Years after the documentary film "Blackfish" galvanized a movement to end SeaWorld's killer whale performances, animal rights activists called for an end to "circus-style" dolphin shows at the theme parks.
At a hotel news conference near SeaWorld's San Diego park, the group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) issued a report documenting physical and behavioral harm it says dolphins suffer from their use in live shows and confinement in captivity.
Dr. Heather Rally, a PETA Foundation veterinarian, said the practice of trainers riding dolphins through the water while standing on their backs and beaks was of greatest concern.
{"preview_thumbnail":"https://cdn.flowplayer.com/6684a05f-6468-4ecd-87d5-a748773282a3/i/v-i-b…","video_id":"b52b4469-dcf4-4edf-b11d-c73200478f63","player_id":"8ca46225-42a2-4245-9c20-7850ae937431","provider":"flowplayer","video":"Sudan Military Arrests Rebel Spokesman in Khartoum"}
Reuters reported that such stunts strain the marine mammals' sensitive lower jaws in a way that can damage their hearing, injure joints and muscles and worsen other injuries caused by confinement within holding tanks where the dolphins are kept.
At a separate news conference, SeaWorld Entertainment Inc. officials defended their treatment of dolphins and denied the shows cause any harm.
This article has been adapted from its original source.
