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{{Short description|Aquarium for dolphins}}
{{for|the discotheque that was the site of a suicide bombing|Dolphinarium massacre}}
{{More citations needed|date=October 2022}}
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[[File:Dolphinarium Boudewjinpark 05.JPG|thumb|[[Boudewijn Seapark]] dolphinarium in [[Bruges]], Belgium]]
A '''dolphinarium''' is an [[public aquarium|aquarium]] for [[dolphin]]s. The dolphins are usually kept in a pool, though occasionally they may be kept in pens in the open sea, either for research or public performances. Some dolphinariums (sometimes called dolphinaria in plural<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/latin/stage-1-latin/lessons/lesson-7-third-declension-nouns-and-adjectives/ |title=Lessons |website=The National Archives |access-date=3 November 2023}}</ref>) consist of one pool where dolphins perform for the public, others are part of larger parks, such as [[marine mammal park]]s, [[zoo]]s or [[theme parks]], with other animals and attractions as well.


While [[cetaceans]] have been held in captivity since the 1860s, the first commercial dolphinarium was opened only in 1938. Their popularity increased rapidly until the 1960s. Since the 1970s, increasing concern for [[animal welfare]] led to stricter regulation, which in several countries ultimately resulted in the closure of some dolphinariums. Despite this trend, dolphinariums are still widespread in Europe, Japan and North America. The most common species of dolphin kept in dolphinariums is the [[bottlenose dolphin]], as it is relatively easy to train and has a long lifespan in captivity. While trade in dolphins is internationally regulated, other aspects of keeping dolphins in captivity, such as the minimum size and characteristics of pools, vary among countries.<ref name="UNEP"/> Though animal welfare is perceived to have improved significantly over the last few decades, many animal rights groups still consider keeping dolphins captive to be a form of [[animal abuse]].
[[Image:Dolphinarium Varna.jpg|thumb|250px|right|The Festa Dolphinarium in [[Varna]], [[Bulgaria]]]]
A '''dolphinarium''' is an [[aquarium]] for [[dolphin]]s. The dolphins are usually kept in a large pool, though occasionally they may be kept in pens in the open sea, either for research or for public performances. Some dolphinariums consist of one pool where dolphins perform for the public, others have expanded into much larger parks, keeping other marine animals and having other attractions. These larger parks are often not considered to be dolphinariums themselves, but [[marine mammal park]]s or [[theme parks]] that include a dolphinarium. A dolphinarium can also be part of a [[zoo]].


==History==
==History==
[[File:Dolfijnen.ogv|thumb|[[Dolfinarium Harderwijk|Dolphinarium in Harderwijk]], the Netherlands, Dutch newsreel from 1966]]
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[[Image:Dolphinarium Boudewjinpark.JPG|thumb|250px|right|The exterior of the [[Boudewijn Seapark]] dolphinarium in [[Bruges]], [[Belgium]] ]]
Though [[cetaceans]] have been held in captivity in both [[North America]] and [[Europe]] since the 1860s, the first being a pair of [[Beluga|Beluga Whales]] in the [[New York]] museum, dolphins were first kept for paid entertainment in the [[Marineland of Florida|Marine Studios]] dolphinarium founded in 1938 in [[St. Augustine, Florida|St. Augustine]], [[Florida]]. It was here that it was discovered that dolphins could be trained to perform tricks. Recognizing the success of Marine Studios, more dolphinariums keeping dolphins for entertainment followed.<ref>"Following P.T. Barnum's ill-fated display of white whales in his New York Museum in 1860, it was not until 1913 that cetaceans were again seen in captivity, this time when C. H. Townsend, curator of the New York Aquarium, stumbled upon the idea exhibiting dolphins as an unbeatable novelty to attract the crowds.", "During feeding time at Marine Studios, it is said, dolphins gradually fell into the habit of jumping up to catch the fish that were thrown to them, and this miniature spectacle always amused the public, the keepers and curator. Then a year later in 1939, Cecil M. Walker, then responsible for maintenance of the water purification pumps on the night-shift, observed one evening how a dolphin pushed a pelican feather across the surface of the water towards him. "Just for the hell of it" he took the proffered feather and threw it back into the water, whereupon, to his great surprise, the dolphin brought it back again. The game continued with Walker experimenting with a ball, an inner tube of a bicycle, small stones and other objects. As the game took shape with other dolphins joining in the act, it began to resemble the repertoire seen today in every dolphinarium in the world.", quotes from ''The rose-tinted menagery''.</ref>
Though [[cetaceans]] have been held in captivity in both North America and Europe by 1860—[[Boston Aquarial Gardens]] in 1859 and pairs of [[Beluga (whale)|beluga whales]] in [[Barnum's American Museum]] in [[New York City]] museum—<ref>{{cite web |author= The Whale Sanctuary Project, Back to Nature |url= https://whalesanctuaryproject.org/beluga-business-began/ |title=How the Beluga Business Began &#124; The Whale Sanctuary Project &#124; Back to Nature |publisher=The Whale Sanctuary Project |date=2017-06-06 |access-date=2018-06-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/pt-barnums-bizarre-museum-burned-ground-1865-180955955/ |title=150 Years Ago, a Fire in P.T. Barnum's Museum Boiled Two Whales Alive &#124; Smart News &#124; Smithsonian |publisher=Smithsonianmag.com |date=2015-07-20 |access-date=2018-06-04}}</ref> dolphins were first kept for paid entertainment in the [[Marineland of Florida|Marine Studios]] dolphinarium founded in 1938 in [[St. Augustine, Florida|St. Augustine]], [[Florida]]. It was here that it was discovered that dolphins could be trained to perform tricks. Recognizing the success of Marine Studios, more dolphinariums began keeping dolphins for entertainment. In the 1960s, keeping dolphins in zoos and aquariums for entertainment purposes increased in popularity after the 1963 [[Flipper (1963 film)|''Flipper'' movie]] and subsequent [[Flipper (1964 TV series)|''Flipper'' television series]]. In 1966, the first dolphin was exported to [[Europe]]. In these early days, dolphinariums could grow quickly due to a lack of legislation and lack of organised [[animal welfare]].{{Citation needed|date=October 2022}}

