Captive dolphins in pools and tanks face chronic welfare deficits from acoustic stress, social disruption, and inability to meet ranging needs.
Captive dolphin welfare is fundamentally compromised by the mismatch between their ecological needs and tank environments. Acoustic stress from echolocation in enclosed concrete tanks is a constant physiological stressor. Social instability from forced groupings with incompatible dolphins causes aggression and chronic stress. The cognitive complexity demonstrated by dolphins makes behavioral deprivation particularly harmful. Sea sanctuaries represent a meaningful welfare improvement for non-releasable dolphins.