DO NOT SWIM WITH THE DOLPHINS
Dolphins are often called "solitary sociables". They are drawn to humans and because of their vulnerability they wind up wounded and sometimes dead. Often times they will swim alongside boats and people will try to swim with them. Because of their frequent contacts with humans, they lose their natural caution, ultimately putting themselves at a greater risk for accidental and purposeful harm such as boat collisions, directed harm, vandalism, and harassment. This leads to their displays of aggressive and dominant behavior during human contact, putting themselves and humans in danger.
DOLPHIN ASSISTED THERAPY
“We believe this type of therapy is extremely expensive and potentially harmful to both people with autism and the dolphins. There is no good quality research to support its use and therefore we would urge people to exercise caution when considering such an undertaking.” Richard Mills, Research Autism.
The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society's research shows that:
-There is no scientific evidence to prove that the therapy is effective.
-There are no official standards or regulation governing the industry.
-Dolphins are removed from the wild to stock the growing number of DAT facilities, and this has both serious conservation and welfare implications for the animals.
-Both people and animals can be exposed to infection and injury when participating in DAT.
-DAT is extremely costly despite the lack of evidence of its success and there are other therapies available that are both cheaper and easier to obtain.
Dolphin Assisted Therapy (DAT) is an extremely controversial therapy that involves close interactions between humans and dolphins. DAT is used as a treatment for illness and disability.
The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society's research shows that:
-There is no scientific evidence to prove that the therapy is effective.
-There are no official standards or regulation governing the industry.
-Dolphins are removed from the wild to stock the growing number of DAT facilities, and this has both serious conservation and welfare implications for the animals.
-Both people and animals can be exposed to infection and injury when participating in DAT.
-DAT is extremely costly despite the lack of evidence of its success and there are other therapies available that are both cheaper and easier to obtain.
