In the general population there is often a certain polarization regarding having cetaceans under human care, such as dolphins and killer whales, in adapted facilities. It is true that in the past, the dolphinariums were supplied with wild fauna that they hunted and functioned as a tourist attraction for the dolphin exhibition. However, and although today we still find some places with these characteristics, these practices have already been abandoned, and the most modern parks are not only more ethical facilities, but also fulfill essential functions that can help conserve wild cetaceans. .
The anachronistic dolphinariums
The first parks and dolphinariums, since the 1960s, were supplied with animals captured in their natural habitat. The practice was traumatic for the dolphins, who suffered in the process of acclimatizing to their new environment. The facilities often left much to be desired and did not adequately meet the needs of the animals.
The capture of dolphins and killer whales massively intensified in the early 1970s, but by the end of the 1970s, the trend began to change. Canada prohibited the capture of cetaceans in 1975 ; Three years later, the SeaWorld company also abandoned this practice, and little by little, drop by drop, country by country, company by company, they began a change in mentality that was spreading, especially in Western countries.
The requirements of facilities and their workers have also changed dramatically. Thanks to technology, optimal infrastructures are available in which animals can live without stress and always under the watchful eye of well-trained and well-trained keepers and veterinarians . Modern western parks thrive on captive breeding programs and maintain populations that are constantly monitored.
The same is not true in Asia. In the words of Ana Jiménez Cáceres, a specialist in cetaceans, “looking at Asian parks today is like looking back in time” . Although Japan has already taken the step towards a zero catch policy and is renovating its facilities, countries like Russia or China continue to capture wild animals and keep them in deplorable conditions, an anachronism devoid of all ethics.
The unfeasible return to the ocean
One of the most used proclamations in certain sectors of society is the one that comes from the movie Free Willy . However, this action entails a basic problem: releasing an animal that has already acclimated to life in captivity supposes a high probability that it will not survive the process .
When we talk about animals that have been born in captivity, like most of those that live in modern Western parks —except for the oldest specimens, captured more than three decades ago—, returning them to the ocean is a practically impossible task.
Just as there are cases of cetaceans captured and kept in captivity that have been successfully re-acclimatized to the wild —especially healthy animals that learned to survive in the ocean by not being captured too young—, there are also disastrous experiences that have ended in disaster for the animals. Among other reasons, because the animals were not able to hunt live food, or because they did not know how to interact with the hostile environment of the wild, they did not know how to migrate or they did not have the ability to socialize with wild animals — they may not “speak the same language ”; cetaceans have dialects in their communications—.
The sad story of the orca Keiko , the protagonist of Free Willy , is a very clear example of a failed attempt to release a captive cetacean. Keiko was captured in 1979, just two years old. When they offered him live fish he did not eat them, he only played with them; He suffered a serious accident playing with the ice, probably due to his ignorance, he was not able to socialize with other orcas, and until the day of his death he continued to need human contact .
In short, the release of these animals is not always an option, most of the time it implies a death sentence. But actually, you don’t need to release them. If kept in proper facilities, these animals can live a long and prosperous life, and even be key to the conservation of wild populations of cetaceans.
The functions of the dolphinariums
In modern parks, animals are not only exhibited and taught to do tricks and displays. In fact, these ‘behaviors’ are not primarily intended to entertain the public, but are part of the enrichment routines they learn from caregivers, to keep their minds active and curious, and their physical state healthy.
Important scientific research work is also carried out in dolphinariums; You learn about the behavior of cetaceans, about their habits, their biology and about the diseases they can suffer from. Dolphinariums provide valuable information for the conservation of wild populations of dolphins and killer whales. A national example is the Loro Parque Foundation, which has its own conservation and research department.
In addition, they have a clear mission in terms of scientific dissemination . People don’t just go to see the show; During its realization, he learns many things about these animals. It is also a way of bringing part of nature closer to society, as urban gardens do with plants. After all, embarking and going out to sea to observe these animals is within the reach of very few. And this helps to develop social awareness about the importance of its conservation in the natural environment.
This article has been reviewed by Ana Jiménez Cáceres, specialist in cetaceans.
References:
Jiménez Cáceres, A. 2019. Living blue: in our hands. Books.com.
Lauderdale, LK et al. 2021. Towards understanding the welfare of cetaceans in accredited zoos and aquariums. PLOS ONE, 16(8), e0255506. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255506
Miller, L.j. et al. 2013. Dolphin Shows and Interaction Programs: Benefits for Conservation Education? Zoo Biology, 32(1), 45-53. DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21016
