Dolphins fall victim to the sustainable paradox

As the majority of tour operators actively work towards a more responsible tourism agenda, where sustainability of practices and product is the ultimate goal, it is surprising that the promotion of dolphinaria, or captive dolphin attractions, in resorts continues unchallenged. Marred by high mortalities, low breeding success and psychological problems, the keeping of dolphins in captivity is unsustainable, with wild dolphins still captured from seas and oceans to restock the declining global captive population.

This issue was raised and debated at the Born Free-hosted event, ‘Look at Animals with a Different View’ held at the Royal Geographical Society on 18th March 2010. Attended by tour operators, travel writers, conservationists, academics and members of the public, the meeting recognised that dolphins are still big business for the tourism industry. The MD of TUI UK & Ireland explained that from the 1.2 million excursions they sell to holidaymakers, 300,000 involve animals, of which 200,000 are dolphin-related . As the sale of excursions brings in additional revenue for travel companies, it is no wonder that there is an obvious reluctance to bring such dolphin exploitation to an end. This conflict between ethics and economics means that whilst huge public demand remains, tour operators are unlikely to stop offering excursions to captive dolphin facilities. The captive dolphin paradox, rightly or wrongly, calls into question the authenticity of truly sustainable and responsible tourism.

Despite the well-documented evidence that dolphins fair poorly in captivity, the science that has recently confirmed dolphins are the most intelligent animal after humans, and the numerous incidents where people interacting with dolphins have been injured or even killed, the ill-informed public desire to interact with these animals remains the ‘roadblock’ to reform. The Born Free Foundation, and other likeminded organisations work tirelessly to inform the public about the adverse affects of captivity on marine mammals. Captive dolphin facilities do not exist in the UK because of public attitudes and high standards that would be required should anyone contemplate re-establishing captive dolphin shows. Yet, on holiday, to swim with a dolphin is identified as one of the ‘most popular things to do before you die’ (BBC research). Perhaps it is because of the fixed ‘smile’ on the face of a bottlenose dolphin, which falsely indicates to the general public that all is well, that encourages people to try on holiday what is not possible at home. NGOs* and the media have so far failed to get their message across. Indications are that people assume it is OK to have direct contact with dolphins, because they are unaware of the facts and no doubt due to the readiness of many companies to provide that experience. Clearly unsustainable, unacceptable, unethical and irresponsible, the Born Free Foundation is prepared to continue to work with the progressive travel industry, governments, and the public with the ultimate aim to end the keeping, display of and interaction with captive dolphins.

Born Free is keen to provide the travel industry with the facts, to help influence and encourage a change in policy and practice. Please read the relevant news articles and academic studies about the captive dolphin industry:

Scientists say dolphins should be treated as ‘non human persons’ http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/science/article6973994.ece

Dolphins suffer in captivity: http://www.goallover.org/?p=5322

Four Dolphins die in Turkish dolphinarium: http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=-2010-02-18

Operators shun dolphinarium: http://www.ttglive.com/c/portal/layout?p_l_id=3208370&CMPI_SHARED_articleId=3911820&CMPI_SHARED_ImageArticleId=3911820&CMPI_SHARED_articleIdRelated=3911820&CMPI_SHARED_ToolsArticleId=3911820&CMPI_SHARED_CommentArticleId=3911820&articleTitle=Operators%20shun%20dolphinarium

Congress schedules hearing on marine mammals in captivity http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/fl-congress-marine-parks-20100408,0,2834308.story

Orca trainer killed at Sea World: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/2010/02/24/2010-02-24_killer_whale_kills_trainer_at_orlandos_sea_world.html