Bottled-Up Bottlenoses: The Ugly Truth Behind Our Love of Dolphins
Have you seen Blackfish? Even if you missed the 2013 documentary, you’ve seen its huge impact: a sea change in public opinion around the display of orcas. But what about bottlenose dolphins and their ilk? What about the welfare of those highly intelligent animals?
To fill the gap left by killer whales, a more robust industry built around direct interactions with happy, smiling dolphins has sprung up, as Hudson Lindenberger explains in today’s feature story. In the U.S., around 400 dolphins are currently in captivity — but according to a growing chorus of advocates, it’s time to end the practice.
“There is science out there that tells us about the welfare of cetaceans, and it's not based upon people’s feelings but cold, hard facts,” says Dr. Lori Marino, founder and president of the Whale Sanctuary Project, which works with whales and dolphins. “Those facts tell one message loud and clear: These animals don't belong in captivity performing for people.”
When Lindenberger dove under the surface of this multibillion-dollar industry, he found feuding scientists and passionate advocates, trainers, vets and administrators, all with conflicting perspectives that can blur the lines between heroes and villains. As the editor working on this story, it surprised me at every turn — and I’m certain it’ll take your breath away.
-Alex Lauer, features editor
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