Re: swimming with dolphins

Posted by Panchita on June 26, 2000 at 14:25:54:

In Reply to: swimming with dolphins posted by christine on June 26, 2000 at 13:47:14:

Hi Christine,
At the risk of riling up those who have gotten on my case before about this (I've been called everything from an activist to a nutcase), I'm going to pass on some info I learned about the Swim With Dolphins programs recently. Please understand that this is NOT a lecture - I am not telling you what to do or not do - I'm just putting it out there.  
The last time I was in Cozumel, I had a beer with a man and his wife - he had worked at Chakanaab National Park as a marine biologist until recently and was in the process of starting his own business.  Over the course of conversation, the subject of the 'Swim with the Dolphins' programs came up and this is what I learned.  All dolphins currently in these programs in Cozumel and the Yucatan come from Cuba (and the programs are somehow affiliated with the families that are making big bucks from the cruise lines - but that a totally different story and reason for not patronizing them).  They are captured wild (not 'rescued' like you will be told), the young ones are kept and partially trained using the 'starvation into submission' method.  They are kept in small enclosed areas and are not usually treated for medical problems.  It is  cheaper to just order another dolphin.  During a huricane watch, the dolphins were put in a chlorinated pool instead of running the risk that they might excape.   There have been several instances of tourists getting roughed up and hurt by the dolphins - I don't know about Mexico (we wouldn't hear about it here), but this has happened in the US (Hawaii and Florida) on more than one occasion.
The National Humane Society has deemed 'Dolphin Experiences' cruel and unusual treatment.  You can find more information on their website.
Enough said!  I can totally understand why you would want to do this - these animals are beautiful and intelligent and always seem to be smiling.  I would love to get close to them too, but I wouldn't enjoy it knowing that they are not well treated.  I'm going to have to be content with seeing them in the wild from time to time.
I've said it before - just let your concience be your guide!  Have a wonderful time in Cozumel.

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