In the wild, cetaceans travel many miles each day and are not often found drifting lethargically at the surface of the water. When you know what to look for regarding stereotypic behaviors, you will begin seeing them pretty much anywhere dolphins and whales are held captive. They arise due to chronic impairment of mental and emotional welfare and can result from boredom, lack of stimulation, stress, depression, or any number of other psychological states. It is believed that stereotypic behaviors are a direct effect of captivity on dolphins. Dolphins can engage in stereotypic behaviors, ranging from repetitive motions or unnatural behaviors that are only seen in captive individuals. There is plenty of evidence suggesting that dolphins show symptoms of being depressed in captivity. This is absolutely not the case - and thus forms more evidence for how dolphins suffer impoverished lives in captivity. Captivity facilities often tout their medical care, the fact that dolphins are shielded from predators, and that they do not have to forage for food as being some of the benefits of a life in captivity, making dolphin's lives “easy.” However, if these factors were actually contributing to a dolphins’ wellbeing, captives should be far outliving wild dolphins. Yet dolphins have been known to live well into their 60s.Įven if the median life expectancy for dolphins in captivity is similar to those in the wild, this isn’t saying much to benefit the captivity industry. One study pegged dolphin life expectancy in captivity at around 30 years of age, while another produced the figure of around 12 years. There isn’t a broad consensus on how long dolphins live in the wild versus captivity. Lifespan of Dolphins and Whales in Captivity One analysisin 2015 pegged the number at close to 3,000 individuals being held in tanks around the world, with the United States accounting for over 500 individuals. Since captivity businesses aren’t always required to report births and deaths, it is difficult to quantify exactly how many dolphins and whales are held captivity. Number of Dolphins Held Dolphins in Captivity However, larger species of whales, such as humpbacks and right whales, are too large for any captive display facility to handle. Whales are also kept in captivity, such as the pure-white beluga whales. The name is a bit of a misnomer, however, since orcas are actually a species of dolphin, not a species of whale. The next most popular species are orca whales, also known as killer whales. For a more in-depth look at specific facilities, and other issues affecting wild cetaceans, check out our Cetacean Project page.īottlenose dolphins are the most common species of cetacean used in the dolphin and whale captivity industry. The unfortunate reality is that dolphins and whales in captivity suffer greatly behind the glitz and glamor of these businesses.īelow are five facts about the conditions cetaceans endure within captive environments. Globally, dolphins and whales in captivity form a multi-billion dollar industry.īut the dark side of this industry is kept well-hidden. Collectively known as cetaceans, these animals can be forced to perform tricks in circus-like environments, including in dolphinariums or aquariums. Around the world, dolphins and whales in captivity are a popular form of entertainment.
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