5 signs that show distress in captive dolphins

1. Abnormal repetitive behaviours

Dolphins might exhibit repetitive actions such as swimming in circles, head bobbing, or repetitive tail slapping. These behaviours, known as stereotypies, are often a sign of psychological distress.

2. Skin wounds

Dolphins participating in swim-with interactions or shows often have persistent wounds and abrasions from being handled, with their beaks raw from pushing people through the water. Additional wounds result from aggressive outbursts by tank companions, as bullying is regularly documented.

3. Dental issues

Dolphins and whales in captivity frequently have compromised teeth, often due to chewing on tank walls out of frustration and boredom.

4. Strange social behaviours

Dolphins in captivity are often placed in unnatural groupings with dolphins from different families and species, which can make communication between them problematic. This can lead to ongoing stress and social conflict as dolphins in the wild form fluid, dynamic groups that are impossible to replicate in captivity.

5. Aggression

Captive dolphins may exhibit aggressive behaviours such as biting, chasing, or ramming into other dolphins or handlers. Aggression can be a response to the stress of confinement, lack of space, and social friction due to unnatural grouping. In the wild, dolphins have vast areas to escape conflicts, but in captivity, they cannot avoid stressors.

Behind every dolphin's smile there is trauma, not happiness

The science is unequivocal — dolphins are sentient creatures. They’re capable of feeling emotions like love, joy, and amusement. They’re also capable of feeling pain, fear, and suffering. Captive dolphins live in misery because of entertainment sold to tourists as innocent fun.

This multi-billion dollar industry is bolstered by irresponsible travel companies like TUI Group and makes false conservation and education claims.