Dolphins in captivity experience profound welfare deprivation relative to their natural behavioural repertoire. The scientific evidence against keeping dolphins in captivity has strengthened substantially in recent years.
The welfare deprivation of captive dolphins is profound and well documented. Echolocation in concrete pools causes acoustic reverberation that is believed to cause chronic stress. Social groupings in captivity are artificial — animals must cohabit with incompatible individuals without the option to separate. The enrichment programmes promoted by facilities do not begin to address the fundamental deprivation of space, sensory environment and social autonomy.