Statistics and Facts of Dolphin Captivity

1. In the United States alone, according to figures from the US National Marine Fisheries Service, over 2300 bottle-nosed dolphins were captured for display purposes between 1972 and 1994 in the USA.
2. 53% of those dolphins who survive the violent capture die within 90 days.
3. The average lifespan of a dolphin in the wild is 45 years.
4. Half of ALL captured dolphins die within the first two years of captivity.
5. The other half live an average of only 5 years.
6. Every 7 years half of all dolphins in captivity die from capture shock, pneumonia, intestinal disease, ulcers, chlorine poisoning, and other stress related illnesses.  The captive dolphin industry accepts these losses as routine operating expenses.  Which is why supporting places like the GA Aquarium, other aquariums who house cetaceans and parks like Sea World only helps those out to make money from their display of these mammals. 
7. Dolphinariums want you to believe that their mission is to protect dolphins in the wild through "research" and "public education".  When in fact the only research going on is how can they keep these mammals alive longer so they can make more money!
8. The GA Aquarium is getting ready to launch the opening of their dolphinarium on April 2, 2011.  They have chose to ignore the facts of dolphin captivity and in doing so, chose murder of the mammals we so dearly love and enjoy. 

If you truly love dolphins and whales, you will give up watching them in captivity.  DON'T BUY A TICKET TO ANY OF THESE PLACES!  BUYING A TICKET ONLY HELPS THOSE WHO ARE ALREADY SWIMMING IN THEIR FILTHY MONEY!

More FACTS and STATISTICS later!

Why I've Created This BLOG

The GA Aquarium is getting ready to open their long awaited dolphin exhibit under the misconception that they are helping to educate the public on conservation and preservation of some of the most intelligent mammals on our planet, dolphins!  Why, then if not for conservation and preservation?  $$$MONEY$$$  Pure and simple, money is the driving motivation for the aquariums and other facilities like it.  The aquarium officials will tell you that the dolphins they are about to display are "born in captivity".  That may be true, I don't know.  But what I do know is that there has never been a dolphin cloned, therefore somewhere down the line dolphins had to have been captured from the wild.  Taken from their pod, their lifetime family, and sold into slavery for the sole purpose of our entertainment.

Let me be clear on a couple of things....I am not a vegetarian and in no way am I associated with PETA or any other animal rights activist groups.  I'm just someone who loves dolphins and whales and have had a connection within me my whole life for these incredibly intelligent mammals.  I had season passes to the aquarium for three years and went to many SeaWorld and other such shows for most of my life.  It wasn't until last summer when I watch the much publicized documentary "The Cove" with Ric O'Barry (Flipper's trainer), that I realized why I know it is wrong to place cetaceans in captivity for our enjoyment.  It hurts to know what I know, it means I will probably never again see a dolphin unless I have a chance to see them in the wild or pictures in books, but I love them enough to give them up!  Through this BLOG, my hope is that you too will come to the realization that captivity of all cetaceans is wrong and that you will be educated by the material that I post on this site. 

I'm new to this BLOG stuff, so bare with me as I learn and post.

To start, I would suggest that you watch the documentary "The Cove".

Next, go to http://www.youtube.com/ and put in a search for "Taiji Why? Follow the Money" 

And after that, if you feel led to help out with my fight against captivation of cetaceans, write a letter to the GA Aquarium and let them know how you feel about their new money making adventure.  You can contact them at www.georgiaaquarium.org/contact.aspx

There are also several protests being organized.  If you live in or near the Atlanta area, and want to get involved in a peaceful way, let me know and I will get the information to you!  Join me in not supporting these facilities with one more red cent!