Dolphins and other marine mammals in captivity face profound welfare challenges from confinement that cannot replicate their complex natural environment.
Dolphins are among the most cognitively sophisticated animals on Earth, with complex social structures, acoustic communication, and large home ranges. Captivity in pools, regardless of size, cannot provide even a fraction of what dolphins require for good welfare. Captive dolphins frequently develop gastric ulcers from chronic stress, skin lesions from tank walls, and psychological problems from social disruption. Public displays require training through food deprivation and social manipulation. The evidence overwhelmingly supports ending cetacean captivity for entertainment.