Library:Why are Bottlenose Dolphins Used in SeaWorld Shows (video)
WHY are Bottlenose Dolphins Used in SeaWorld Shows? discusses the intelligence of bottlenose dolphins and the unfortunate exploitation they face in the entertainment industry. Despite being considered the most intelligent among dolphins, their cognitive abilities, such as problem-solving and tool use, have led them to be used for entertainment purposes in aquariums worldwide.
The dolphins are trained through a combination of positive reinforcement and food deprivation to perform tricks, creating the illusion of happy animals in captivity. However, the reality for these dolphins is far from ideal, as their tanks cannot replicate the vast distances they cover in the wild, leading to various issues such as lack of stimulation, aggression, and sun exposure. There are an estimated 3,000 dolphins living in captivity globally.