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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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
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May 21, 2009
Report Exposes Suffering at Whale and Dolphin Attractions
Humane Society International and the World Society for the Protection of Animals issued the fourth edition of their report, "The Case Against Marine Mammals in Captivity," to educate tourists about the suffering behind the scenes of whale and dolphin attractions.
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.