Wild/ Captive

~> Dolphins can live up to 55 years.
~> 53% die within the first 3 months.

~> Eat live fish.
~> Fed dead fish.

~> Swim up to 50 miles per day & dive to depths of 1000ft.
~> Can legally be confined in 24x24 foot tanks only 6ft.

~> Live in salt water.
~> Live in chlorinated treated water.

~> Use sonar to "see" & communicate.
~> Unable to use sonar because of sound bouncing off tank walls.

*Stats from National Marine Fisheries Service April 1995 Marine Mammal Inventory Reports.

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"There is about as much educational benefit to be gained in studying dolphins in captivity as there would be studying mankind by only observing prisoners held in solitary confinement "- Jacques Cousteau
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The Capture

The dolphin families are chased and surrounded by boats. Once exhausted, the dolphins are netted and dragged onto the boat. The capture team searched through the horrified group for the perfect one, then the remaining dolphins are thrown overboard. Many of them die from shock, drowning or stress related diseases. 53% of the dolphins who survive the violent capture die within 90 days.

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"No arguement can rationalize the forced confinement of these social and highly intelligent creatures"-Richard O'Barry
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Mis~Education

Are we truely educated about the captured dolphin? Think about it....people pay money to see dolphins, whales, and other marine mammals to entertain us. We are overwlemed by these warm and intelligent creatures yet no one worries about taking them away from their families and homes. Is it really worth it? Would you like to be held capture for other`s amusement? The only education being taught is the capture of dolphins. Should we be teaching that it`s okay to capture animals for our amusement?

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Pictures

Prisoners or Performers?