Even in SeaWorld’s Backyard, Voters Want Dolphins Out of Marine Parks

Could California be next in line to ban breeding dolphins for human amusement? After learning how dolphins are confined to shallow tanks and subjected to invasive breeding practices at SeaWorld, California voters overwhelmingly say they would back reform.

We Asked Californians What They Think About Dolphins at Marine Parks

A new poll commissioned by PETA shows that a majority of voters in the San Diego metro area—home to SeaWorld San Diego—support banning the breeding, import, export, and use of dolphins for entertainment after they learn about the cruelty of marine parks. Support climbs even higher statewide.

The poll, conducted by Embold Research, surveyed more than 1,200 registered voters in California, and found that:

• 77% support banning the breeding, import, export, and use of dolphins for entertainment after learning about the living conditions for dolphins at SeaWorld, the forced breeding practices, and the small percentage of profits that SeaWorld spends on its conservation fund.
• 74% want dolphins moved from marine parks to seaside sanctuaries.
• A majority said they are concerned about SeaWorld’s forced breeding, tank conditions, and lack of meaningful conservation contributions.

Dolphins Suffer in Marine Parks Like SeaWorld

In nature, dolphins choose their own mates, swim up to 60 miles a day, and form long-lasting friendships within their pods. But when imprisoned at marine parks like SeaWorld, dolphins are forced into incompatible social groups in cramped, concrete enclosures where they’re unable to escape conflicts with other frustrated animals. At SeaWorld parks across the U.S., over 130 dolphins are crammed into just seven small tanks.

When exploited for SeaWorld’s dolphin breeding program, their lack of autonomy is even more glaring. Workers masturbate male bottlenose dolphins for semen collection, and restrain and sometimes drug females before inserting tubes filled with semen into their uteruses.

The Tide Is Turning Against Dolphin Exploiters Worldwide

Momentum is building on a global scale against using dolphins for human entertainment. In recent years:

• The Miami Seaquarium closed after more than 50 years.
• Mexico enacted a sweeping ban on marine mammal breeding and dolphin performances.
• There are nationwide bans on dolphin breeding and confinement for entertainment in Canada and France.

To help dolphins and other marine animals, refuse to support their abuse. Please don’t visit marine parks, and never buy tickets to roadside zoos or shady aquariums that keep ocean animals in extreme captivity. Instead, join PETA in urging SeaWorld and other exploitative facilities to release the animals to seaside sanctuaries.