Swimming with Dolphins
Dec 16th, 2003, 05:09 AM
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Swimming with Dolphins
I'm going to Hawaii (10 days Maui, 2 days Oahu) for my honeymoon in March and really want to swim with dolphins. I've read that there is an aquarium in Oahu that offers it but it is quite pricey and they don't guarantee the dolphins will cooperate. Does anyone know of any other place where I can do this in Hawaii? Thanks!
Dec 16th, 2003, 05:45 AM
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Here is a link to dolphin quest for the Kahala Mandarin Oriental on Oahu.
http://www.dolphinquest.org/destinations/oahu/
Suggest donning flame resistant apparel as some fodorites object to interspecies interaction.
http://www.dolphinquest.org/destinations/oahu/
Suggest donning flame resistant apparel as some fodorites object to interspecies interaction.
Dec 16th, 2003, 08:20 AM
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Dolphins are trained by food depravation. If they are hungry, they will cooperate, just to get fed. NOT because they enjoy being penned up and being fed dead fish to do a few tricks and 'swim with you'. This is a very cruel industry. I wish you would reconsider.
You do know that OVER half of all dolphins captured for 'swim parks' that survive their violent capture will die within 90 days, right?
You do know that every seven years, half of all dolphins in captivity, whether captured or born in captivity die from capture shock, pneumonia, interstinal disease, ulcers, chlorine poisoning and other stress related illnesses, right? You do know that some even commit suicide, right? They hold their breaths until they suffocate because they can no longer stand the stress of capture confinment and doing tricks to get fed.
Please do some research. If you really love dolphins, you won't pay money to swim with them and keep this horrible industry alive so that more will be captured and die.
You do know that OVER half of all dolphins captured for 'swim parks' that survive their violent capture will die within 90 days, right?
You do know that every seven years, half of all dolphins in captivity, whether captured or born in captivity die from capture shock, pneumonia, interstinal disease, ulcers, chlorine poisoning and other stress related illnesses, right? You do know that some even commit suicide, right? They hold their breaths until they suffocate because they can no longer stand the stress of capture confinment and doing tricks to get fed.
Please do some research. If you really love dolphins, you won't pay money to swim with them and keep this horrible industry alive so that more will be captured and die.
Dec 16th, 2003, 08:39 AM
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JohnD is right, there have been plenty of heated debates about this in the past.
I believe that people can make up their own minds (whether in my opinion it happens to be the wrong decision they come to!). Unfortunately, I don't know anything about doing this in Hawaii but I found the attached link quite interesting reading when some of my friends wanted to do this:
http://www.dolphinproject.org/index.cfm
I believe that people can make up their own minds (whether in my opinion it happens to be the wrong decision they come to!). Unfortunately, I don't know anything about doing this in Hawaii but I found the attached link quite interesting reading when some of my friends wanted to do this:
http://www.dolphinproject.org/index.cfm
Dec 16th, 2003, 08:44 AM
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I am no greenpeace fanatic, but the first time I saw one of those swim with dolphins set ups in the Caribbean I was disgusted beyond words.
These programs are just plain cruel.
Dolphins are beautiful, gentle, highly intelligent animals and if you are insightful you'll see exactly what all the fuss is about.
You don't have to look very far benerath the circus veneer to figure out what's really going on with these dolphins.
These programs are just plain cruel.
Dolphins are beautiful, gentle, highly intelligent animals and if you are insightful you'll see exactly what all the fuss is about.
You don't have to look very far benerath the circus veneer to figure out what's really going on with these dolphins.
Dec 16th, 2003, 08:57 AM
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I would ask you to please reconsider the dolphin swim. They are incredibly cruel. I did it once and was sorry ever since. No matter how clean or nice it looks, more than half of the dolphins die within 60 to 90 days of capture.
In order to make an informed decision, please visit:
http://dolphinproject.org/
http://www.hsus.org/ace/11727
(The second site is the Humane Society of the United States' position on SWTD programs.)
In order to make an informed decision, please visit:
http://dolphinproject.org/
http://www.hsus.org/ace/11727
(The second site is the Humane Society of the United States' position on SWTD programs.)
Dec 16th, 2003, 10:01 AM
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While I have heard horror stories about the dolphin swims in the Carribean, and I would never consider participating in one there, I think that most would agree that the experience for humans and dolphins are quite different in Hawaii. My son participated in a dolphin encounter at the Hilton Waikaloa village. I recall that the dolphins were long term residence. It was very well supervised with many trainers in the water and a lecture prior to entering the water about appropriate behavior. The dolphin encounter at Florida's Seaworld also has a good reputation. The fact that the facility in Oahu can't guarantee cooperation seems to be a very positive thing. If the dolphin doesn't want to participate, he won't and that is okay.