In the 1960's, keeping dolphins in captivity for entertainment purposes became increased in popularity after the [[1963]] [[Flipper (1963 film)|Flipper movie]] and subsequent [[Flipper (1964 TV series)|Flipper television series]]. In 1966 , the first dolphin was exported to [[Europe]]. In these early days, dolphinariums could grow quickly due to a lack of legislation and lack of concern for [[animal welfare]]. New legislation, most notably the [[1972]] [[Marine Mammal Protection Act]] in the [[United States]], combined with a more critical view on animal welfare forced many dolphinariums around the world to close. As an example, during the early 1970's there were at least 36 dolphinariums and travelling dolphin shows in the [[United Kingdom]], none of which still exist today, the last dolphinarium in the UK having closed its doors in [[1993]].<ref>"In the golden heyday of the industry, there were at least 36 assorted dolphinaria or itinerant dolphin shows in the UK.", quote from ''The rose-tinted menagery''</ref>
New legislation, most notably the 1972 [[Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972|Marine Mammal Protection Act]] in the [[United States]], combined with a more critical view on animal welfare, forced many dolphinariums around the world to close. A prominent example is the [[United Kingdom]]; in the early 1970s there were at least 36 dolphinariums and traveling dolphin shows, however, the last dolphinarium closed its doors in 1993.<ref>"In the golden heyday of the industry, there were at least 36 assorted dolphinaria or itinerant dolphin shows in the UK.", quote from ''The rose-tinted menagerie''</ref> The last dolphinarium in [[Hungary]] was closed in 1992. In 2005 both [[Chile]] and [[Costa Rica]] prohibited keeping cetaceans captive.<ref name="UNEP">{{cite web|title=UNEP:Guidelines and criteria associated with marine mammal captivity|year=2006|url=http://www.cep.unep.org/meetings-events/4th-spaw-stac-1/ig25-inf8en.pdf/view|access-date=22 November 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308043541/http://www.cep.unep.org/meetings-events/4th-spaw-stac-1/ig25-inf8en.pdf/view|archive-date=8 March 2017}}</ref> However, around 60 dolphinariums currently exist across Europe, of which 34 are within the [[European Union|EU]].<ref>[http://www.oceancare.org/en/press/2009/07/dolphinaria.php Oceancare:Dolphinariums in Europe] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100613102825/http://oceancare.org/en/press/2009/07/dolphinaria.php |date=2010-06-13 }}, retrieved November 16, 2009</ref> [[List of dolphinariums#Japan|Japan]], [[List of dolphinariums#Mexico|Mexico]] and the [[List of dolphinariums#United States|United States]] are also home to a relatively large number of dolphinariums.{{Citation needed|date=October 2022}}


==Design==
==Design==
[[File:Särkänniemi dolphinarium.jpg|thumb|Särkänniemi Dolphinarium at [[Särkänniemi]] amusement park in [[Tampere]], Finland, was formerly the most northern dolphinarium in the world. It operated from 1985 to 2016.]]
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[[Image:Brookfield zoo fg10.jpg|thumb|250px|right|The [[Brookfield Zoo]] dolphinarium in [[Chicago]] ]]
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The water in the pools has to be constantly filtered to keep it clean for the dolphins and the temperature and composition of the water has to be controlled to match the conditions dolphins experience in the wild. In the absence of a common international regulation, guidelines regarding the minimum size of the pools vary between countries.<ref name="UNEP"/> To give an indication of pool sizes, the ''European Association for Aquatic Mammals'' recommends that a pool for five dolphins should have a [[surface area]] of {{convert|275|m2|ft2|abbr=on}} plus an additional {{convert|75|m2|ft2|abbr=on}} for every additional animal, have a depth of {{convert|3.5|m|ft|abbr=on}} and have a water volume of at least {{convert|1000|m3|ft3|abbr=on}} with an additional {{convert|200|m3|ft3|abbr=on}} for every additional animal. If two of these three conditions are met, and the third is not more than 10% below standard, the EAAM considers the pool size to be acceptable.<ref>[https://www.marineconnection.org/docs/EAAM%20Regulations.doc Recommended EAAM dolphin housing standards] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070822104002/https://www.marineconnection.org/docs/EAAM%20Regulations.doc |date=August 22, 2007 }}, retrieved 22 November 2009</ref>
A common dolphinarium design for public performances consists of stands for the public around a semi-circular pool, sometimes with glass walls which allow underwater viewing, and a platform in the middle from which the trainers direct and present the show.


<gallery>
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The water in the pools has to be constantly filtered to keep it clean for the spectators and the dolphins, and the temperature and composition of the water has to be controlled to match the conditions dolphins experience in the wild. To give an indication of pool sizes, the ''European Association for Aquatic Mammals'' recommends that a pool for five dolphins should have a [[surface area]] of 275&nbsp;m² (2960&nbsp;ft²) plus an additional 75&nbsp;m² (810&nbsp;ft²) for every additional animal, have a depth of 3.5&nbsp;m (11.5&nbsp;ft) for at least the minimum surface area and have a water volume of at least 1000&nbsp;m³ (35300&nbsp;ft³) with an additional 200&nbsp;m³ (7060&nbsp;ft³) for every additional animal. If two of these three conditions are met and the third is not more than 10% below standard, the EAAM considers the pool size to be acceptable.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eaam.org/housing_standards/|title=Recommended EAAM dolphin housing standards}}</ref>
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File:Brookfield zoo fg10.jpg|alt=Two dolphins jumping high in the air in an indoor pool before an audience|The [[Brookfield Zoo]] dolphinarium in [[Chicago]]
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File:Shamu Stadium.jpg|alt=Three orcas jumping at a trainer's command in an artificial pool, while being shown on a big screen television|[[Killer whales]] performing in ''[[Shamu (SeaWorld show)|Shamu]] stadium'' at [[SeaWorld Orlando|SeaWorld]] in [[Orlando, Florida|Orlando]], [[Florida]]
File:Dolphinarium Varna.jpg|alt=A dolphin interacts with two trainers on a stage at indoor pool; the audience stands are empty. Large windows allow light in.|The Festa Dolphinarium in [[Varna, Bulgaria]]
File:One of the last captivated Dolphins of Canada.jpg| Dolphin show in Marineland, Niagara
</gallery>


