SeaWorld, Orlando.

Recently, I had the pleasure of talking to a friend about her recent experiences at SeaWorld, Orlando.
I found her pictures amazing, and asked if I could use them here on my blog... because I felt that they really captured the true life of a dolphin in captivity.

When asked about her experience at the park, her answers were so insightful. While I hope to make it SeaWorld Orlando and the big park on my list... the Miami SeaAquarium, sometime this year... I will take with me these observations. I am soaking up everything like a sponge this year. These pictures really put together what I saw at SeaWorld, San Diego, (that same week!) and what Robyn saw at SeaWorld, Orlando hand in hand. Look for my blog on San Diego... coming soon to see what I mean.

Thank you Robyn, for sharing your story and your pictures with me. Your pictures, amazing. Thank you for answering my questions, and taking the time to listen to me talk about my passion. 

On to what I learned from Robyn's pictures....
[All pictures courtesy & copyright of Robyn Beals, 2010.]

These pictures Robyn got of the tank were AWESOME. It was stated that this is the tank that the pod stays in all the time. Now, I'm not able to tell the dimensions of the tank, or how many dolphins are in the pod- but you can just tell by the pictures... look how small the tank is! Robyn said from her observations, "it didn't seem deep enough". I would definitely have to agree with her there. In some of these pics, the dolphins look like they are swimming practically on top of one another.

Next, she got some GREAT close up shots of the dolphins. I asked about the teeth of the dolphins, because recently, I have heard about the "not so great" dental care that marine animals receive at these parks. Robyn stated that it was interesting I had asked her about that, because she asked about [their teeth], and was told that they start to break down due to age. Then why is it that in the wild, you will see a dolphin that lives to be 20+ years older than the oldest dolphin in captivity with teeth? When I post my blog about my trip to San Diego, I will post what they said about dental care there. They were totally honest, and it really made me mad to learn that the rumors I heard... were true, at least in San Diego. (I ALWAYS check with staff before posting actual facts about specific parks I have been to, BTW). I think this by Robyn pic says it all.

When I was in San Diego, the lower jaw on the dolphins I was with, was almost absent- pretty much worn down to the jaw bone. The upper teeth still intact, but not like they should be. When I saw this pic that Robyn took, I was in shock at the tooth loss, at both upper and lower. I wonder what the age of this dolphin is.

Robyn mentioned that they were given "dolphin candy" to feed the dolphins- what I noticed in the pics to be small fish and the like. So many times, dolphin's food is filled with Mallox, and other stomach meds to relieve the dolphin's stomach issues due to stress. ["The Cove". 2009. ]

I'd like to end with what Robyn said about her trip, because I think it sums up how many people, including myself in some aspects, feel about these wonderful creatures.

"My only question for all of this is why do they have them in captivity in the first place? (removed) had said that with sea world they are huge at saving these sea animals and help them but to have all them in such a cramped space to live seems to me the opposite of what they are saying they do for them. I know that they are well fed as in little fish that was ref to as "dolphin candy" and to me that doesn't sound healthy enough. I honestly have no idea what a "sick" or unhealthy dolphin looks like. I know that the trainers love their job but don't need any special schooling to do what they do, and it made me wonder. I always thought that they went to a trade school for this..  that one dolphin was really cute, he fallowed me around for that whole experience. He "laughed" at me and nudged my hand after I gave him the fish." 

The "smile" or "laugh" from a dolphin is often mistaken. Dolphin's have this look on their faces, that make it seem like they are always smiling, but they are not. They are wild animals, whose home is the ocean.
Not the tank you see here.
Although this looks like a smile, don't let it fool you.

Thanks again, Robyn. You've helped open up our eyes once again to the world of why dolphin should not be in captivity. Thanks for your answers, you willingness to share, and your love of these animals. You're right... they truly are "mystical creatures" as you called them. :)

~Amanda