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.

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News & Events

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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".

  • Dolphin

    October 1, 2009

    Dolphins in the Lineup

    Dolphins and surfers share in the ocean

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