Captive dolphins in marine parks and swim-with-dolphin programs face significant welfare challenges. Evidence for inadequate welfare in these settings has driven major policy changes globally.
Captive dolphin welfare is disputed — proponents argue modern facilities meet their needs adequately, while critics argue that their complex cognitive and social needs cannot be met in captivity. Key welfare concerns include inability to engage in natural foraging, navigation, and social behavior; chronic stress from confined spaces and constant human interaction; and disruption of natural social structures. In swim-with programs, dolphins may show avoidance behaviors with tourists that are suppressed through food control training. The growing consensus among welfare scientists increasingly favors retirement of display dolphins to coastal sanctuaries where natural behaviors are more possible, while opposing future wild capture and new facility construction.