Dec 16th, 2003, 10:13 AM
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A related link considering the above:
http://www.susanscott.net/OceanWatch2000/apr17-00.html
http://www.susanscott.net/OceanWatch2000/apr17-00.html
Dec 16th, 2003, 10:14 AM
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Consider this one. When on Kona several years ago we went out on a sailboat with several other couples. During the sail we had some dolphins come up beside the boat. We were in about 200 feet of water. The captain encouraged us to don snorkel gear and go for a swim. A short while later (while looking into the depths) we saw a number of dolphin headed right for us. I had an underwater camera and took many pictures. Two came right to me (wearing a half wet suit) and hung up on either side of me. The one on the left came close and nudged me. It turned out to be the most exciting thing that has happened to me on several trips to Hawaii. I am hoping to repeat this adventure another year. This was positively not a "forced" action for the dolphins -- they were completely wild and we were in open ocean and it was their choice. What a thrill!
Dec 16th, 2003, 10:22 AM
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DawnCt,
There is no way to tell if a dolphin is a 'long time residence' in any park, because when they die, they often give the replacement the same name. They can't be telling people that the dolphins die, so this is a 'new' one, can they? Fact is dolphins in the wild can live to be 40-45 years old. A report at www.captivitystinks.org shows that of the 31 dolphins they have had at the Dolphin Research Center in Florida, only 8 lived to be 18 years old, 3 lived to 10 years, 7 lived to 5 years and 13 lived less than one year. The experience for the humans and dolphins is no better in Hawaii.
And no matter how many trainers they have, the dolphins are STILL captive, are still trained by food depravation and suffer the same fate as all mammals in captivity. Same with Florida. Of course they will give a lecture about appropriate behavior, etc, as they are wild animals and are VERY strong. None the less, accidents do happen. There was a recent article of a woman in a swim program in Cancun that was hurt by a dolphin penning her up against the pool's wall. I'm very happy your son had a good experience, but was it worth the animals death? I think not.
There is no way to tell if a dolphin is a 'long time residence' in any park, because when they die, they often give the replacement the same name. They can't be telling people that the dolphins die, so this is a 'new' one, can they? Fact is dolphins in the wild can live to be 40-45 years old. A report at www.captivitystinks.org shows that of the 31 dolphins they have had at the Dolphin Research Center in Florida, only 8 lived to be 18 years old, 3 lived to 10 years, 7 lived to 5 years and 13 lived less than one year. The experience for the humans and dolphins is no better in Hawaii.
And no matter how many trainers they have, the dolphins are STILL captive, are still trained by food depravation and suffer the same fate as all mammals in captivity. Same with Florida. Of course they will give a lecture about appropriate behavior, etc, as they are wild animals and are VERY strong. None the less, accidents do happen. There was a recent article of a woman in a swim program in Cancun that was hurt by a dolphin penning her up against the pool's wall. I'm very happy your son had a good experience, but was it worth the animals death? I think not.
Dec 16th, 2003, 10:44 AM
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JohnD,
I found many things about Susan's article disturbing.
First, she is comparing dolphins to domesticated dogs. Dolphins are NOT domesticated animals. Even if they are born in the parks, they are still born with the same physiological characteristics as those of their wild co-species. Confinment violates a dolphin's most fundamental behavioral requirements, regardless of whether the dolphin was captured from the wild or born in captivity.
Second, the dolphins smile cannot be changed. That is the way they are, but look behind the dolphin smile and they are not happy in captivity.
She says she watched them in their pool, barely moving. Of course! What else can they do? In the wild they swim many, many miles each day, exploring their world, playing, and feeding. Where can they go in their 'pool' that has already been explored a hundred times and nothing changes. They can't even feed themselves, as the only time they are fed is when they are 'rewarded' for doing their tricks. That is why the dolphins got so excited when the trainers come around. They are looking for FOOD, not friendship.
As far as rest periods, that is a mandatory rule brought on by government, not by the parks. The fact is, the 'playtime' is stressful for the dolphins so the parks in the US HAVE to give the dolphins at least a two hour rest period per day. Unfortunately, other countries don't have these regulations. Most likely, the dolphins that seemed to want to get out and play were just still hungry.
I found many things about Susan's article disturbing.
First, she is comparing dolphins to domesticated dogs. Dolphins are NOT domesticated animals. Even if they are born in the parks, they are still born with the same physiological characteristics as those of their wild co-species. Confinment violates a dolphin's most fundamental behavioral requirements, regardless of whether the dolphin was captured from the wild or born in captivity.
Second, the dolphins smile cannot be changed. That is the way they are, but look behind the dolphin smile and they are not happy in captivity.
She says she watched them in their pool, barely moving. Of course! What else can they do? In the wild they swim many, many miles each day, exploring their world, playing, and feeding. Where can they go in their 'pool' that has already been explored a hundred times and nothing changes. They can't even feed themselves, as the only time they are fed is when they are 'rewarded' for doing their tricks. That is why the dolphins got so excited when the trainers come around. They are looking for FOOD, not friendship.
