Dying to please: the dolphin dilemma

A number of dolphin experts discuss the negative results of captivity on dolphins. Indicting conditions at such multi-million-dollar businesses as Sea World in Florida, Richard O'Barry, president of the Dolphin Project, maintains that dolphins, despite their happy exteriors, are being mistreated when they are made to beg for food and perform tricks. Georgia Cranmore of the National Marine Fisheries Service is trying to develop swim programs which would allow humans and dolphins to interact in non-confined environments. Aquatic therapy using dolphins is already being utilized with Down syndrome patients but its effect on the mammal is a matter of debate. Efforts are also underway to protect dolphins in the wild. Action is being taken in the tuna industry to prevent the slaughter of dolphins reinforced by stricter enforcement of the 1972 Marine Mammal Protection Act.