For many, the chance to interact with a dolphin is a dream come true, and it only costs the price of admission to a swim-with-the-dolphins (SWTD) show.

Sadly, the cost to the dolphins is much higher – oftentimes, they end up paying with their lives. Sadder still, the animal-loving tourists who pay for personal dolphin encounters actually contribute to the suffering of these amazing animals.

SWTD attractions exist all over the world, supposedly, to provide people with educational, recreational and therapeutic benefits. However, most of these facilities – including those at many U.S. tourist destinations – are not regulated and in poor condition, making them extremely dangerous for both the animals and people involved.

Behind a Dolphin’s “Smile”

Dolphins cannot actually move their facial muscles, so they appear to smile even when injured or seriously ill. The “smile” is a feature of dolphin anatomy unrelated to their health or emotional state. The dolphin’s toothy grin masks its suffering and contributes to the myth that dolphins in theme parks enjoy a happy life.

Top 10 Reasons You Should NOT Swim with Dolphins

1. In captivity, many dolphins are separated from their companions and forced to live in chlorinated, cramped and artificial conditions.

2. In some captive facilities outside of the U.S., there have been reports of significant animal cruelty such as dolphins being kept in extremely small pools and fed rotten fish, and animals dying from disease and malnutrition.

3. Even the largest dolphin enclosures are designed primarily to give audiences a good view – they don’t come close to accommodating the animal’s need for space.

4. Dolphins are wild animals and, thus, unpredictable even when “trained.” Trainers and swimmers at SWTD shows have incurred bites, bruises, scratches, abrasions and even broken bones.

5. Dolphins in captivity often experience stress, which has been identified as a major factor in health problems, and even death.

6. Captive dolphins cannot hunt for their food and are forced to eat dead fish, something they would never do in the wild.

7. Dolphins carry diseases and parasites that can be transmitted to humans. Individuals who swim with dolphins often report skin rashes, and trainers have reported numerous health problems including tuberculosis.

8. One captive dolphin “trick” is jumping onto the concrete pool deck. Dolphins’ bodies are adapted to life in water – when they jump onto land, the weight of their bodies can crush their internal organs and cause great discomfort.

9. Wearing jewelry or sunscreen in the pool can damage dolphins’ sensitive skin and possibly lead to infections.

10. Dolphins’ powerful jaws contain as many as 250 sharp teeth. They can weigh 300-1,200 pounds and could easily overpower a human adult.

What to do if you witness marine mammal abuse or mistreatment >>

For information more on Captive Dolphins, download the “Dolphin Encounters” brochure (PDF) >>