As far as rest periods, that is a mandatory rule brought on by government, not by the parks. The fact is, the 'playtime' is stressful for the dolphins so the parks in the US HAVE to give the dolphins at least a two hour rest period per day. Unfortunately, other countries don't have these regulations. Most likely, the dolphins that seemed to want to get out and play were just still hungry.
Dec 16th, 2003, 11:40 AM
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Reply to Ally,
I suspect this is a waste of time and apologize as it is unrelated to travel, but I think intelligent animals can adapt to their environment and am not convinced that dolphins in the wild are so much better off with propellors, sharks, parasites, and disease to contend with, especially when I think about the wild dogs or malnourished and diseased cats I have adopted and increased the lifespan of. Also, I do not think it is fair to lump all organizations involved with human&animal interactions into a simple black and white issue.
I suspect this is a waste of time and apologize as it is unrelated to travel, but I think intelligent animals can adapt to their environment and am not convinced that dolphins in the wild are so much better off with propellors, sharks, parasites, and disease to contend with, especially when I think about the wild dogs or malnourished and diseased cats I have adopted and increased the lifespan of. Also, I do not think it is fair to lump all organizations involved with human&animal interactions into a simple black and white issue.
Dec 16th, 2003, 11:56 AM
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Believe me animals DO NOT need human intervention to ensure their survival......all humans ever end up doing is creating the imbalance of most species.
I used to work at DolphinQuest - trust me, the last thing they care about is the wellbeing of these helpless creatures. Sadly, anyone that supports rodeos, the circus, and captive dolphin shows doesn't really give a damn about any of these creatures that have been subjected to a cruel and sad existence merely for the entertainment of selfish humans and their SPOILED brats!!!!
I used to work at DolphinQuest - trust me, the last thing they care about is the wellbeing of these helpless creatures. Sadly, anyone that supports rodeos, the circus, and captive dolphin shows doesn't really give a damn about any of these creatures that have been subjected to a cruel and sad existence merely for the entertainment of selfish humans and their SPOILED brats!!!!
Dec 16th, 2003, 12:10 PM
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Dolphins in these so called swim programs also are exposed to human germs and diseases which shorten their life spans. And why would Hawaii be any different than the Carribean? They are exploiting animals just like the Carribean and making a profit off of their misery.
Another thing which I totally don't get is Greyhound racing. I watched a National Geographic special on Greyhounds the other day and was appalled at the conidtions they were kept in and bred, not to mention the fact that if they don't win money they are euthanised. They showed healthy 2 year old greyhounds being put to sleep because they weren't fast enough, then they were thrown onto the bed of a truck filled with dead dogs. Turned my stomach.
Another thing which I totally don't get is Greyhound racing. I watched a National Geographic special on Greyhounds the other day and was appalled at the conidtions they were kept in and bred, not to mention the fact that if they don't win money they are euthanised. They showed healthy 2 year old greyhounds being put to sleep because they weren't fast enough, then they were thrown onto the bed of a truck filled with dead dogs. Turned my stomach.
Dec 16th, 2003, 12:27 PM
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JohnD,
Adopting a wild dog or cat IS making their life better. Taking a free ranging wild animal from the wild is not. Marine parks maintain that they enhance the lives of marine mammals in captivity by protecting them from the rigors of the natural environment. The truth is that marine mammals have evolved physically and behaviorally to survive these rigors. For example, nearly every kind of marine mammal, from sea lions to dolphins, travel large distances daily in search of food. In captivity, natural feeding and foraging patterns are completely lost. Stereotyped behaviors, such as pacing and self-mutilation, and abnormal aggression toward conspecifics and humans frequently develop in predators denied the opportunity to forage. Other natural behaviors, such as those associated with dominance, mating and maternal care are altered significantly in captivity. Captive marine mammals gradually experience the atrophy of many natural behaviors. Viewing captive animals gives people a false picture of the animals 'natural' life. Worse yet, it desensitizes people to captivities inherent cruelties. For virtually all of the captive marine mammal population, the world is a tiny enclosure and life is devoid of naturalness.
As for disease, the dolphins in these parks do not have a 'natural' LIVE fish diet. Their food has to be heavily fortified with vitamins and antibiotics. These antibiotics can cause a fungus growth (just as some antibiotics can cause a yeast infection in women) that will literally rot the dolphin from inside-out. That would never happen in the wild. Sharks are a natural predators, but the only other real problems that free marine mammals have are pollution and tuna nets. Both of which are caused by man. Taking a few of these mammals and putting them in captivity is NOT going to help with these problems.