==Species==
==Animals==
===Species===
Various species of dolphins are kept in captivity and also several other small whale species such as [[Harbour Porpoise]]s and [[beluga whale|Belugas]], though in those cases the word dolphinarium may not be fitting as these are not true dolphins. [[Bottlenose Dolphin]]s are the most common species of dolphin kept in dolphinariums: they are relatively easy to train, have a long lifespan in captivity and a friendly appearance. Hundreds if not thousands of Bottlenose Dolphins live in captivity across the world, though exact numbers are hard to give. [[Orca]]s are well known for their performances in shows, but the number of Orcas kept in captivity is very small especially when compared to the number of bottlenose dolphins, with only 48 captive Orcas being known as of [[2007]].<ref>[http://www.orcahome.de/orcastat.htm Orcas in Captivity - A look at killer whales in aquariums and parks] (when viewed 17th of June 2007)</ref> Of all Orcas kept in captivity, the majority are located in one of the [[SeaWorld]] parks in the United States. Some other species kept in captivity are [[Atlantic Spotted Dolphin|Spotted Dolphins]], [[False Killer Whale]]s and [[Common Dolphin]]s, but all in much lower numbers than the Bottlenose Dolphin. Two unusual and very rare [[hybrid]] dolphins known as [[Wolphins]] are kept at the Sea Life Park in [[Hawaii]], which are a cross between a Bottlenose Dolphin and a False Killer Whale.
Various species of dolphins are kept in captivity as well as several other small whale species such as [[harbour porpoise]]s, [[finless porpoise]]s and [[beluga whale|belugas]], though in those cases the word dolphinarium may not be fitting as these are not true dolphins. [[Bottlenose dolphin]]s are the most common species of dolphins kept in dolphinariums as they are relatively easy to train, have a long lifespan in captivity and a friendly appearance. Hundreds if not thousands of bottlenose dolphins live in captivity across the world, though exact numbers are hard to determine. [[Orca]]s are well known for their performances in shows, but the number of orcas kept in captivity is very small, especially when compared to the number of bottlenose dolphins, with only 44 [[captive orcas]] being held in aquaria as of 2012.<ref>[http://www.orcahome.de/orcastat.htm Orcas in Captivity - A look at killer whales in aquariums and parks] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070602050516/http://www.orcahome.de/orcastat.htm |date=2007-06-02 }} (when viewed November 23, 2009)</ref>

The majority of orcas are located in the various [[SeaWorld San Diego|SeaWorld]] parks in the United States. Other species kept in captivity are [[Atlantic spotted dolphin|spotted dolphins]], [[gray whale]]s, [[false killer whale]]s, [[pilot whale]]s and [[common dolphin]]s, [[Commerson's dolphin]]s, as well as [[rough-toothed dolphin]]s, but all in much lower numbers than the bottlenose dolphin. There are fewer than ten [[Amazon river dolphin]]s, [[Risso's dolphin]]s, or [[tucuxi]] in captivity. Two unusual and very rare [[Hybrid (biology)|hybrid]] dolphins ([[wolphins]], a cross between the bottlenose dolphin and the false killer whale) are kept at the Sea Life Park in [[Hawaii]]. Also two common/bottlenose hybrids reside in captivity: one at [[Discovery Cove]] and the other SeaWorld San Diego.{{Citation needed|date=October 2022}}


===Trade and capture===
===Trade and capture===
[[Image:Dolsling.jpg|thumb|260px|left|Dolphin being loaded on to a truck after having been captured in a drive hunt in Futo, Japan.]]
[[Image:Dolsling.jpg|alt=A dolphin in a sling being lowered by staff into one of two dolphin tubs on back of a truck|thumb|Dolphin being loaded onto a truck after having been captured in a drive hunt in Futo, Japan]]
In the early days, <s>most</s>many <s>B</s>bottlenose <s>D</s>dolphins were wild caught off the coast of Florida where they are common<s>,</s>. <s>but the 1972</s>The U.S. [http://www.fws.gov/laws/lawsdigest/marmam.html Marine Mammal Protection Act], established in 1972, allows an exception for the collection of dolphins for public display, research, and enhancement. However, bottlenose dolphins have not been collected in U.S. waters since 1989. <s>put an end to this.</s> In most Western countries, <s>few new dolphins are caught wild and</s> breeding programmes have been set up to provide the dolphinariums with new animals. To achieve a sufficient birth rate and to prevent inbreeding, [[artificial insemination]] (AI) is occasionally used. The use of AI also allows dolphinariums to increase the [[genetic diversity]] of their population without having to bring in any dolphins from other facilities. <s>locations, which is a complex operation and very stressful for the animal.
In the early days, many bottlenose dolphins were wild-caught off the coast of Florida. Though the Marine Mammal Protection Act, established in 1972, allows an exception for the collection of dolphins for public display and research purposes when a permit is obtained, bottlenose dolphins have not been captured in American waters since 1989. In most Western countries, breeding programs have been set up to provide the dolphinariums with new animals. To achieve a sufficient birth rate and to prevent inbreeding, [[artificial insemination]] (AI) is occasionally used. The use of AI also allows dolphinariums to increase the [[genetic diversity]] of their population without having to bring in any dolphins from other facilities.{{Citation needed|date=October 2022}}
</s>
The collection of dolphins remains legal in a number of countries. <s>Live dolphins are still traded however.</s> The cost of a<s>A live</s> <s>B</s>bottlenose <s>D</s>dolphin is estimated to <s>cost</s>be between a few thousand and several tens of thousands of [[US dollar]]s, depending on age, condition and prior training. The trade of dolphins is regulated by [[CITES]]. [[Cuba]] <s>is</s> has also been an exporter of dolphins in recent years, this being organised by the ''Acuario Nacional de Cuba''.<ref>"But it is in Fidel Castro's revolutionary Cuba that dolphin catching in South America has been given a new lease of life, under the auspices of the quasi state-run enterprise Acuario Nacional.", quote from ''The rose-tinted menagery''</ref> In recent years, the [[Solomon Islands]] have also allowed the <s>capture</s>collection and export of <s>wild</s> dolphins for <s>the entertainment industry</s>public display facilities.<ref>HONIARA, Solomon Islands (Reuters) - A cargo plane arrived in the lawless Solomon Islands Monday to pick up wild dolphins captured to order for a Mexican syndicate in what activists have blasted as an environmental crime, regional media reported. [http://lists.envirolink.org/pipermail/ar-news/Week-of-Mon-20030721/003874.html]</ref>. <s>A 2005 law banned the export of dolphins,<ref>[http://www.earthisland.org/saveTaijiDolphins/assets/SolomonLaw.PDF Solomon Islands law banning the export of dolphins]</ref> however this ban may be overturned soon for a shipment of some 20 dolphins possibly destined for [[Dubai]].<ref>[http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21861724-663,00.html Dolphin ban in doubt], AAP / Herald Sun, article retrieved August 17, 2007.</ref></s> Some, mainly [[Japan]]ese, dolphinariums obtain their dolphins from local [[dolphin drive hunting|drive hunts]], though several other countries in Asia also import dolphins from Japan. <s>Several American dolphinariums</s> U.S. facilities have also done so in the past, but have not imported from Japan for a decade and a half. <s>however not since 1993 when the US [[National Marine Fisheries Service]] refused a permit for [[Six Flags Discovery Kingdom|Marine World Africa USA]] to import four False Killer Whales caught in a Japanese drive hunt.</s>Members of the [http://www.ammpa.org Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums], a U.S.-based organization whose members include almost all dolphin facilities in the U.S. as well as facilities around the world, oppose the acquisition of animals from the Japanese driver fisheries.


