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DOLPHINS IN CAPTIVITY. Taiji and the Tie to Captivity. ABOUT DOLPHINS. Dolphins are air breathing, warm-blooded marine mammals like us
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DOLPHINS IN CAPTIVITY Taiji and the Tie to Captivity
ABOUT DOLPHINS • Dolphins are air breathing, warm-blooded marine mammals like us • There are over 40 different species of dolphins, with bottlenose dolphins being the most common and well-known type of dolphin. Dolphins live in groups called pods, which can have over a thousand dolphins • Dolphins have their own “signature whistle” similar to how we have names
WHY ARE DOLPHINS SPECIAL? • They are highly intelligent, using tools and abstract problem-solving skills; they even recognize themselves in a mirror • Dolphins use a complex system of echolocation to navigate their surroundings and hunt their prey, which is like seeing with sound. They also have great eyesight • They have elaborate social networks and form close bonds with family and friends
WHAT HAPPENS IN TAIJI? • Taiji is a small fishing village in Japan • Each year, hunters spend 6 months of the year (September 1 through the end of February) searching for pods of wild dolphins • The dolphins are herded into a cove • Some will be chosen for captivity and sold • The rest may be killed, but are sometimes released • Some people eat dolphin meat, but it is toxic
LIFE IN CAPTIVITY • Wild dolphins don’t wear funny hats, jump through hoops, or clap their fins • In captivity they are deprived of food so they will perform these tricks • They are separated from their families and live in small bare tanks with no stimulation • Most dolphins in captivity have to take medicine every day because of stress • They may be aggressive and hurt each other or people
WHAT CAN YOU DO? • Take the Pledge! Don’t visit marine parks with captive marine mammals or swim with dolphins • Tell others what you know and ask them not to support captivity • Protect the ocean and the environment so dolphins and other animals have a safe place to live • Learn more at www.DolphinProject.com THANK YOU!