Adopting a wild dog or cat IS making their life better. Taking a free ranging wild animal from the wild is not. Marine parks maintain that they enhance the lives of marine mammals in captivity by protecting them from the rigors of the natural environment. The truth is that marine mammals have evolved physically and behaviorally to survive these rigors. For example, nearly every kind of marine mammal, from sea lions to dolphins, travel large distances daily in search of food. In captivity, natural feeding and foraging patterns are completely lost. Stereotyped behaviors, such as pacing and self-mutilation, and abnormal aggression toward conspecifics and humans frequently develop in predators denied the opportunity to forage. Other natural behaviors, such as those associated with dominance, mating and maternal care are altered significantly in captivity. Captive marine mammals gradually experience the atrophy of many natural behaviors. Viewing captive animals gives people a false picture of the animals 'natural' life. Worse yet, it desensitizes people to captivities inherent cruelties. For virtually all of the captive marine mammal population, the world is a tiny enclosure and life is devoid of naturalness.
As for disease, the dolphins in these parks do not have a 'natural' LIVE fish diet. Their food has to be heavily fortified with vitamins and antibiotics. These antibiotics can cause a fungus growth (just as some antibiotics can cause a yeast infection in women) that will literally rot the dolphin from inside-out. That would never happen in the wild. Sharks are a natural predators, but the only other real problems that free marine mammals have are pollution and tuna nets. Both of which are caused by man. Taking a few of these mammals and putting them in captivity is NOT going to help with these problems.
Dec 16th, 2003, 12:31 PM
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As far as dolphins are concerned, no 'dolphin swim' will ever compare to seeing them in the wild. I've seen them by the thousands and it is a thrill every time.
I don't think anyone is making up the fact that keeping these wonderful beautiful amazing animals in captivity is shortening their lifespan. Believe it, don't support it. It is illegal in most states to have dolphins in captivity.
buckeymom, along with greyhounds, did you realize 50,000 thoroughbred race horses are put to death each year?
These are senseless horrible stupid cruel deaths.
I don't think anyone is making up the fact that keeping these wonderful beautiful amazing animals in captivity is shortening their lifespan. Believe it, don't support it. It is illegal in most states to have dolphins in captivity.
buckeymom, along with greyhounds, did you realize 50,000 thoroughbred race horses are put to death each year?
These are senseless horrible stupid cruel deaths.
Dec 16th, 2003, 12:33 PM
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SintraX,
I'm producing a documentary on captive dolphins. I would LOVE to film you about your experience with Dolphin Quest. Let me know if you'd be willing to participate. It's a Non-Profit, so I can't pay you, but we can mask your face out if you wanted to remain anonymous.
Buckeyemom, I TOTALLY agree about the Greyhounds. Despicable!
I'm producing a documentary on captive dolphins. I would LOVE to film you about your experience with Dolphin Quest. Let me know if you'd be willing to participate. It's a Non-Profit, so I can't pay you, but we can mask your face out if you wanted to remain anonymous.
Buckeyemom, I TOTALLY agree about the Greyhounds. Despicable!
Dec 16th, 2003, 01:15 PM
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I didn't realize that many thoroughbreds were put down every year. I lived in Lexington, KY for a number of years and I know that that is big business down there and the smaller farms are getting gobbled up by huge conglormorates. Like the Greyhounds they can only adopt out so many. It's really a shame. I know the Amish here in Ohio buy a lot of the harness horses who can no longer race to use as buggy horses.
Dec 16th, 2003, 01:53 PM
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Reply to Ally,
I can agree that human activity poses the greatest immediate threat to dolphins, but also think that the limited number of dolphin interactions raise awareness (not many people have an opportunity to see a dolphin in the wild) and go farther at promoting concern for other life on the planet that would for example stop Flipper from ending up on a dinner plate (still OK with some cultures and I would speculate a significant more number end up in nets than in dolphin interaction programs) and may help prevent people from tossing mercury down the drain or in common refuse.
With regard to free ranging, I think a wild animal that had a choice of food nearby versus ranging and burning calories for food far away (& perhaps less time for mating) does not make biological sense.
I am not informed of nutritional
differences between dead versus live fish but suggest pondering about how the live fish being eaten by the dolphin feels.
I can agree that human activity poses the greatest immediate threat to dolphins, but also think that the limited number of dolphin interactions raise awareness (not many people have an opportunity to see a dolphin in the wild) and go farther at promoting concern for other life on the planet that would for example stop Flipper from ending up on a dinner plate (still OK with some cultures and I would speculate a significant more number end up in nets than in dolphin interaction programs) and may help prevent people from tossing mercury down the drain or in common refuse.
With regard to free ranging, I think a wild animal that had a choice of food nearby versus ranging and burning calories for food far away (& perhaps less time for mating) does not make biological sense.
I am not informed of nutritional
differences between dead versus live fish but suggest pondering about how the live fish being eaten by the dolphin feels.