The trade of dolphins is regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (also known as the Washington Convention or [[CITES]]). Endangered dolphin species are included in CITES' Appendix I, in which case trade is permitted only in exceptional circumstances. Species considered not to be threatened with extinction are included in Appendix II, in which case trade "must be controlled in order to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival". Most cetacean species traded for display in captivity to the public or for use in [[swimming with dolphins]] and other interaction programs are listed on Appendix II.<ref name="UNEP"/>
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==Criticism==
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[[Image:Shamu Stadium.jpg|thumb|250px|right|[[Orca]]s performing in ''[[Shamu]] stadium'' at [[SeaWorld]] in [[Orlando, Florida|Orlando]], [[Florida]] ]]
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Though animal welfare has improved significantly over the last few decades, many animal rights and welfare groups such as the [[World Society for the Protection of Animals|WSPA]] still consider keeping dolphins at dolphinariums a form of [[animal abuse]]. They allege that <s>main arguments are that</s> dolphins do not have enough freedom of movement in pools regardless of pool size and do not get enough stimulation<s>.</s> <s>Dolphins often show repetitive behavior in captivity</s> and that the animals sometimes become aggressive towards other animals or people<s>,</s>. <s>having resulted in a number of fatalities amongst animals and also people, with at least o</s>One trainer <s>having</s>has been killed. <s>In some cases, the behaviour of dolphins in captivity also results in their own death.<ref>[http://www.geocities.com/theorcaocean/OrcaAgression.html Dolphin aggression in captivity], listing a large number of incidents in dolphinariums that resulted in injury to either dolphins or trainers, including self-inflicted trauma. There is mention of one fatal incident involving a trainer. </ref></s>


However, the dolphin trade still continues. A live bottlenose dolphin is estimated to be worth between a few thousand to several tens of thousands of [[US dollar]]s, depending on age, condition and prior training. Captures are reported to be on the rise in the [[Oceania|South Pacific]] and the [[Caribbean]],<ref>[http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/captive_marine/facts/held_captive_developing_nations.html The Humane Society: Held Captive: Developing Nations, (2009)], retrieved 22 November 2009</ref> [[Cuba]] has also been an exporter of dolphins in recent years, this being organized by the ''Acuario Nacional de Cuba''.<ref>"But it is in Fidel Castro's revolutionary Cuba that dolphin catching in South America has been given a new lease of life, under the auspices of the quasi state-run enterprise Acuario Nacional.", quote from ''The rose-tinted menagerie''</ref> In recent years, the [[Solomon Islands]] have also allowed the collection and export of dolphins for public display facilities.<ref>HONIARA, Solomon Islands (Reuters) - A cargo plane arrived in the lawless Solomon Islands Monday to pick up wild dolphins captured to order for a Mexican syndicate in what activists have blasted as an environmental crime, regional media reported. [http://lists.envirolink.org/pipermail/ar-news/Week-of-Mon-20030721/003874.html Developments on dolphin capture] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060511122316/http://lists.envirolink.org/pipermail/ar-news/Week-of-Mon-20030721/003874.html |date=2006-05-11 }}</ref> A 2005 law banned the export of dolphins,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.keiko.com/pdf/SolomonLaw_1.PDF |title=Solomon Islands law banning the export of dolphins |publisher=Keiko.com |date=2018-02-21 |access-date=2018-06-04 |archive-date=2012-02-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218085857/http://www.keiko.com/pdf/SolomonLaw_1.PDF |url-status=dead }}</ref> however, this ban was seemingly overturned in 2007 when some 28 dolphins were shipped to [[Dubai]].<ref>The Associated Press / International Herald Tribune [http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/10/18/asia/AS-GEN-Solomon-Islands-Dolphin-Exports.php Solomon Islands dolphins exported to Dubai; protests mount], article retrieved October 25, 2007.</ref>
The lifespan of dolphins in captivity is another subject of debate and research has shown that Orcas indeed have a much lower survival rate in captivity, however, for Bottlenose dolphins no significant difference between survival rates can be found.<ref>[http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/jaap/Survival/Surv_2.htm Survival rate study of marine mammals in captivity]</ref>


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==Criticism and legal bans==
The public display community hotly disputes these claims. Research shows that animals in public display facilities live as long or longer than those in the wild. <ref>DeMaster, D.P. and J.K. Drevenak. 1988. Survivorship pattern in three species of captive cetaceans. Marine Mammal Science, 4(4): 297-311</ref> Recent research shows that dolphins in [http://ammpa.org/ourmembers.html Alliance member facilities] live longer than those in the wild. <ref>Willis, K. 2007. "Life Expectancy of Bottlenose Dolphins in Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums' North American Member Facilities: 1990 - Present." Presented at the 2007 meeting of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums.</ref>
{{World dolphinarium bans}}


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===Animal welfare===
In response to criticism, dolphinariums <s>often</s> stress that every effort is being made to ensure the well being of the animals<s>.</s> and that they are using state-of-the-art medical technology, some adapted from that used for humans. <ref>"The biologists of Xcaret Park and veterinarians meet all the needs of these amazing dolphins. They monitor their health, weight, food, and in some facilities they conduct research on their behavior to present their findings at international conferences.
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Many animal welfare groups such as the [[World Animal Protection]] consider keeping dolphins in captivity to be a form of [[animal abuse]]. The main arguments are that dolphins do not have enough freedom of movement in pools, regardless of pool size, (in the wild, dolphins swim hundreds of miles every day) and do not get enough stimulation. Dolphins often show repetitive behavior in captivity and sometimes become aggressive towards other animals or people. In some cases, the behavior of dolphins in captivity also results in their own death.<ref>[http://www.worldanimalprotection.us.org/our-work/animals-wild/marine-animals-captivity Marine animals in captivity], [[World Animal Protection]]. Retrieved 18 June 2014.</ref>


