Dolphinarium 1224756 226150753 2008-07-17T01:27:18Z 96.230.194.150 {{for|the discotheque that was the site of a suicide bombing|Dolphinarium massacre}} [[Image:Dolphinarium Varna.jpg|thumb|250px|right|The Festa Dolphinarium in [[Varna]], [[Bulgaria]]]] A '''dolphinarium''' is an [[aquarium]] for [[dolphin]]s. The dolphins are usually kept in a large pool, though occasionally they may be kept in pens in the open sea, either for research or for public performances. Some dolphinariums consist of one pool where dolphins perform for the public, others have expanded into much larger parks, keeping other marine animals and having other attractions. These larger parks are often not considered to be dolphinariums themselves, but [[marine mammal park]]s or [[theme parks]] that include a dolphinarium. A dolphinarium can also be part of a [[zoo]]. ==History== [[Image:Dolphinarium Boudewjinpark.JPG|thumb|250px|right|The exterior of the [[Boudewijn Seapark]] dolphinarium in [[Bruges]], [[Belgium]] ]] Though [[cetaceans]] have been held in captivity in both [[North America]] and [[Europe]] since the 1860s, the first being a pair of [[Beluga|Beluga Whales]] in the [[New York]] museum, dolphins were first kept for paid entertainment in the [[Marineland of Florida|Marine Studios]] dolphinarium founded in 1938 in [[St. Augustine, Florida|St. Augustine]], [[Florida]]. It was here that it was discovered that dolphins could be trained to perform tricks. Recognizing the success of Marine Studios, more dolphinariums keeping dolphins for entertainment followed.<ref>"Following P.T. Barnum's ill-fated display of white whales in his New York Museum in 1860, it was not until 1913 that cetaceans were again seen in captivity, this time when C. H. Townsend, curator of the New York Aquarium, stumbled upon the idea exhibiting dolphins as an unbeatable novelty to attract the crowds.", "During feeding time at Marine Studios, it is said, dolphins gradually fell into the habit of jumping up to catch the fish that were thrown to them, and this miniature spectacle always amused the public, the keepers and curator. Then a year later in 1939, Cecil M. Walker, then responsible for maintenance of the water purification pumps on the night-shift, observed one evening how a dolphin pushed a pelican feather across the surface of the water towards him. "Just for the hell of it" he took the proffered feather and threw it back into the water, whereupon, to his great surprise, the dolphin brought it back again. The game continued with Walker experimenting with a ball, an inner tube of a bicycle, small stones and other objects. As the game took shape with other dolphins joining in the act, it began to resemble the repertoire seen today in every dolphinarium in the world.", quotes from ''The rose-tinted menagery''.</ref> In the 1960s, keeping dolphins in zoos and aquariums for entertainment purposes became increased in popularity after the 1963 [[Flipper (1963 film)|Flipper movie]] and subsequent [[Flipper (1964 TV series)|Flipper television series]]. In 1966 , the first dolphin was exported to [[Europe]]. In these early days, dolphinariums could grow quickly due to a lack of legislation and lack of concern for [[animal welfare]]. New legislation, most notably the 1972 [[Marine Mammal Protection Act]] in the [[United States]], combined with a more critical view on animal welfare forced many dolphinariums around the world to close. As an example, during the early 1970s there were at least 36 dolphinariums and travelling dolphin shows in the [[United Kingdom]], none of which still exist today, the last dolphinarium in the UK having closed its doors in 1993.