The Daily Post photo theme for the week is Evanescent and I have chosen to interpret this with the fleeting images of airborne dolphins we had at a child’s birthday party held today at Durban’s Sea World.
I know the subject of dolphin shows is controversial, with many saying they should be banned and that the dolphins should roam freely in the oceans. Countering this is the argument that generally these dolphins have been rescued and nursed back to health, and their subsequent release after being inevitably tamed as a result of rehabilitation would create danger for them as well as for ignorant bathers. There is also the increased life expectancy in captivity to be taken into account.
Another fact that cannot be denied is the part played by such institutions in educating the public. The ‘show’ mammals are ambassadors for their own kind.
In the case of a penguin show we also attended, there are no two ways about it that all of them would have died without rescue, and that release to dwindling safe habitats is problematic.
We also saw a seal performance, where many of the same arguments apply.
I loved viewing some old friends in the aquarium — sea horses from Knysna.
Colonialist's Blog 
I hope to be able to view Sea World, before something like them shutting theirs doors for good happens.
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Hopefully there will be no need for it to close as long as it is run responsibly, and funders and the public keep aware of how much good is done by such places in research and conservation.
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Sadly… we live in a world where uneducated people think they know more. 😦
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Always get hooked on a fine bit of alliteration; enjoyed the post too. Love the dolphins and would love them even more in the wild
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Thank you. I love seeing dolphins in the wild, too, but if these particular ones were in the wild there is a very strong chance they would no longer be extant to be seen.
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That I can believe
😦
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Great shots, Col. You argue your case very well, as always. 🙂
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I must admit to being delighted that I was able to time these shots on a mobile phone camera, and with very few ‘flops’ (literally, when all one got was the splash of re-entry!)
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A good advocacy
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I believe so. Thanks, Derrick.
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These mammals in captivity are happy and are worth far more for education, than dying when released back to their natural habitat… these are great captures… luv it Col
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The survival statistics of those released and monitored have been most disappointing, so that where the ability exists to give them a good life in captivity and at the same time raise awareness of environmental issues, it is a worthwhile option.
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I love to see these animals and their performances. My understanding is the dolphins love to perform thinking of it as play. I wish we understood these grand animals better. Hugs
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They do look forward to their performances (and the fish it earns them) and treat it all as fun. There is great depth in dolphins. They have amazing successes with troubled children. Indeed, in one case I was personally involved with (through Reach for a Dream Foundation) a child most definitely diagnosed as terminally ill turned the corner towards complete recovery after fulfilling a dream of having a session with the dolphins.
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I believe the people who work with these animals do wonderful things – and help children to understand the value of animals in our world in a small way.
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Beautifully said. I agree with Colline 100%.
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The impact isn’t that small, actually. When schools visit, as many do, the message is spread to the next generation with impressive ripple effects.
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