The lifespan of dolphins in captivity is another subject of debate. Research has shown that there is no significant difference between wild and captive survival rates for bottlenose dolphins.<ref>Willis, K. 2007. "Life Expectancy of Bottlenose Dolphins in Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums' North American Member Facilities: 1990 - present". Presented at the 2007 meeting of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums.</ref> This does not, however, reflect a global state of affairs: for example, bottlenose dolphins in captive facilities in [[Jamaica]] suffer from extremely high mortality rates.<ref>Environmental Management Consultants Ltd. (2007), [http://www.marineconnection.org/docs/JET%20EIA%20assessment.pdf Review of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) For the Proposed Dolphin Park in Paradise, Hanover] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091123055920/http://www.marineconnection.org/docs/JET%20EIA%20assessment.pdf |date=2009-11-23}}, page 3, section Mortalities. Article retrieved November 20, 2009.</ref>
Here, dolphins are treated with care and respect; their well being is always the main priority. In fact, biologists claim that the life expectancy of a dolphin, which is about 40 years, increases when they are placed in captivity or semi-captivity (in extensive areas of their natural habitat). As proof of this, dolphins have actually been born in one of these aquariums.", quote from: [http://www.xcaret.com/park-attractions/dolphin-trainer.php]</ref> <s>Many d</s>Dolphinariums are also involved in research projects that benefit dolphins in their collections as well as those in the wild. They also rescue, rehabilitiate and release<s>, help out in case of [[Beached whale|beachings]], provide aid to</s> sick, orphaned, or injured marine mammals. In addition they have <s>wild animals and have</s> educational programmes that teach guests about the animals' biology, history and physiology that inspire people to care about the need to conserve the animals and their ocean homes. Like many other species, dolphins participate in<s>. Captive dolphins are an increasingly popular choice of</s> [[animal-assisted therapy]] at a few dolphinariums. In most cases, interactive programs are adapted for people with <s>for psychological problems and</s> developmental disabilities. One facility has made claims in <s>For example, a</s> a 2005 study with 30 participants <s>found</s>that it was an effective treatment for mild to moderate [[clinical depression|depression]].<ref>Christian Antonioli and Michael A. Reveley, (2005), [http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/bmj;331/7527/1231 Randomised controlled trial of animal facilitated therapy with dolphins in the treatment of depression].</ref> However, this study was criticized on several grounds; for example, it is not known whether dolphins are more effective than common pets.<ref>{{cite journal |journal= BMJ |volume=331 |issue= 7529 |pages=1407 |date=2005 |author= Biju Basil, Maju Mathews |title= Methodological concerns about animal facilitated therapy with dolphins |url= http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/331/7529/1407 |doi= 10.1136/bmj.331.7529.1407 |pmid= 16339258}}</ref> [[Review]]s of this and other published dolphin-assisted therapy (DAT) studies have found important methodological flaws and have concluded that there is no compelling scientific evidence that DAT is a legitimate therapy or that it affords any more than fleeting improvements in mood.<ref>{{cite journal |journal=Anthrozoos |volume= 20 |issue= 3 |pages= 239–49 |date= 2007 |doi= 10.2752/089279307X224782 |author= Lori Marino, Scott O. Lilienfeld |title= Dolphin-Assisted Therapy: more flawed data and more flawed conclusions}}</ref>

Some scientists suggest that the "unusually high" intelligence of dolphins<ref name="io9"/> means that they should be recognized as "non-human persons".<ref>{{cite news|title=Dolphins deserve same rights as humans, say scientists|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-17116882|access-date=18 February 2016|work=BBC News|date=21 February 2012}}</ref> In 2013, the [[Ministry of Environment and Forests (India)|Indian Ministry of Environment and Forests]] prohibited the captivity of dolphins on these grounds, finding it "morally unacceptable to keep them captive for entertainment purpose".<ref name="io9">{{cite news|title=No, India did not just grant dolphins the status of humans|url=http://io9.gizmodo.com/no-india-did-not-just-grant-dolphins-the-status-of-hum-1149482273|access-date=18 February 2016|work=io9|date=15 August 2013}}</ref>

===Legal bans or restrictions relating to keeping cetaceans in captivity===
According to animal rights organizations that monitor the subject, the following jurisdictions have full or partial bans on keeping dolphins in captivity: Bolivia, Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, India, Slovenia, Switzerland, Turkey,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkish-parliament-approves-animal-rights-bill/2298867 |title=Turkish parliament approves animal rights bill |agency=Anadolu Agency |date=9 July 2021 |access-date=11 August 2021}}</ref> and the American states California, New York, and South Carolina.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sierraclub.ca/en/sea-change--the-wave-of-support-for-ending-dolphin-captivity |publisher=Sierra Club Canada |title=Sea Change: The Wave of Support for Ending Dolphin Captivity |author=Megan Sutton |date=2019-06-07 |access-date=2020-06-25 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://weanimalsmedia.org/2019/11/19/the-current-state-of-cetacean-captivity/ |publisher=We Animals Media |title=The Current State of Cetacean Captivity |date=2019-11-19 |access-date=2020-06-25}}</ref> Other countries have laws so restrictive that is virtually impossible to keep cetaceans in captivity: Brazil, Luxembourg, Nicaragua, Norway, and the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.spacanada.org/2019/06/11/july-24-2019-press-release-24-juillet-2019-communique-de-presse-3-2-2-2-3-2/ |publisher=Society for the Protection of Animals Canada |title=Major victory for dolphins, whales and porpoises in Canada! |date=2019-06-10 |access-date=2020-06-25 |archive-date=2020-11-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126145353/http://spacanada.org/2019/06/11/july-24-2019-press-release-24-juillet-2019-communique-de-presse-3-2-2-2-3-2/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> France tried to ban keeping or breeding cetaceans in captivity in 2017,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-39834098 |title=France bans captive breeding of dolphins and killer whales |date=2017-05-07 |access-date=2020-06-25 |website=BBC News }}</ref> but the ban was overturned on technical grounds by the [[Conseil d'État (France)|Conseil d'État]] in 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rfi.fr/en/20180130-frence-dolphins |website=RFI |title=France scraps ban on breeding dolphins in captivity |date=2018-01-30 |access-date=2020-06-25 }}</ref> On 29 September 2020, Environment Minister [[Barbara Pompili]] announced that France's three remaining dolphinariums would be closed within the next 7 to 10 years, and no new dolphinariums could be opened, and no new marine mammals could be bred or imported.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-france-animals-circus/france-to-ban-use-of-wild-animals-in-circuses-idUSKBN26K24V |title=France to ban use of wild animals in circuses |work=Reuters |date=29 September 2020 |access-date=5 October 2020}}</ref>

