Image Credit: wspa.typepad.com
Ever hear someone say that dolphins “hate” performing?
Did they claim shows are “humiliating” and “abusive”?
Well, as it turns out, these statements are not only false due to their disgusting use of anthropomorphism, but also could be incredibly unscientific.
There is very little to no scientific evidence indicating that captive dolphins and whales are stressed or in discomfort as a result of the shows and interaction programs prevalent in nearly every facility that holds whales and dolphins.
According to a 2013 study published in Animal Welfare magazine, the opposite may be true.
This study was conducted across six facilities holding Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in the US including the Brookfield Zoo, Disney’s the Seas, Dolphin Connection and the Texas State Aquarium. In all, 30 dolphins were observed.
The researchers looked mainly at dolphin “free time,” which they divided into time associated with a show or interaction program and time not associated with a show or interaction program. Now, it’s important to remember that according to the laws of behavioral science, if something effects an animal, the results should be apparent in the animal’s behavior.
After 450 observations, the researchers concluded that rates of repetitive and aggressive behaviors are not connected with these types of programs. This is a very heavy strike against the theory that dolphin performances are negatively stressful to the animals.
However, what the researchers did find was that dolphins increase diversity of behavior and play behavior (two indicators of positive welfare) directly after shows and interaction programs.
The beginning of the discussion section starts with this statement: “Examination of the results revealed no behavioral indicators to support the concept that dolphin shows or interaction programs compromise the well-being of the animals.”
It later goes on to say that a great amount of evidence actually suggests that shows are enriching for the animals and increase rates of positive behavior. All together, this study indicates that in order to remain ethical holders of marine mammals, marine parks and aquariums should continue at least some form of dolphin performances or interaction programs.
It’s important to remind anyone insisting otherwise that the majority of scientific evidence suggests discontinuing these programs would actually prove to be disruptive and potentially harmful to the wellbeing of the animals they say they love.
Overall, this study is an important reminder that the vast majority of arguments against keeping dolphins in captivity are wildly unscientific.