with pod mates or exploring their vast world. These natural instincts are completely stifled in captivity, causing a great deal of stress to the animals.  Visitors to marine parks will often see dolphins swimming back in forth in their tanks or obsessively peeking out of the water, looking for food.   What they don't realize is that these behaviors are signs of psychological distress.  For some, the anguish of captivity is so great, they develop ulcers and have even been known to mutilate themselves.   When one considers the restrictions, confinement and social isolation experienced by captive marine mammals, it is no wonder they don't flourish under these conditions. 

Conclusion

Marine mammals are some of the most charismatic creatures on the planet. It's certainly understandable that people are drawn to these exhibits. But the ethical concerns of keeping marine mammals in captivity must outweigh our own entertainment.  The situation is particularly acute for dolphins. There is abundant scientific research that documents their sophisticated intelligence, which may match that of great apes and perhaps even human toddlers.

WSPA and The HSUS believe there can be no justification for subjecting these animals to traumatic capture and an impoverished quality of life.  We encourage you to start looking at this issue from the marine mammals' point of view instead of our own.  Please visit our Free the Dolphins web site for more on the issues associated with captivity.

 Click here to read the full report in PDF format