A lot of people have a soft spot for marine mammals. Whether it’s a furry and seemingly cuddly sea otter, a seal pup with liquid eyes, or a dolphin straight out of “Flipper”, many of us claim an affinity to these aquatic animals. In recent years, it has become possible to swim with dolphins in an enclosed facility, rather than by chance encounter with wild animals. Some places schedule regular swim sessions, while others include training tips in their programs. The opportunity to come close to a favourite exotic animal is a powerful motivation for visitors. But not everyone thinks it’s such a great idea. In general, public opinion seems to vary from a strict no-contact policy all the way to claims that swimming with dolphins can be beneficial.
A new study from Emory University argues that seeking treatment through dolphin contact may be highly problematic. Dolphin-assisted therapy (DAT) has become increasingly popular for a number of chronic mental and physical problems, from depression to spinal injuries. In particular, developmental disorders such as autism and Down syndrome have been targeted for this method. There are anecdotal stories about improvements and healing. However, there is no scientific evidence of any clear benefit.
Often with developmentally impaired children, swimming with the dolphins is used as an incentive to learn certain skills – so it is a reward rather than a direct treatment. The child gets to enter the water once a task is mastered. In other words, the powerful sensations of being in the water and interacting with a large mammal are exhilarating, lots of fun, and highly motivating. It has been not shown that dolphin contact specifically plays a role or that any effects are more than fleeting.
Encountering wild dolphins can be a thrill. This also may be true for swimming with dolphins in a facility. However, there are less pleasant incidents, ranging from inadvertent injuries to humans to aggressive bites, scratches, and broken bones. Dolphins may want to get away from people but be unable to find a quiet area. Being around humans in a confined water space may be highly stressful.
Dolphin-assisted therapy is expensive. It can cost more than a hundred dollars per hour, depending on the program, with multiple sessions advised. Another downside of DAT is the risk of injury or infection, both for the humans and for the dolphins. Many dolphin zoonoses can be transmitted to humans – and possibly vice versa.
In many countries, dolphins that take part in these programs are taken from the wild. While regulations prohibit the use of wild-caught animals in the US and Canada, such legislation is not in place elsewhere. Even European legislation is varied on this matter. Popular tourist destinations may offer swimming-with-dolphin experiences, but the participants may have been captured for this purpose. The capture process often leaves dead and injured animals, along with individuals removed to aquatic parks.
While it is tempting to pay and experience dolphins in the water, remember that it is an artificial scenario – the dolphins haven’t chosen to be there. So the results may be disappointing. There’s a lot to think about under the surface of this form of entertainment.
