Wild Dolphin Welfare in Dolphin-Assisted Therapy

Dolphin-assisted therapy programs use wild-caught or captive dolphins in therapy for children with disabilities, raising significant ethical and welfare concerns.

Key Facts

Dolphin-assisted therapy claims benefits for autism, Down syndrome, and other conditions
Evidence for therapeutic benefits is largely anecdotal with few well-controlled studies
Dolphins in therapy programs are often wild-caught and housed in sea pens or pools
The stress of continuous therapeutic interactions affects dolphin welfare measurably
Several countries have moved toward restricting or banning dolphin therapy programs

Welfare Considerations

Dolphin-assisted therapy welfare concerns are threefold: the welfare of dolphins subjected to constant therapeutic interactions with novel humans, the uncertain evidence base for claimed benefits, and the perpetuation of wild dolphin capture for commercial therapeutic purposes. Dolphins in therapy programs show stress indicators from the constant handling and unpredictable behavior of therapeutic clients. The welfare harm to dolphins that are cognitively sophisticated, socially complex animals is significant. Alternative therapies without animal welfare costs should be the default recommendation.

What You Can Do

Avoid dolphin-assisted therapy programs and seek evidence-based alternatives
Advocate for regulatory frameworks that prevent establishment of new captive dolphin therapy programs
Share information about the lack of evidence for dolphin therapy benefits with healthcare providers
Support organizations documenting welfare impacts on dolphins in therapeutic programs