<ref>"In the golden heyday of the industry, there were at least 36 assorted dolphinaria or itinerant dolphin shows in the UK.", quote from ''The rose-tinted menagery''</ref> ==Design== [[Image:Brookfield zoo fg10.jpg|thumb|250px|right|The [[Brookfield Zoo]] dolphinarium in [[Chicago]] ]] A common dolphinarium design for public performances consists of stands for the public around a semi-circular pool, sometimes with glass walls which allow underwater viewing, and a platform in the middle from which the trainers direct and present the show. The water in the pools has to be constantly filtered to keep it clean for the spectators and the dolphins, and the temperature and composition of the water has to be controlled to match the conditions dolphins experience in the wild. To give an indication of pool sizes, the ''European Association for Aquatic Mammals'' recommends that a pool for five dolphins should have a [[surface area]] of 275&nbsp;m² (2960&nbsp;ft²) plus an additional 75&nbsp;m² (810&nbsp;ft²) for every additional animal, have a depth of 3.5&nbsp;m (11.5&nbsp;ft) for at least the minimum surface area and have a water volume of at least 1000&nbsp;m³ (35300&nbsp;ft³) with an additional 200&nbsp;m³ (7060&nbsp;ft³) for every additional animal. If two of these three conditions are met and the third is not more than 10% below standard, the EAAM considers the pool size to be acceptable.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eaam.org/housing_standards/|title=Recommended EAAM dolphin housing standards}}</ref> ==Species== Various species of dolphins are kept in captivity and also several other small whale species such as [[Harbour Porpoise]]s, [[Finless Porpoise]]s and [[beluga whale|Belugas]], though in those cases the word dolphinarium may not be fitting as these are not true dolphins. [[Bottlenose Dolphin]]s are the most common species of dolphin kept in dolphinariums: they are relatively easy to train, have a long lifespan in captivity and a friendly appearance. Hundreds if not thousands of Bottlenose Dolphins live in captivity across the world, though exact numbers are hard to give. [[Orca]]s are well known for their performances in shows, but the number of Orcas kept in captivity is very small especially when compared to the number of bottlenose dolphins, with only 48 captive Orcas being known as of 2007.<ref>[http://www.orcahome.de/orcastat.htm Orcas in Captivity - A look at killer whales in aquariums and parks] (when viewed 17th of June 2007)</ref> Of all Orcas kept in captivity, the majority are located in one of the [[SeaWorld]] parks in the United States. Other species kept in captivity are [[Atlantic Spotted Dolphin|Spotted Dolphins]], [[False Killer Whale]]s and [[Common Dolphin]]s, [[Commerson's Dolphin]]s, and [[Rough-toothed Dolphin]]s, but all in much lower numbers than the Bottlenose Dolphin. Also in pitiful numbers of less than ten are Pilot Whales, Amazon River Dolphins, Risso's Dolphins, Spinner Dolphins, and Tucuxi. Two unusual and very rare [[Hybrid (biology)|hybrid]] dolphins known as [[Wolphins]] are kept at the Sea Life Park in [[Hawaii]], which are a cross between a Bottlenose Dolphin and a False Killer Whale. Also two Common/Bottlenose hybrids reside in captivity one at [[Discovery Cove]] and the other SeaWorld San Diego. ===Trade and capture=== [[Image:Dolsling.jpg|thumb|260px|left|Dolphin being loaded on to a truck after having been captured in a drive hunt in Futo, Japan.]] In the early days, many bottlenose dolphins were wild caught off the coast of Florida where they are common. Though the Marine Mammal Protection Act, established in 1972, allows an exception for the collection of dolphins for public display and research purposes providing a permit is obtained, Bottlenose dolphins have not been captured in American waters since 1989. In most Western countries, breeding programmes have been set up to provide the dolphinariums with new animals. To achieve a sufficient birth rate and to prevent inbreeding, [[artificial insemination]] (AI) is occasionally used. The use of AI also allows dolphinariums to increase the [[genetic diversity]] of their population without having to bring in any dolphins from other facilities. Live dolphins are still traded however. A live Bottlenose Dolphin is estimated to cost between a few thousand and several tens of thousands of [[US dollar]]s, depending on age, condition and prior training. The trade of dolphins is regulated by [[CITES]]. [[Cuba]] has also been an exporter of dolphins in recent years, this being organised by the ''Acuario Nacional de Cuba''.