Bottlenose dolphins are among the most studied cetaceans. Both wild and captive populations face significant welfare challenges including pollution, captivity stress, and human disturbance.
Captive bottlenose dolphins display stereotypies, aggression, and shortened lifespans. Dolphin-assisted therapy and swim-with programs cause stress to dolphins. Wild dolphins in high-tourism areas exhibit altered diving, feeding, and resting behaviour. Boat disturbance disrupts nursing of calves. Pollution with PCBs and mercury affects immune function, reproduction, and brain development.