* Belgium: On 31 August 2020, the [[Brussels|Brussels Capital Region]] (which has no dolphinaria) announced it was working on a ban on any future creation of dolphinariums to safeguard the welfare of any marine mammals that might end up being kept within its territory.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.brusselstimes.com/brussels/129212/brussels-moves-to-ban-dolphin-keeping-in-the-region/ |title=Brussels moves to ban dolphin keeping in the region |author=Jules Johnston |work=The Brussels Times |date=31 August 2020 |access-date=5 October 2020}}</ref> In November 2024, following earlier bans in Brussels and Wallonia, the [[Flanders]] region (home to the country's last remaining dolphinarium: [[Boudewijn Seapark]] in [[Bruges]]) followed suit, meaning that a country-wide prohibition on dolphinariums was to be implemented by 2037 at the latest, but possibly sooner. Reportedly, this made Belgium the 7th country in the world, alongside "India, Costa Rica, Chile, Croatia, Slovenia, and Cyprus, which have already implemented strict bans on the captivity of dolphins."<ref>{{cite web |last=Drew |first=James |title=Dolphinariums to be banned across Belgium |website=EU Reporter |date=19 November 2024 |url=https://www.eureporter.co/environment/animal-welfare/2024/11/19/dolphinariums-to-be-banned-across-belgium/ |access-date=3 December 2024}}</ref>
* Canada: In June 2019, the ''[[Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act]]'' became law in Canada.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nationalmagazine.ca/en-ca/articles/law/hot-topics-in-law/2019/an-end-to-the-captivity-of-whales-and-dolphins |author=Holly Lake |date=2019-06-12 |access-date=2020-06-23 |title=An end to the captivity of whales and dolphins |publisher=The Canadian Bar Association |work=National Magazine }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/PDF/2019_11.pdf |publisher=Government of Canada |title=Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act |year=2019 |access-date=2020-06-23 }}</ref> Two facilities would be affected, [[Marineland of Canada]] and the [[Vancouver Aquarium]]. When passed in June 2019, Marineland was reported to have 61 cetaceans, while the Vancouver Aquarium had just one dolphin remaining. The law has a [[grandfather clause]], permitting those cetaceans already in captivity to remain where they are, but breeding and further acquisition of cetaceans is prohibited, subject to limited exceptions.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/whales-1.5169138 |author=Laura Howells |website=CBC News |date=2019-06-10 |access-date=2020-06-23 |title='A more humane country': Canada to ban keeping whales, dolphins in captivity }}</ref>
* France: Since September 2020, a phaseout of dolphinariums has been in progress in France (to be completed by 2027/30).<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-france-animals-circus/france-to-ban-use-of-wild-animals-in-circuses-idUSKBN26K24V |title=France to ban use of wild animals in circuses |author= |work=Reuters |date=29 September 2020 |accessdate=5 October 2020}}</ref>
* Mexico: The Chamber of Deputies amended the General Wildlife Law in October 2022 to prohibit the use of marine mammals in commercial shows or for subsistence. Animals currently kept in captivity could be kept for the rest of their lives, but using them in shows was no longer permitted.<ref>{{cite news |last=Siena |first=Nina |title=Mexican Parliament Approves Ban On Use Of Marine Mammals In Shows |work=Latin Times |date=4 November 2022 |url=https://www.latintimes.com/mexican-parliament-approves-ban-use-marine-mammals-shows-531976 |access-date=3 December 2024}}</ref> The Mexican Senate confirmed the ban in 2023, but as of February 2024, several theme parks and aquariums were refusing to comply, using legal means to delay the law's implementation, and seeking to overturn the ban.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dolphin Shows Continue to Operate Across Mexico Despite Ban |work=Yucatán Magazine |date=14 February 2024 |url=https://yucatanmagazine.com/dolphin-shows-continue-to-operate-across-mexico-despite-ban/ |access-date=3 December 2024}}</ref>
* Switzerland: Dolphinariums are not technically prohibited, but there have been no dolphinariums in Switzerland since 2013, and it is practically impossible to set up and run a new one. The Animal Protection Act was amended in May 2012, stipulating: "It is forbidden to import dolphins and other cetaceans (Cetacea)."<ref>{{cite web |title=Animal Welfare Act |website=Fedlex |url=https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/2008/414/en |access-date=3 December 2024}}</ref> Therefore, the last facility that still kept cetaceans in Switzerland decided to close its dolphinarium by the end of 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://connyland.ch/index.php/de/delphine-de-de-8/importverbot-de-de-8 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020154416/http://connyland.ch/index.php/de/delphine-de-de-8/importverbot-de-de-8 |title="ab 2013 ... in der Schweiz wird es keine Delphine mehr geben!" ["from 2013 ... there will be no more dolphins in Switzerland!"] |work=Conny-Land |archive-date=2013-10-20 |language=de}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
*[[List of dolphinariums]]
* [[List of dolphinariums]]
*[[Marine mammal park]]
* [[Marine mammal park]]
* [[:Category:Films about dolphins]]


==References==
==Notes==
{{Reflist}}
<div class="references-small">

*[http://www.iridescent-publishing.com/rtmcont.htm Iridescent-publishing.com] - The rose-tinted menagery, a history of keeping animals for entertainment, chapters four to six.
==Further reading==
<references />
* {{cite book|last=Johnson|first=William|title=The Rose-tinted Menagerie|publisher=Heretic Books|date=April 1994|isbn=978-0-946097-28-9|url=https://archive.org/details/rosetintedmenage0000john|url-access=registration}}
</div>


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.wspa-usa.org/pages/1348_the_case_against_marine_mammals_in_captivity.cfm The Case Against Marine Mammals in Captivity - A Report by WSPA and HSUS]
* [http://www.ammpa.org/ Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums]
*[http://www.ammpa.org/ Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums]
*[http://www.dolphinhumantherapy.com/ Dolphin Human Therapy Inc.] - website of a DHT company detailing the method
*[http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/sfl-marinestorygallery,0,2119297.storygallery?coll=sfla-home-dots-utility Marine Attractions - Below the surface] - several articles by the Sun Sentinel on marine mammals in captivity, mainly in the United States. Includes photos and videos.
*[http://tursiops.org/modules.php?name=News&new_topic=7 Tursiops.org] - news on dolphins and other whales in captivity.


{{Zoos}}
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[[Category:Aquaria]]
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[[Category:Animal welfare]]
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[[Category:Cetaceans]]


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[[Category:Animal welfare]]
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[[he:דולפינריום]]
[[Category:Articles containing video clips]]
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Latest revision as of 05:02, 17 December 2024

Boudewijn Seapark dolphinarium in Bruges, Belgium

A dolphinarium is an aquarium for dolphins. The dolphins are usually kept in a pool, though occasionally they may be kept in pens in the open sea, either for research or public performances. Some dolphinariums (sometimes called dolphinaria in plural[1]) consist of one pool where dolphins perform for the public, others are part of larger parks, such as marine mammal parks, zoos or theme parks, with other animals and attractions as well.

