Dolphinariums, Freedom Or Prison?
Dolphinariums are a way to get closer to these incredible animals that we love so much, dolphins. We enjoy seeing them, and it is that they even seem to smile at us, but … have we ever stopped to think that no matter how much space they have, they are out of their habitat? Locked up?
The origin of dolphinariums
A dolphinarium, a place where we can be close to dolphins and orcas, is a set of ponds that try to imitate the natural habitat of these cetaceans. They are places open to the public in which a price is charged for admission to enjoy seeing these animals participating in shows , shows and even being able to swim with them.
In addition, the reproduction and breeding of them is promoted, so they are sometimes used for scientific research. The most normal thing is that these places of recreation with dolphins are inside zoos, amusement parks or aquariums.
The first dolphinarium, to call it somehow, was known in New York in 1861. Actually, they were only two belugas that were kept in captivity in order to teach them to others.
In fact, the first commercial aquarium that exhibited these animals, was known in 1938, when they began to become popular. The highest peak was achieved when the Flipper the dolphin movie came out. How much cinema can influence our lives!
Where do dolphins and killer whales come from?
It is obvious that these animals do not get there by themselves, but are captured from their natural habitat to exhibit and trade with them. Dolphinariums are never non-profit associations, quite the opposite: they use them to profit.
Thus, the great controversy began as early as the 60s and 70s. The authorities claimed that beings were being uprooted from their natural habitat for a single selfish purpose based on money.
Even so, these are scattered all over the world. They are widespread in some countries such as Japan and the United States, and are scarce in others such as Spain, where there is increasing awareness of animal abuse.
The dolphinariums offer different shows and shows in which it is even allowed to swim with them, a dream that many want to fulfill. The sympathy and friendly nature of these animals make many want to see them and be closer to them than they think they will ever be able to.
In addition, there are other numbers of dolphins and orcas present in the dolphinariums that come from captive breeding, which is why they are denied the opportunity to develop in their natural habitat. This is how they spend the rest of their lives, away from their peers and holding back their instincts.
For example, dolphins need to swim hundreds of kilometers every day, something they cannot do in small man-made lagoons. They were all created to live in freedom, so who are we to stop that?
Where to see dolphins without supporting dolphinariums
Dolphins are very friendly animals that can be enjoyed in their purest natural state: in the sea. There are many beaches and coasts where they are present and where you can take a dip with them.
There are professionals in these areas who organize excursions so you can see them from afar or even those who offer you to swim with them in the open sea. Dolphins seem to have a special connection to humans, and they don’t leave when someone wants to get close. Quite the opposite!
The question is… If this is so, why do we insist on ‘kidnapping’ them? Enjoy them at sea, where they live and where they will continue to live, and do not collaborate so that the atrocities of uprooting them from their home continue to happen.
