Dolphin captivity raises fundamental welfare concerns about highly intelligent social animals in confined spaces.
Dolphins in captivity cannot engage in normal ranging, social complexity, or prey search behaviour. Stereotypic behaviours and skin conditions indicate chronic stress in many captive facilities. The intelligence of dolphins makes inadequate captive conditions particularly distressing — they can clearly perceive the gap between their natural needs and captive provision. Dolphin-free entertainment alternatives can provide the same public engagement without welfare harm.