About Dolphinariums

"There is about as much educational benefit to be gained

in studying dolphins in captivity as there would be

studying mankind by only observing prisoners held in solitary."

Jacques Cousteau

Legendary Marine Explorer

„If you could collect all the abuse to dolphins

— the pain, the horror, frustration, the suicides, the cries for help –

the accumulated atrocities would equal a thousand hells.

If words, logic, reason, facts and history were enough to destroy this dolphin industry,

it would have disappeared by now. Now we need laws to stop it.

It cannot be done overnight and may take many years.

But now is the time to start eliminating this evil

or it will endure through our lifetime.

Jon Bowermaster

Writer, Filmmaker and Adventurer

Notes from Sea Level

The Bloody Business with Dolphins and Orcas
You must know that dolphinariums are a big business and have nothing to teach you about dolphins. There is no such thing as a „correct way“ to keep dolphins or orcas in a concrete tank, no matter where it is. The documentaries „The Cove“, that won at the Oscar‘s in 2010, and the documentary „Fall from Freedom“ (here enclosed) are showing what is going on behind the lucrative circus that is supposed to bring fun, positive emotions, education or even healing to a very well paying public.

Psychologist Gay Bradshaw analyzes the life of the Orca Tilikum, who killed his trainer at Sea World Orlando in February 2010. She is viewing Tillikum's psyche through the lens of psychology and neuroscience.

"Orca culture is matrilineal and unlike elephants, male orcas stay with their mother and pod for life. Orcas have brains four times as large as humans. According to neuroscientist Dr. Lori Marino, the neuroanatomy, complex language, and social behavior of our marine counterparts makes them comparably vulnerable to psychological trauma. There are rules in each orca culture about what to eat, whom to mate with and how to maintain family bonds, and another rule seems to be to avoid harming humans. We humans should appreciate that, and return the favor by not harming them."

Whale watching tours

If you want to know about dolphins, orcas, whales and the oceans, don‘t choose a dolphinarium but a whale watching tour instead! Plan a trip for it and choose a good company to go with. You should look for a professional company with professional skills and behavior, such as:

1. ‣experienced guides with professional knowledge about nature, environment, oceans and sea mammals
   

2. ‣the company should be involved in conservancy, education, research and protection projects
   

3. ‣they must have information, flyers and brochures available
   

4. ‣safety measures on the boat are important, including life vests or life rafts for all passengers
   

5. ‣sometimes hydrophones are available, so you can hear the mammals communicate while watching them
   

6. ‣passengers should get a briefing before the trip, including some educational facts about the mammals and ocean protection.
   

7. ‣they must have a respectful approach with the boats, keep good distance to the animals and not disturb or chase them
   

A whale watching trip offers a much more rewarding experience than any dolphinarium could do!

And if you can‘t wait for the trip, then see a good movie instead. Never go to see a dolphin show, as you only would support the horrible trade by doing so.

See videos enclosed.

Links to film material

Delfine - geliebt, gefangen, getötet, gequält - das Milliardengeschäft