The ethics of keeping dolphins in captivity is contested. Reviewing the current evidence helps clarify what we know about captive dolphin welfare and what remains uncertain.
The welfare case against dolphin captivity rests on the mismatch between their complex social, spatial, and cognitive needs and what even the best facilities can realistically provide. While modern zoos and aquaria have improved care significantly, dolphins in captivity still cannot engage in natural foraging, explore large territories, or maintain wild social structures. The counterfactual matters too — captive-born dolphins cannot survive in the wild, raising questions about phase-out timelines. Honest welfare assessment requires acknowledging both improvements and inherent limitations.