Wildlife Welfare

Wild Dolphin Captivity Reform

Scientific consensus that dolphins cannot thrive in captivity is driving regulatory change and sanctuary development worldwide.

Key Facts

Wild dolphins range hundreds of kilometers daily in complex social groups
Captive dolphins show compressed dorsal fins, stereotypic behaviors, and shortened lifespans
No facility can adequately replicate the space, social complexity, and sensory richness of wild dolphin life
Dolphin-assisted therapy programs exploit dolphin welfare for human therapeutic claims
Sanctuary models offering larger, more naturalistic environments are being developed as alternatives

Welfare Considerations

Dolphin captivity represents one of the clearest mismatches between animal welfare needs and the conditions any facility can provide. The scientific case for captivity reform is compelling and the transition to sanctuaries is both achievable and necessary.

What You Can Do

Refuse to visit facilities keeping dolphins in concrete pools for entertainment
Support dolphin sanctuary development projects
Advocate for legislation ending dolphin captivity for entertainment in your country