<ref>"But it is in Fidel Castro's revolutionary Cuba that dolphin catching in South America has been given a new lease of life, under the auspices of the quasi state-run enterprise Acuario Nacional.", quote from ''The rose-tinted menagery''</ref><ref>De Telegraaf (2008) [http://www.telegraaf.nl/binnenland/3011168/_Dolfinarium_kocht_wilde_dolfijnen__.html?pageNumber=2 Dolphinarium Curaçao purchased wild dolphins], (Dutch only) article from Dutch newspaper regarding the transfer of dolphins from Cuba to Curaçao. Article retrieved February 12, 2008.</ref> In recent years, the [[Solomon Islands]] have also allowed the collection and export of dolphins for public display facilities.<ref>HONIARA, Solomon Islands (Reuters) - A cargo plane arrived in the lawless Solomon Islands Monday to pick up wild dolphins captured to order for a Mexican syndicate in what activists have blasted as an environmental crime, regional media reported. [http://lists.envirolink.org/pipermail/ar-news/Week-of-Mon-20030721/003874.html]</ref> A 2005 law banned the export of dolphins,<ref>[http://www.earthisland.org/saveTaijiDolphins/assets/SolomonLaw.PDF Solomon Islands law banning the export of dolphins]</ref> however this ban has been seemingly overturned when in 2007 some 28 dolphins were shipped to [[Dubai]], a further three animals having been found dead on shore.<ref>The Associated Press / International Herald Tribune [http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/10/18/asia/AS-GEN-Solomon-Islands-Dolphin-Exports.php Solomon Islands dolphins exported to Dubai; protests mount], article retrieved October 25, 2007.</ref> Some, mainly [[Japan]]ese, dolphinariums obtain their dolphins from local [[dolphin drive hunting|drive hunts]], though several other countries in Asia also import dolphins from Japan. Several American dolphinariums have also done so in the past, however not since 1993 when the US [[National Marine Fisheries Service]] refused a permit for [[Six Flags Discovery Kingdom|Marine World Africa USA]] to import four False Killer Whales caught in a Japanese drive hunt. Members of the [http://www.ammpa.org Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums], a US-based organization whose members include many of the captive dolphin facilities in the US as well as facilities around the world, now officially oppose the acquisition of animals from the Japanese drive fisheries. ==Criticism== [[Image:Shamu Stadium.jpg|thumb|250px|right|[[Orca]]s performing in ''[[Shamu]] stadium'' at [[SeaWorld]] in [[Orlando, Florida|Orlando]], [[Florida]] ]] Though animal welfare has improved significantly over the last few decades, many animal rights and welfare groups such as the [[World Society for the Protection of Animals|WSPA]] still consider keeping dolphins at dolphinariums a form of [[animal abuse]]. The main arguments are that dolphins do not have enough freedom of movement in pools, regardless of pool size, and do not get enough stimulation. Dolphins often show repetitive behavior in captivity and sometimes become aggressive towards other animals or people: there have been a number of animal and human fatalities recorded, including that of at least one trainer. In some cases, the behavior of dolphins in captivity also results in their own death.<ref>[http://www.geocities.com/theorcaocean/OrcaAgression.html Dolphin aggression in captivity], listing a large number of incidents in dolphinariums that resulted in injury to either dolphins or trainers, including self-inflicted trauma. There is mention of one fatal incident involving a trainer. </ref> The lifespan of dolphins in captivity is another subject of debate. Research has shown that Orcas indeed have a much lower survival rate in captivity; however, there is no significant difference between wild and captive survival rates for Bottlenose dolphins.<ref>[http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/jaap/Survival/Surv_2.htm Survival rate study of marine mammals in captivity]</ref><ref>Willis, K. 2007. "Life Expectancy of Bottlenose Dolphins in Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums' North American Member Facilities: 1990 - present". Presented at the 2007 meeting of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums.