Do you hate the idea of dolphins performing at shows?

Question

We went to Mundomar (Benidorm) yesterday, and whilst I enjoyed the dolphin and sealion shows they put on for the kids. I just kept thinking I wish the poor dolphins and sealions were in the sea enjoying their life not stuck in captivity performing tricks! Your views

Answer 1

Hmmm.  Well, I don't think that the dolphins and sealions actually have THAT bad a life - there are no predators, for one thing; they have plentiful food; and when I have been to these shows before they always seemed to be having a pretty good time.

I guess I would also say that if one objects to dophin shows, one also has to object to zoos - and it is, I think, widely accepted that the modern zoo plays an important role in the worldwide conservation effort.

It's also arguable that if one objects to animals being used to bring pleasure to humans, all pets should be banned and cats, dogs, and all other house animals should be allowed to return to their feral state.

As with many things in life, it's not a binary argument but a continuum......

Answer 2

I totally agree. I prefer them in their natural environment not as performers.

I know the kids enjoy it and when they ask to go u sort of feel a meanie if u dont especially when other kids r going to. However, I am far from comfortable with it and if we didnt pay then these places would not exist.

Answer 3

I went to a dolphin  and seal show in spain when I was 11 so like 6 years ago and I thought it was amazing back then now I realise that its cruel, seeing them kept in tiny little pools when they are not performing. I will refuse to go into one now

Answer 4

To a certain extent but who knows if they don't like it or not.

They get good treatment most of the time.

A lot of the time they are also rescued.

Answer 5

its fun watching them.... they are hero dolphins because they sacrifice their freedom to make people happy...

i admire these dolphins

Answer 6

Here is the double edge sword. their environment is being destroyed. combination of pollution, over fishing and careless human interaction is causing animals to disappear from this planet. and its the animal that are in captivity that could some day repopulate the wild if needed. as well as help people be more careful with what they do. think about it, if you just hear about a dolphin you will not have as much respect for the animal as you would after seeing one. it was not until after you saw the show that you thought enough to make this post. and although it would be great for wild animals to stay in the wild, once they are used to living with humans, they cannot survive in the wild. they released a killer whale that after months of trying to teach it to behave like a wild whale, still looked for contact with humans. as far as he was concerned, that was his family. and he never became part of a pod. so once an animal is in captivity too long, it can never be released.

Answer 7

To be honest no. Animals such as dolphins and seals will only perform tricks if they want to - same as whales - you can't MAKE them do anything, they must WANT to do it. They get a plentiful supply of food, lots of attention and don't have to worry about being 'lunch' to some other animal [incl humans!]

Sounds ok to me.

Answer 8

I partly agree with you. Everybody wants freedom, no one wants to be confined and forced to do something he/she doesn't like. So do the animals. Yet it is not certain that those dolphins will have a better life in wild than in the zoo. They may not be able to get enough food, or may live in the horror of being hunted by humans and their natural enemies. Thus I don't think it easy to draw a conclusion whether they like to live in nature or be fed by humans and do performances, which, at least,  gives them the chance to survive.

Answer 9

I never waste my time visiting anywhere with captured animals, zoos, aquaria, etc.

Animals are for eating and not for entertainment.

Answer 10

usually people really find it amazing and would love to watch it.but if we remind this,they will absolutely feel that the amusement parks capturing marine creatures are cruel.i would like to tell that not only us but any person would feel that it is cruel but only if we tell as these days they only think of their satisfaction until someone reminds them.

Answer 11

I absolutely agree with you. Although the shows are great to watch, I can't bear the thought of gracious animals like that having to spend their time in a small swimming pool, entertaining humans.

Answer 12

I hate to see any animals performing...it's unnatural, in circus's you see elephants made to sit and beg.Where is the dignity in that? I would like to see it all banned.

Answer 13

Dolphins are intelligent enough that if they really didnt want to jump through hoops, they wouldnt.  Also you hit the nail on the head...you felt bad that they are in capitivity...but like most people...you went there..you paid your money..and you enjoyed it...one of the dualities in being human!