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Posted on November 30, 1999 by Joy Stoyle | Posted under Kids
Kids Ask Questions About - Dolphins in Captivity
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First, we need to understand what keeping in captivity means, especially when it comes to animals. Keeping dolphins in captivity means keeping them as pets -- much like the way we keep dogs or cats or fish in a tank. Dolphins are kept in large dolphin tanks, almost as large as football fields. When an animal is moved from its natural environment to an artificial one, there are many risks involved, and dolphins in tanks are no exception. However, dolphin tanks are constructed and maintains and the captive dolphins are taken care of by professionals who are experienced in these fields. They make sure the dolphin can live as happy and healthy in the tank as he would be in the ocean. You would have seen dolphins at Sea World, where they are kept in dolphin tanks. Dolphins at Sea World are often trained to perform amazing feats. You might have seen a dolphin jump out of the water and dive back in splendidly or spin around, or perform a back flip when the trainer blows a whistle. Sometimes you will notice trainers make gestures with their hands to communicate to the dolphins what trick they're supposed to execute. Dolphins perform the trick, usually on the blow of a high-pitched whistle or a sound made by the trainer. Many are of the opinion that keeping dolphins in captivity is cruel and that they should be kept free to swim the oceans like other aquatic animals. This is however, looking at only one side of the story. Many times dolphins at parks like Sea World were actually rescued after being injured or fatally wounded and nursed back to health by the care takers. After that, they bonded with the care takers and preferred the safety of the tank to the dangers of the sea. Many dolphins are born in the tank itself to mothers who have been performing for years, and develop a loving relationship with their audience and trainers. Also, when a dolphin is old, or weak or injured, the tank offers a safer and healthier environment than the ocean. The other advantage of keeping dolphins in captivity is that there is someone to tend to them at all times. They have an assured and easy supply of food, medical care and rest. They can play and swim around freely, even the young ones, with any fear. Any problems with their health or well-being are addressed immediately by professionals. They have many other dolphin play-mates and many others who praise them, love them and care for them. With such a group of admirers, no captive dolphin can be unhappy. So dolphins are not harmed when they're kept in captivity. Actually, the captivity helps them stay safe and healthy - for much longer than they would be in the wild. About The Author: |
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