</ref> This does not, however, reflect a global state of affairs: for example, Bottlenose dolphins in captive facilities in [[Jamaica]] suffer from extremely high mortality rates.<ref>Environmental Management Consultants Ltd. (2007), [http://www.jamentrust.org/Programmes/ELAW%20Advocacy/EIA/Final_draft_of_EIA_review_submitted_to_NEPA.pdf Review of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) For the Proposed Dolphin Park in Paradise, Hanover], page 3, section Mortalities. Article retrieved November 1, 2007.</ref> In response to criticism, dolphinariums stress that every effort is being made to ensure the well-being of the animals, who are being cared for with state-of-the-art medical technology (including some adapted from that used for humans). Many dolphinariums are also involved in research and education programs, assist in cases of [[Beached whale|beachings]], and provide aid to sick or injured wild animals. Captive dolphins are an increasingly popular choice of [[animal-assisted therapy]] for humans with psychological problems and developmental disabilities. For example, a 2005 study of 30 participants found that dolphin-assisted therapy was an effective treatment for mild to moderate [[clinical depression|depression]].<ref>Christian Antonioli and Michael A. Reveley, (2005), [http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/bmj;331/7527/1231 Randomised controlled trial of animal facilitated therapy with dolphins in the treatment of depression].</ref> However, this study was criticized on several grounds: for example, it is not known whether dolphins are more effective than common pets.<ref>{{cite journal |journal= BMJ |volume=331 |issue= 7529 |pages=1407 |date=2005 |author= Biju Basil, Maju Mathews |title= Methodological concerns about animal facilitated therapy with dolphins |url= http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/331/7529/1407 |doi= 10.1136/bmj.331.7529.1407 |pmid= 16339258}}</ref> [[Review]]s of this and other published dolphin-assisted therapy (DAT) studies have found important methodological flaws, leading reviewers to conclude that there is no compelling scientific evidence that DAT is a legitimate therapy, or that it affords any more than fleeting improvements in human mood.<ref>{{cite journal |journal=Anthrozoos |volume= 20 |issue= 3 |pages= 239–49 |date= 2007 |doi= 10.2752/089279307X224782 |author= Marino L, Lilienfeld SO |title= Dolphin-Assisted Therapy: more flawed data and more flawed conclusions |url=http://www.marineconnection.org/docs/DAT%20Paper%202007.pdf |format=PDF |accessdate=2008-02-20}}</ref> ==See also== *[[List of dolphinariums]] *[[Marine mammal park]] ==References== <div class="references-small"> *[http://www.iridescent-publishing.com/rtmcont.htm Iridescent-publishing.com] - The rose-tinted menagery, a history of keeping animals for entertainment, chapters four to six. <references /> </div> ==External links== *[http://www.wspa-usa.org/pages/1348_the_case_against_marine_mammals_in_captivity.cfm The Case Against Marine Mammals in Captivity - A Report by WSPA and HSUS] *[http://www.ammpa.org/ Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums] *[http://www.dolphinhumantherapy.com/ Dolphin Human Therapy Inc.] - website of a DHT company detailing the method *[http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/sfl-marinestorygallery,0,2119297.storygallery?coll=sfla-home-dots-utility Marine Attractions - Below the surface] - several articles by the Sun Sentinel on marine mammals in captivity, mainly in the United States. Includes photos and videos. *[http://tursiops.org/modules.php?name=News&new_topic=7 Tursiops.org] - news on dolphins and other whales in captivity. [[Category:Aquaria]] [[Category:Animal welfare]] [[Category:Cetaceans]] [[bg:Варненски делфинариум]] [[de:Delfinarium]] [[fr:Delphinarium]] [[it:Delfinario]] [[he:דולפינריום]] [[nl:Dolfinarium]] [[fi:Delfinaario]] [[sv:Delfinarium]]