ABUSE in MARINE MAMMAL PARKS
- Many of the marine mammals captured in the wild will die due to the stress and shock of being captured.
- Capturing one orca will disrupt the entire pod and its social structure. Often orcas will see their companion being captured and will follow the boat for many miles.
- Whales and dolphins are used to traveling 35 to 100 miles a day in the wild; however, in captivity they are held in tanks 24 x 24 feet wide and only 6 feet deep. Animals will swim a few strokes before bumping into a wall; therefore, they are forced to swim in circles.
- Trainers withhold food to force the animals to learn and perform tricks.
- Dorsal fin collapse, skin peeling due to over-chlorination, eye irritation, and death are all common occurrences within marine mammal parks.
- In the wild, orcas can live between 50 to 90 years of age. In captivity, many die within the first 10 years. In the wild, dolphins can live between 25 and 50 years. In captivity, many die within the first two years.
“During my tenure at Marine World, I witnessed animals hit so hard as to cause welts and bruises on them. . . . The animals became terrified of their handlers. They weren't properly trained and were just afraid of getting beaten.”
-Melissa Hindman, former Marine World keeper
-Melissa Hindman, former Marine World keeper
abuse in circuses
- Trainers use whips, tight collars, muzzles, electric prods, bullhooks and other painful tools to force animals to perform.
- Since 2000, more than 35 dangerous incidents have occurred. This includes elephants bolting from circuses, running among the streets, crashing into buildings, attacking members of the public, and being killed or injured by handlers.
- 96% of a circus animal’s life is spent in chains or cages.
- Every major circus has violated the minimal standards of care set forth by the United States Animal Welfare Act.
- Since 1990, there have been over 120 lion attacks.
- Animals resort to destructive behaviors such as bobbing, swaying, and rocking due to extreme stress.
- Circuses travel about 48 weeks a year. During travel, animals spend about 23 hours a day in a cage.