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.
Take the marine mammal park pledge >>
Catch "Blackfish" -- Not Orcas
If you haven't seen it, "Blackfish" from Magnolia Pictures and CNN Films will shock you with the dark truth about marine mammal parks. When you can, watch the tragic story of Tilikum, the captive orca who killed his trainer.
More from Wayne Pacelle's blogNews & Events
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August 5, 2013
"Keiko: The Untold Story of the Star of Free Willy"
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Genesis Award-winning film "Free Willy" with the world premiere of "Keiko: The Untold Story of the Star of Free Willy."
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November 30, 2012
A Whale of a Tale
"The Whale" is a documentary film that tells the story of Luna, an inquisitive, friendly, orca whose life teaches us about the mysterious yet undeniable bond we have with our fellow creatures.
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November 30, 2012
Ryan Reynolds Dishes on "The Whale"
Read an exclusive conversation with Hollywood superstar Ryan Reynolds about his behind-the-scenes role in the poignant and thought-provoking new documentary "The Whale" and what this remarkable story means to him.
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November 13, 2012
"Minds in the Water": A Surfer Fights for Fellow Ocean Creatures
Follow champion surfer Dave Rastovich's fight to protect whales, dolphins, and other marine life in the documentary, "Minds in the Water."
Our Victories
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June 11, 2013
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Could Increase Chimpanzee Protections
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announced a proposal to protect all chimpanzees under the Endangered Species Act.
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June 7, 2013
Vermont Governor Cracks Down on Cruel and Unsporting Captive Pig Hunts
Gov. Peter Shumlin signed legislation that prohibits the importation and possession of wild pigs and their hybrids into law. House Bill 101, introduced by Rep. David Deen, D-Windham, bans feral pigs from captive hunts – fenced pens where trophy-seekers pay to shoot the trapped animals for guaranteed kills.
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May 14, 2013
USDA Revokes License of Mississippi Roadside Zoo
A roadside zoo in Mississippi has lost its exhibitor license after 43 years. The U.S. Department of Agriculture revoked the license following an undercover investigation and legal complaints to state and federal officials by The Humane Society of the United States.
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April 8, 2013
Arkansas Legislature Praised for Banning Primates as Pets
The Humane Society of the United States commends the Arkansas legislature for passage of House Bill 1391, a bill to prohibit the future private possession of apes (which includes chimpanzees), baboons and macaque monkeys.
