There are over 2000 captive whales and dolphins at hundreds of facilities around the world. Captive dolphins live shorter, impoverished lives. Separated from their families and unable to perform the most basic natural instincts of hunting they are completely at the mercy of the park. The dolphins are completely dependent on the trainers as they are put through the training conditioning process aimed at reaching a desired behaviour through a process of psychological reinforcement. The effects of captivity are well documented around the globe; from collapsed dorsal fins due to the confinement, blindness due to chlorinated salt water, raking injuries due to aggression between the dolphins/whales. Captive dolphins are also more vulnerable to illness as a result of the physical, emotional and psychological stress imposed on them.
We must end the global demand for captive cetaceans. As a society we must stop seeing other species, particularly these highly intelligent and emotionally complex cetaceans as objects to be used for our entertainment. We must all take on the responsibility to be a voice for the voiceless.
Don't buy a ticket.