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Must the Show Go On? A 2013 Study Says It Should
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Fenris
Dec 8, 2014, 5:29:30 PM12/8/14
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http://www.awesomeocean.com/2014/12/01/dolphin-show-study/
December 1, 2014
By: Julia
Must the Show Go On? A 2013 Study Says It Should
Trending Now
Ever hear someone say that dolphins "hate" performing?
Did they claim shows are "humiliating" and "abusive"?
Well, as it turns out, these statements are not only false due to their
disgusting use of anthropomorphism, but also could be incredibly
unscientific.
There is very little to no scientific evidence indicating that captive
dolphins and whales are stressed or in discomfort as a result of the
shows and interaction programs prevalent in nearly every facility that
holds whales and dolphins.
According to a 2013 study published in Animal Welfare magazine, the
opposite may be true.
This study was conducted across six facilities holding Atlantic
bottlenose dolphins in the US including the Brookfield Zoo, Disney's the
Seas, Dolphin Connection and the Texas State Aquarium. In all, 30
dolphins were observed.
The researchers looked mainly at dolphin "free time," which they divided
into time associated with a show or interaction program and time not
associated with a show or interaction program. Now, it's important to
remember that according to the laws of behavioral science, if something
effects an animal, the results should be apparent in the animal's
behavior.
After 450 observations, the researchers concluded that rates of
repetitive and aggressive behaviors are not connected with these types
of programs. This is a very heavy strike against the theory that dolphin
performances are negatively stressful to the animals.
However, what the researchers did find was that dolphins increase
diversity of behavior and play behavior (two indicators of positive
welfare) directly after shows and interaction programs.
The beginning of the discussion section starts with this statement:
"Examination of the results revealed no behavioral indicators to support
the concept that dolphin shows or interaction programs compromise the
well-being of the animals."
It later goes on to say that a great amount of evidence actually
suggests that shows are enriching for the animals and increase rates of
positive behavior. All together, this study indicates that in order to
remain ethical holders of marine mammals, marine parks and aquariums
should continue at least some form of dolphin performances or
interaction programs.
It's important to remind anyone insisting otherwise that the majority of
scientific evidence suggests discontinuing these programs would actually
prove to be disruptive and potentially harmful to the wellbeing of the
animals they say they love.
Overall, this study is an important reminder that the vast majority of
arguments against keeping dolphins in captivity are wildly unscientific.
--
Fenris
RSPCA-Animadversion
http://rspca-animadversion.org.uk
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December 1, 2014
By: Julia
Must the Show Go On? A 2013 Study Says It Should
Trending Now
Ever hear someone say that dolphins "hate" performing?
Did they claim shows are "humiliating" and "abusive"?
Well, as it turns out, these statements are not only false due to their
disgusting use of anthropomorphism, but also could be incredibly
unscientific.
There is very little to no scientific evidence indicating that captive
dolphins and whales are stressed or in discomfort as a result of the
shows and interaction programs prevalent in nearly every facility that
holds whales and dolphins.
According to a 2013 study published in Animal Welfare magazine, the
opposite may be true.
This study was conducted across six facilities holding Atlantic
bottlenose dolphins in the US including the Brookfield Zoo, Disney's the
Seas, Dolphin Connection and the Texas State Aquarium. In all, 30
dolphins were observed.
The researchers looked mainly at dolphin "free time," which they divided
into time associated with a show or interaction program and time not
associated with a show or interaction program. Now, it's important to
remember that according to the laws of behavioral science, if something
effects an animal, the results should be apparent in the animal's
behavior.
After 450 observations, the researchers concluded that rates of
repetitive and aggressive behaviors are not connected with these types
of programs. This is a very heavy strike against the theory that dolphin
performances are negatively stressful to the animals.
However, what the researchers did find was that dolphins increase
diversity of behavior and play behavior (two indicators of positive
welfare) directly after shows and interaction programs.
The beginning of the discussion section starts with this statement:
"Examination of the results revealed no behavioral indicators to support
the concept that dolphin shows or interaction programs compromise the
well-being of the animals."
It later goes on to say that a great amount of evidence actually
suggests that shows are enriching for the animals and increase rates of
positive behavior. All together, this study indicates that in order to
remain ethical holders of marine mammals, marine parks and aquariums
should continue at least some form of dolphin performances or
interaction programs.
It's important to remind anyone insisting otherwise that the majority of
scientific evidence suggests discontinuing these programs would actually
prove to be disruptive and potentially harmful to the wellbeing of the
animals they say they love.
Overall, this study is an important reminder that the vast majority of
arguments against keeping dolphins in captivity are wildly unscientific.
--
Fenris
RSPCA-Animadversion
http://rspca-animadversion.org.uk
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