Life for captive whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals is nothing like a life in the ocean. It is almost impossible to maintain a family group in captivity, a tragedy for whales and dolphins. When you see marine mammals in tanks or pools, consider what they have lost in order to entertain us.
Whales and dolphins swim long distances each day, sometimes in a straight line for 100 miles. Most seals and sea lions migrate hundreds of miles each year. How large is the average tank in a zoo or aquarium?
Dolphins are self-aware and capable of abstract thinking. When captured from the wild, they are ripped violently and traumatically from their social units. Japan’s drive fishery is a particularly cruel example, in which many dolphins are slaughtered alongside the so-called “lucky” ones, who are sold to dolphin display facilities.
Don’t support this commercial cruelty. Refuse to swim with the dolphins or visit a marine mammal show.
Travel Tip: Don't Swim with Dolphins
Find out why aqua parks and swim-with programs aren't good for dolphins or people.
Learn MoreNews & Events
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March 1, 2010
Tragedy for Two at SeaWorld
Tillikum, a captive male orca at SeaWorld Orlando, drowned Sea World trainer Dawn Brancheau on February 24. This is a tragedy, for Ms. Brancheau and her devastated family, to whom I and my organization offer our condolences, but also for Tillikum.
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February 24, 2010
SeaWorld Whale Involved in Death of a 3rd Person
Naomi Rose, marine mammal scientist with The HSUS, made a statement in response to the death of a trainer drowned by an orca at SeaWorld in Orlando, Fla.
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November 6, 2009
One to Watch Films of 2009
Check out these four major animal-protection themed movies and documentaries currently in theaters or on dvd including "The Cove", "Food, Inc.", "Hotel for Dogs", and "The End of the Line".
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October 1, 2009
Dolphins in the Lineup
Dolphins and surfers share in the ocean
Our Victories
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June 4, 2009
Conn. Lawmakers Pass Bill to Ban Chimpanzees as Pets and Prevent Internet Hunting
After a tragic incident involving a pet chimpazee, Connecticut lawmakers vote to prohibit residents from keeping great apes as pets.
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February 24, 2009
US House of Representatives Passes Captive Primate Safety Act
The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to stop interstate commerce in primates as pets.
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July 16, 2008
Indiana Cracks Down on Wildlife Trafficking to Coyote Pens
The HSUS welcomed last night's unanimous vote by the Indiana Natural Resources Commission to prohibit the sale of live coyotes trapped in the state to gruesome wildlife pens across the Southeast.