There's a disturbing truth behind 'swim with dolphins' tourist attractions

[Judi Lynn]

There's a disturbing truth behind 'swim with dolphins' tourist attractions

Christina M. Russo, The Dodo
May 2, 2015, 10:00 AM

Throngs of Americans are heading south to the Caribbean right now, for the balmy sunshine, intoxicating evening breeze, turquoise waters … and the opportunity to swim with dolphins.

But despite their popularity, swim-with-the-dolphin programs have a dark underbelly, and those on the inside are starting to speak out against them.

Swim-with-the-dolphin (SWTD) programs can be found all over the world, but they've become exceptionally popular in the Caribbean in the past decade or so.

A former dolphin trainer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told The Dodo that these programs are inherently problematic — and cetaceans simply do not belong in captivity.

"Dolphins are beautiful and amazing creatures in their natural habitat," says the former trainer, who requested anonymity because he still works in the Caribbean hotel industry. "But stick them in a cage, and you watch them change."

More:
https://www.thedodo.com/swim-dolphins-caribbean-1094674999.html#ixzz3YzkBXvC2

[Erich Bloodaxe BSN]

1. "cetaceans simply do not belong in captivity. "

Says it all, really.

[daleanime]

3. +1

[dhill926]

4. yep...

[marym625]

2. I've always hated these facilities. n/t

[tblue]

5. in Cabo San Lucas

I saw the dolphin pool and it was FILTHY.

I oppose every damned water zoo and circus--the most contemptible "entertainment" enterprises in the world.

[SwissTony]

6. These are captive dolphins?????

I swam with dolphins in Perth, Western Australia about 12 years ago, But they were in the sea. The company said they'd try and locate a pod (no guarantee) and we could get in the water with them under very controlled conditions - basically you had to hold onto the person in front of you and not go swimming on your own. Of course, the dolphins swept past us at what seemed like 60 mph. But they were free and in their natural environment.