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.
The Real Sea World
The HSUS's marine mammal scientist Dr. Naomi Rose, author David Kirby of "Death at SeaWorld," and three former SeaWorld trainers visit Puget Sound and observe resident orcas to compare their lives with those of captive orcas.
Learn MoreNews & Events
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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."
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July 16, 2012
Poll Reveals Americans Oppose Keeping Orcas in Captivity for Public Display
The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, together with The HSUS and the Animal Welfare Institute, released the first-ever nationwide opinion poll gauging attitudes about keeping orcas, also known as killer whales, in captivity for public display.
Our Victories
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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.
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December 20, 2012
Federal Court Upholds New Ohio Exotic Pet Law
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio Eastern Division issued a verdict today upholding Ohio’s new and much needed regulations on the possession of dangerous wild animals as pets.
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June 5, 2012
Animal Welfare Organizations Praise Ohio Governor Kasich for Signing Dangerous Wild Animal Act into Law
The Humane Society of the United States, Born Free USA and the ASPCA® issued statements in response to Ohio Gov. John Kasich enacting the Dangerous Wild Animal Act into law.