While cetaceans have been held in captivity since the 1860s, the first commercial dolphinarium was opened only in 1938. Their popularity increased rapidly until the 1960s. Since the 1970s, increasing concern for animal welfare led to stricter regulation, which in several countries ultimately resulted in the closure of some dolphinariums. Despite this trend, dolphinariums are still widespread in Europe, Japan and North America. The most common species of dolphin kept in dolphinariums is the bottlenose dolphin, as it is relatively easy to train and has a long lifespan in captivity. While trade in dolphins is internationally regulated, other aspects of keeping dolphins in captivity, such as the minimum size and characteristics of pools, vary among countries.[2] Though animal welfare is perceived to have improved significantly over the last few decades, many animal rights groups still consider keeping dolphins captive to be a form of animal abuse.

History

[edit]
Dolphinarium in Harderwijk, the Netherlands, Dutch newsreel from 1966

Though cetaceans have been held in captivity in both North America and Europe by 1860—Boston Aquarial Gardens in 1859 and pairs of beluga whales in Barnum's American Museum in New York City museum—[3][4] dolphins were first kept for paid entertainment in the Marine Studios dolphinarium founded in 1938 in St. Augustine, Florida. It was here that it was discovered that dolphins could be trained to perform tricks. Recognizing the success of Marine Studios, more dolphinariums began keeping dolphins for entertainment. In the 1960s, keeping dolphins in zoos and aquariums for entertainment purposes increased in popularity after the 1963 Flipper movie and subsequent Flipper television series. In 1966, the first dolphin was exported to Europe. In these early days, dolphinariums could grow quickly due to a lack of legislation and lack of organised animal welfare.[citation needed]

New legislation, most notably the 1972 Marine Mammal Protection Act in the United States, combined with a more critical view on animal welfare, forced many dolphinariums around the world to close. A prominent example is the United Kingdom; in the early 1970s there were at least 36 dolphinariums and traveling dolphin shows, however, the last dolphinarium closed its doors in 1993.[5] The last dolphinarium in Hungary was closed in 1992. In 2005 both Chile and Costa Rica prohibited keeping cetaceans captive.[2] However, around 60 dolphinariums currently exist across Europe, of which 34 are within the EU.[6] Japan, Mexico and the United States are also home to a relatively large number of dolphinariums.[citation needed]

Design

[edit]
Särkänniemi Dolphinarium at Särkänniemi amusement park in Tampere, Finland, was formerly the most northern dolphinarium in the world. It operated from 1985 to 2016.

The water in the pools has to be constantly filtered to keep it clean for the dolphins and the temperature and composition of the water has to be controlled to match the conditions dolphins experience in the wild. In the absence of a common international regulation, guidelines regarding the minimum size of the pools vary between countries.[2] To give an indication of pool sizes, the European Association for Aquatic Mammals recommends that a pool for five dolphins should have a surface area of 275 m2 (2,960 sq ft) plus an additional 75 m2 (810 sq ft) for every additional animal, have a depth of 3.5 m (11 ft) and have a water volume of at least 1,000 m3 (35,000 cu ft) with an additional 200 m3 (7,100 cu ft) for every additional animal. If two of these three conditions are met, and the third is not more than 10% below standard, the EAAM considers the pool size to be acceptable.[7]

Animals

[edit]

Species

[edit]

Various species of dolphins are kept in captivity as well as several other small whale species such as harbour porpoises, finless porpoises and belugas, though in those cases the word dolphinarium may not be fitting as these are not true dolphins. Bottlenose dolphins are the most common species of dolphins kept in dolphinariums as they are relatively easy to train, have a long lifespan in captivity and a friendly appearance. Hundreds if not thousands of bottlenose dolphins live in captivity across the world, though exact numbers are hard to determine. Orcas are well known for their performances in shows, but the number of orcas kept in captivity is very small, especially when compared to the number of bottlenose dolphins, with only 44 captive orcas being held in aquaria as of 2012.[8]

The majority of orcas are located in the various SeaWorld parks in the United States. Other species kept in captivity are spotted dolphins, gray whales, false killer whales, pilot whales and common dolphins, Commerson's dolphins, as well as rough-toothed dolphins, but all in much lower numbers than the bottlenose dolphin. There are fewer than ten Amazon river dolphins, Risso's dolphins, or tucuxi in captivity. Two unusual and very rare hybrid dolphins (wolphins, a cross between the bottlenose dolphin and the false killer whale) are kept at the Sea Life Park in Hawaii. Also two common/bottlenose hybrids reside in captivity: one at Discovery Cove and the other SeaWorld San Diego.[citation needed]

Trade and capture

[edit]
A dolphin in a sling being lowered by staff into one of two dolphin tubs on back of a truck
Dolphin being loaded onto a truck after having been captured in a drive hunt in Futo, Japan

In the early days, many bottlenose dolphins were wild-caught off the coast of Florida. Though the Marine Mammal Protection Act, established in 1972, allows an exception for the collection of dolphins for public display and research purposes when a permit is obtained, bottlenose dolphins have not been captured in American waters since 1989. In most Western countries, breeding programs have been set up to provide the dolphinariums with new animals. To achieve a sufficient birth rate and to prevent inbreeding, artificial insemination (AI) is occasionally used. The use of AI also allows dolphinariums to increase the genetic diversity of their population without having to bring in any dolphins from other facilities.[citation needed]

The trade of dolphins is regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (also known as the Washington Convention or CITES). Endangered dolphin species are included in CITES' Appendix I, in which case trade is permitted only in exceptional circumstances. Species considered not to be threatened with extinction are included in Appendix II, in which case trade "must be controlled in order to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival". Most cetacean species traded for display in captivity to the public or for use in swimming with dolphins and other interaction programs are listed on Appendix II.[2]

However, the dolphin trade still continues. A live bottlenose dolphin is estimated to be worth between a few thousand to several tens of thousands of US dollars, depending on age, condition and prior training. Captures are reported to be on the rise in the South Pacific and the Caribbean,[9] Cuba has also been an exporter of dolphins in recent years, this being organized by the Acuario Nacional de Cuba.[10] In recent years, the Solomon Islands have also allowed the collection and export of dolphins for public display facilities.[11] A 2005 law banned the export of dolphins,[12] however, this ban was seemingly overturned in 2007 when some 28 dolphins were shipped to Dubai.[13]

[edit]
  
 Nationwide ban on dolphinariums/marine mammal captivity
  
 De facto nationwide ban on dolphinariums/marine mammal captivity due to strict regulations
  
 Some subnational bans on dolphinariums/marine mammal captivity
  
 Dolphinariums/marine mammal captivity are currently being phased out ahead of a nationwide ban
  
