05.08.2024 – Free spirits

On our tours, we can observe dolphins in their natural habitat. Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) , like the ones we saw this morning, are among the best known of the marine mammals, as they are often kept in captivity.

However, dolphins definitely do not belong in dolphinaria! Their natural living conditions cannot be adequately replicated in captivity. In the wild, dolphins travel long distances every day, dive deep and live in complex social structures. Adequate freedom of movement and natural social interactions are impossible in the confined tanks of dolphinaria. Dolphins are highly intelligent and sensitive creatures and maintain complex communication and social bonds. The confinement and monotonous daily routine lead to considerable suffering and, as a result, to physical and psychological problems in the animals, such as behavioural disorders and stress, which in turn leads to them being given tranquillisers.

Breeding in dolphinaria is problematic. It often leads to inbreeding, as there is no guarantee of genetic diversity. In addition, many dolphins are still caught in the wild for dolphinaria, which places considerable pressure on the populations in the wild and on the captive animals themselves.

The ethical concerns are compounded by the questionable educational value of dolphin shows. Instead of promoting a genuine understanding of these fascinating marine mammals, dolphins are often anthropomorphised and misused for entertainment purposes. These are just some of the problems faced by marine mammals in captivity. Those who love dolphins should therefore understand that these animals are free spirits that cannot be taken away from their habitat and social bonds.

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sichtungen des Tages

Ribeira Brava

09:30 Bottlenose dolphins

13:30 Bottlenose dolphins, Blainville’s beaked whales

17:00 Bottlenose dolphins

Stenella

09:30 Bottlenose dolphins, Striped dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, Risso dolphins

14:00 Bottlenose dolphins, Blainville’s beaked whales

17:00 Bottlenose dolphins, Blainville’s beaked whales