Now that The Cove won the Oscar, you all need to go to Facebook, search The Cove, and sign the petition. If you haven't already that is.

What ever is that?

If you watch The Cove, you won't want to visit Sea World anymore. Don't support the Japanese dolphin drive fisheries.

I never did want to visit it in the first place

First off, I totally respect your opinion Delfi, as what I'm about to say is my opinion as well. I just feel that I need to voice my thoughts since you voiced yours. I truly care for the species. I have thought of dolphins as special and amazing creatures since I was a child, and I can agree with you when it comes to parks that resort to bringing in animals from the wild instead of raising captive-born animals. However, U.S. parks have not done this for almost two decades, nor can they or we be responsible for the actions of all the independent parks and people in other countries. Why is it always the U.S.'s fault for all the problems in the world? People are only responsible for themselves and not for the actions of others, even if those actions are terrible.

I ask that you look at the other side of the issue. Parks like this are like the Zoos. They allow the public to see and interact with these amazing creatures in an up-close and personal manner in a controlled environment. Regardless of whether or not the animals just perform simple "tricks" for the public, this exposure brings people closer to dolphins and animals in general. That is a good thing in the fact that we tend to protect what we feel connected to. Without that exposure and public concern, the already brutal and terrible dolphin hunts could be much more prolific in many other countries around the world.

If parks like Seaworld, Discovery Cove, and Marineland did not exist, where people gain an appreciation and bond with tame animals in a safe environment, tourists and sightseers would most likely end up infringing more and more into dolphin's natural habitats just to see them in person. It's humanity's nature. It is the same situation with Zoos... sightseeing tours of the savanna would very likely become much more prevalent if it was the only way people could see Zebras, Lions, and Giraffes. This would further harm these species and their habitat, as would increased boat tours of dolphin pods and migration paths. Which situation is better for the species as a whole?

I like to consider these animals to be ambassadors to humanity. They interact with people in order to help raise awareness for the entire species. Isn't that better than no interaction or connection at all?

I know I made a logical fallacy. Of course it is illegal for Sea World to take wild dolphins. Sea World makes a good target because of their size and rumored practices (i. e. phins not eating unless they perform). Most people do only see dolphins in marine parks which is unfortunate. I do know that a lot of a good science has come out of captive dolphins. Phoenix and Akeakami probably did more for dolphins than Flipper ever did. And lets not forget Louis Herman's and John Lilly's language studies on dolphins. My beef then is with the dolphinariums that do take wild dolphins away from their families. The whole thing is distasteful, brutal, barbaric, and proof that we are not ready for contact with extraterrestrials. My beef with Sea World stems from a 1993 visit to Sea World San Antonio and the simple fact that, at the time, they had 14 dolphins crowded into the pool near the entrance with no escape from the crowds. The depression I could see in their eyes has stuck with me.

I enjoy seeing dolphins in the wild. Every time I go down to Galveston, I try to get a ride on the ferries to spot for dolphins. last time, seeing a small group playing around the ferry dock as if waiting for us was, to me, a real treat.

Thanks for clarifying Delfi...I did not mean to insult with my remarks; I just wanted to make sure the topic was focused on the parties directly involved with the dolphin hunts. Also as I said before, I totally agree with you on the parks that take animals from the wild... There is absolutely no need to do so these days. As for your experience with San Antonio, I have never been there and so I cannot remark about that... if they were depressed then that is sad to hear.

However, I have participated in numerous behind the scenes tours and interactions at Seaworld Orlando and Discovery Cove over the past nine years. Although I do think that the "performance for food" issue may have been the case early in the history of marine parks, I have talked with many trainers personally to learn about their training practices because I hope to work with dolphins myself in some capacity. They have each assured me that that is no longer the case, and have said that if an animal does not feel like participating they do not force it to. They have learned from those early years that force does not work...it's basic psychology. The dolphin will still get its food later regardless of its participation, it is just that they do not want to "encourage" the dolphin's non-participation at that time. I have actually had hands-on experience a couple of times with dolphins that did not feel like participating. The trainer just let that dolphin do what it wanted and called in another animal to work with. I have also toured the fish preparation area of both parks. They have the feeding requirements written out in detail for each animal, as well as feeding times, all broken down into several portions. They track throughout the day how much each animal has consumed. What you see in each bucket is maybe 15-20% of their daily food. If they don't get it then, the trainers make note of that and give it to them later.

My family has worked with horses for more than 20 years (another amazing animal by the way), so I have already had a lot of experience with animal care in my life. It is just my personal experience, but from what I have seen, those parks take exceptional care of their animals. (In fact, on my most recent behind the scenes visit, the trainer showed me that they actually have bins of toys that they give the dolphins after hours to play with, and that occasionally they even have water-gun battles with the dolphins! They say the dolphins absolutely love these "water battles" and actively try to splash the trainers back. It amazes me that they understand the concept of "play" so well.)

I agree with you on the importance of John Lilly’s work. I hope that through all of the work people have done with dolphins over the years, in the parks as well as outside of them, we as a species begin to appreciate how intelligent and impressive dolphins and all animals really are. People can easily dismiss their own brutality when they have no bond to others…it is the same response whether that “other” is a person or an animal. When we learn to appreciate the uniqueness of the individual, all individuals, that is when we will be ready for the stars.

I’m glad to hear that you have had some enjoyable encounters with these animals as well. Some of my favorite memories in life are being able to interact with them as they swim next to you in the water; I would recommend that experience to anyone. They are amazing creatures, aren’t they?

Dolphins are one of the few species that extend play into adulthood. I have only ever seen dolphins from the deck of a boat or, once, at a marine park. I have yet to even touch one much less swim with one. And yet I love them "warts and all." Ironically, I have been infatuated with dolphins since watching Flipper (who was obviously smarter than the Porters) as a child.

If it's something you are interested in, you really should think about participating in a dolphin or beluga interaction somewhere at least once; even if it is only to "touch one with your own hand". Definitely take advantage of the times we live in while they last... Few people in history have been able to experience half of what we are capable of doing. If you already think dolphins are cool from a distance, I'm sure you will have an even greater appreciation after being face to face with one. It will also give you a small glimpse of their personality first-hand. (Unfortunately, I can tell it will also make the dolphin and whale hunts portrayed in The Cove and other documentaries even more disturbing and sad for you, as you'll personally experience just how intelligent they really are... it is one of the reasons why those events as well as the current gulf oil spill bother me so much! )

I have heard that dolphin skin is smooth and rubbery, but would like to feel for myself at the dolphin's discretion of course. Touching mind to mind would also be awesome. I am already pissed off about the cove and what goes on there with the Japanese government's knowledge because I know that dolphins are intelligent, self-aware creatures and that makes the dolphin slaughter genocide to me. We want so much to contact alien intelligences so much that we spend millions scanning the skies for signals when there are intelligences right here and all we need to do is figure out their languages. Of course I am preaching to the converted.

I live in Texas. We feel for our neighbors in Louisiana. I worry about the dolphins in the area. If any members of those pods were old enough to remember any oil spills, then I hope they had the sense to leave. Finding oil in your research pens would kind of screw things up along with vet bills and reduced tourism (as that is what the Keys thrive on).