Rebecca Manzi It is possible to give dolphins living in captivity a truly dignified life: the Dolphin Project, through a well-established method, has already done so with more than 20 specimens.
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Life after captivity can be a significant challenge for dolphins that have spent years in artificial enclosures. However, thanks to innovative projects like the Dolphin Project, more and more dolphins are getting the chance to be rehabilitated and, in some cases, released back into the wild.
Lincoln O’Barry, activist and member of the Dolphin Project, debunks the myth that dolphins cannot survive after captivity. Their method begins with an initial phase of rehabilitation, during which the animals are transferred to natural marine enclosures. This allows them to readjust to the rhythms of the ocean, tides, and natural light. This process aids in their recovery, helping them regain more natural behaviors.
When a dolphin is ready, the next phase is release. So far, thanks to these programs, over 20 dolphins have been reintroduced into the waters of Nicaragua, Colombia, Brazil, South Korea, the United States, and Indonesia.
The movement for dolphin liberation began in 1970 when Rick O’Barry, former trainer of the famous dolphin Flipper, decided to dedicate his life to opposing the captivity industry. After the death of one of the dolphins who played Flipper, O’Barry realized the injustice of forcing these animals to live in artificial environments.
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Dolphins are intelligent, social mammals that, in the wild, can travel up to 100 miles per day. They live in a world of sound, using echolocation to navigate and communicate. Confining them to concrete and chlorine-filled tanks deprives them of what makes them unique. Unfortunately, many captive dolphins are forced to perform every day of the year, never experiencing a natural life.
The future, according to Dolphin Project, involves creating marine sanctuaries where dolphins can retire with dignity. The sanctuary in Bali serves as a model that they hope to replicate in North America and Europe, where more and more countries are banning the captivity of these animals.
Documentaries like The Cove and Blackfish have played a crucial role in changing public perception, raising awareness of the harms of captivity. Global events such as Empty the Tanks mobilize activists worldwide to protest against aquariums.
The simplest way to help dolphins? Don’t buy tickets for shows or attractions that exploit them. If demand fades, dolphin captivity could finally become a thing of the past.
