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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to swim with dolphins?

98 replies

JacksWastedLife · 08/04/2015 21:34

We're going away soon and my family want to go swimming with dolphins, like captive ones. Am I a terrible person if I go along with this and we do it? I know people who would frown upon it but I also know people who have done it and said it was amazing. I am at loggerheads with myself. What I want to do and what I should do are different things..

OP posts:
Mrsstarlord · 08/04/2015 21:36

I wouldn't.

LaurieFairyCake · 08/04/2015 21:37

No, there is no justification for swimming with animals that should not be in captivity.

Yes, it would be amazing but it's not the right thing to do.

Ginmartini · 08/04/2015 21:38

You're clearly going to do it as your family all want to (and so do you) so...ya know...feel free to wring your hands on here to make you feel better about your decision...

Gileswithachainsaw · 08/04/2015 21:38

Please don't support captive whales and dolphins.

I'd love to swim with them but in the wild.

I recommend you watch a documentary called black fish. It's about whales but you get the idea behind captive whales and dolphins

MissMillament · 08/04/2015 21:38

I would not do it. It is really, really wrong. Do some research about the effects of captivity on dolphins and then ask yourself if you really want to take a share of the responsibility for allowing that to happen.

Salmotrutta · 08/04/2015 21:39

I'm always at a loss about why swimming with dolphins is "amazing".

What makes it amazing?

They shouldn't be in captivity - unless the tank is the size of a decent ocean.

I'm sure the Dolphins must derive such pleasure from swimming with humans... Hmm

fourteen · 08/04/2015 21:40

Where are you going?

Is there no possibility of seeing them in the wild?

Catsahoy · 08/04/2015 21:41

To be honest, there are places around the UK where you can be in the water with seals. It's bloody terrifying and amazing.

I just can't see the attraction of being in a swimming pool with a creature like that. It's so sad and cliched. I wouldn't.

But I know lots of folk really love the idea. Whatever, each to their own.

'Mon the dolphins Smile

monkeysaymoo · 08/04/2015 21:41

Suggest you watch Blackfish and then if you can still bring yourself to support this practice of captive animals for human enjoyment then carry on.

I will never take my children to the likes of seaworld

meglet · 08/04/2015 21:41

yabu. poor dolphins being herded into swimming with people.

it's not the same creature, but watch Blackfish and you will never want to see a captive dolphin or orca again.

Salmotrutta · 08/04/2015 21:42

I'd be delighted to go and observe them in the wild mind you.

Why do humans think Dolphins want to swim with them? Has anyone asked them...

EveDallas · 08/04/2015 21:42

I have swam with 'tamed' dolphins (they lived free but were called back each day - up to them if they came in, the show was regularly cancelled when they didn't) and would never swim with captive dolphins. There is no good reason to keep them in tanks for our amusement.

Don't do it.

Tobagostreet · 08/04/2015 21:42

The fact that you're worried about being a 'terrible person' by considering it, says that you know that it's probably morally wrong.

In my opinion it's a personal decision. I won't judge you. Are you worried that others will? Does their opinion matter that much to you? Could you enjoy it, being so worried about it maybe not being the right thing?

For clarity, I've done it in the past (before I watched Blackfish) it was ok, not amazing. I won't ever do it again.

MaryWithoutMungoAndMidge · 08/04/2015 21:43

I wouldn't. It's disgusting how these animals are trapped for human 'enjoyment'. It's just selfish IMO. Watch Blackfish and see how whales and dolphins are psychologically damaged by being in captivity.

I have been to watch wild dolphins and it's amazing to see them.

Original poster
JacksWastedLife · 08/04/2015 21:44

I think I just wanted people to talk me out of it. As it's something I think I should do because of my family, but something I don't want to do because of the cruelty behind it.

I went to see a dolphin show when I was younger and went away with a friend and her mum, and it made me cry because I felt sorry for the dolphins though I'm not sure why exactly as I had never read into anything about cruelty/captivity I was a naive 14 year old.

OP posts:
MaryWithoutMungoAndMidge · 08/04/2015 21:48

but something I don't want to do because of the cruelty behind it

It's more than cruel, it's barbaric. Educate your family. I certainly wouldn't be encouraging it with my children and I wouldn't go on holiday with anyone who thought it was ok to swim with captive animals.

Blarblarblar · 08/04/2015 21:49

Are they captive or are they rescue? I understand it's pretty unpleasant to use these creatures for our own ends stolen from the wild but I used to live on an island that rescued captive dolphins. The dolphins were taken out into the ocean daily followed the boat out and back and people would go out and dive and snorkel with them. I appreciate that this wasn't ideal for the creatures but they weren't able to be reabilitated and the experience was given along with a discussion on the need to protect wildlife etc. So I would find out the background of the org you are using if you have/want to.

Gileswithachainsaw · 08/04/2015 21:52

jacks

in case you missed it please watch BLACKFISH it's on netflix. or down load. get your family to watch too.

you honestly won't ever want to be a part of it. Flowers

Original poster
JacksWastedLife · 08/04/2015 21:57

I've just put Netflix on now. Thank you for your replies

OP posts:
keepsmiling2015 · 08/04/2015 22:26

I wouldn't get 'joy' out if it personally. It's up to you to decide if yabu.

PtolemysNeedle · 08/04/2015 22:31

Yes, you are a terrible person if you do it. Sorry.

Once you have realised the cruelty behind it and acknowledged the suffering that exists because of it, you can't then choose to support it without being a selfish and cruel person as well.

Blackfish is very informative, and The Cove is one that you should definitely watch too.

EchoOfADistantTide · 08/04/2015 22:33

Just in case it's Dubai you're going to, instead book a day trip to Musandam. It's a boat trip, probably no more expensive than swimming with dolphins, but the scenery is absolutely stunning and the dolphins are wild.
THAT'S amazing to see them swim alongside and underneath your boat then just piss off when they've had enough.

APMom · 08/04/2015 22:37

I swam with Fungi the dolphin in Kerry 21 years ago in the sea, he's wild and free and it was amazing but I'd never swim with captive dolphins. two eldest DDs are going to Florida in May and will not attend any Seaworld or dolphin trips.

LividofLondinium · 08/04/2015 22:53

Jacks, as others have said, please don't support the captive marine mammals industry. If you really want a dolphin experience go out in a boat and see them in the wild.

Nake99 · 08/04/2015 23:09

Hi Op,

I personally wouldnt after watching www.thecovemovie.com and blackfish. Im very far from being an animal activist but i wouldnt set foot in a place that held a dolphin or whale in captivity. The film 'the cove' is specifically about dolphins, so you should watch.