 Dolphinariums/marine mammal captivity legal
  
 No data


Animal welfare

[edit]

Many animal welfare groups such as the World Animal Protection consider keeping dolphins in captivity to be a form of animal abuse. The main arguments are that dolphins do not have enough freedom of movement in pools, regardless of pool size, (in the wild, dolphins swim hundreds of miles every day) and do not get enough stimulation. Dolphins often show repetitive behavior in captivity and sometimes become aggressive towards other animals or people. In some cases, the behavior of dolphins in captivity also results in their own death.[14]

The lifespan of dolphins in captivity is another subject of debate. Research has shown that there is no significant difference between wild and captive survival rates for bottlenose dolphins.[15] This does not, however, reflect a global state of affairs: for example, bottlenose dolphins in captive facilities in Jamaica suffer from extremely high mortality rates.[16]

Some scientists suggest that the "unusually high" intelligence of dolphins[17] means that they should be recognized as "non-human persons".[18] In 2013, the Indian Ministry of Environment and Forests prohibited the captivity of dolphins on these grounds, finding it "morally unacceptable to keep them captive for entertainment purpose".[17]

[edit]

According to animal rights organizations that monitor the subject, the following jurisdictions have full or partial bans on keeping dolphins in captivity: Bolivia, Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, India, Slovenia, Switzerland, Turkey,[19] and the American states California, New York, and South Carolina.[20][21] Other countries have laws so restrictive that is virtually impossible to keep cetaceans in captivity: Brazil, Luxembourg, Nicaragua, Norway, and the United Kingdom.[22] France tried to ban keeping or breeding cetaceans in captivity in 2017,[23] but the ban was overturned on technical grounds by the Conseil d'État in 2018.[24] On 29 September 2020, Environment Minister Barbara Pompili announced that France's three remaining dolphinariums would be closed within the next 7 to 10 years, and no new dolphinariums could be opened, and no new marine mammals could be bred or imported.[25]

  • Belgium: On 31 August 2020, the Brussels Capital Region (which has no dolphinaria) announced it was working on a ban on any future creation of dolphinariums to safeguard the welfare of any marine mammals that might end up being kept within its territory.[26] In November 2024, following earlier bans in Brussels and Wallonia, the Flanders region (home to the country's last remaining dolphinarium: Boudewijn Seapark in Bruges) followed suit, meaning that a country-wide prohibition on dolphinariums was to be implemented by 2037 at the latest, but possibly sooner. Reportedly, this made Belgium the 7th country in the world, alongside "India, Costa Rica, Chile, Croatia, Slovenia, and Cyprus, which have already implemented strict bans on the captivity of dolphins."[27]
  • Canada: In June 2019, the Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act became law in Canada.[28][29] Two facilities would be affected, Marineland of Canada and the Vancouver Aquarium. When passed in June 2019, Marineland was reported to have 61 cetaceans, while the Vancouver Aquarium had just one dolphin remaining. The law has a grandfather clause, permitting those cetaceans already in captivity to remain where they are, but breeding and further acquisition of cetaceans is prohibited, subject to limited exceptions.[30]
  • France: Since September 2020, a phaseout of dolphinariums has been in progress in France (to be completed by 2027/30).[31]
  • Mexico: The Chamber of Deputies amended the General Wildlife Law in October 2022 to prohibit the use of marine mammals in commercial shows or for subsistence. Animals currently kept in captivity could be kept for the rest of their lives, but using them in shows was no longer permitted.[32] The Mexican Senate confirmed the ban in 2023, but as of February 2024, several theme parks and aquariums were refusing to comply, using legal means to delay the law's implementation, and seeking to overturn the ban.[33]
  • Switzerland: Dolphinariums are not technically prohibited, but there have been no dolphinariums in Switzerland since 2013, and it is practically impossible to set up and run a new one. The Animal Protection Act was amended in May 2012, stipulating: "It is forbidden to import dolphins and other cetaceans (Cetacea)."[34] Therefore, the last facility that still kept cetaceans in Switzerland decided to close its dolphinarium by the end of 2013.[35]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ "Lessons". The National Archives. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d "UNEP:Guidelines and criteria associated with marine mammal captivity". 2006. Archived from the original on 8 March 2017. Retrieved 22 November 2009.
  3. ^ The Whale Sanctuary Project, Back to Nature (2017-06-06). "How the Beluga Business Began | The Whale Sanctuary Project | Back to Nature". The Whale Sanctuary Project. Retrieved 2018-06-04.
  4. ^ "150 Years Ago, a Fire in P.T. Barnum's Museum Boiled Two Whales Alive | Smart News | Smithsonian". Smithsonianmag.com. 2015-07-20. Retrieved 2018-06-04.
  5. ^ "In the golden heyday of the industry, there were at least 36 assorted dolphinaria or itinerant dolphin shows in the UK.", quote from The rose-tinted menagerie
  6. ^ Oceancare:Dolphinariums in Europe Archived 2010-06-13 at the Wayback Machine, retrieved November 16, 2009
  7. ^ Recommended EAAM dolphin housing standards Archived August 22, 2007, at the Wayback Machine, retrieved 22 November 2009
  8. ^ Orcas in Captivity - A look at killer whales in aquariums and parks Archived 2007-06-02 at the Wayback Machine (when viewed November 23, 2009)
  9. ^ The Humane Society: Held Captive: Developing Nations, (2009), retrieved 22 November 2009
  10. ^ "But it is in Fidel Castro's revolutionary Cuba that dolphin catching in South America has been given a new lease of life, under the auspices of the quasi state-run enterprise Acuario Nacional.", quote from The rose-tinted menagerie
  11. ^ HONIARA, Solomon Islands (Reuters) - A cargo plane arrived in the lawless Solomon Islands Monday to pick up wild dolphins captured to order for a Mexican syndicate in what activists have blasted as an environmental crime, regional media reported. Developments on dolphin capture Archived 2006-05-11 at the Wayback Machine
  12. ^ "Solomon Islands law banning the export of dolphins" (PDF). Keiko.com. 2018-02-21. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-02-18. Retrieved 2018-06-04.
  13. ^ The Associated Press / International Herald Tribune Solomon Islands dolphins exported to Dubai; protests mount, article retrieved October 25, 2007.
  14. ^ Marine animals in captivity, World Animal Protection. Retrieved 18 June 2014.
  15. ^ Willis, K. 2007. "Life Expectancy of Bottlenose Dolphins in Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums' North American Member Facilities: 1990 - present". Presented at the 2007 meeting of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums.
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Further reading

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