Throughout history, cetaceans—encompassing dolphins, whales, and porpoises—have held a profound place in human culture, mythology, and society. Their exceptional intelligence and remarkable capabilities have not only fascinated humans but also led to their portrayal as god-like entities with healing powers in ancient narratives. However, this cultural significance has a darker side, as it has also made cetaceans targets for exploitation and captivity. In this comprehensive report, Faunalytics delves into the complex relationship between cetaceans and humans, examining how these human-centric representations have influenced their treatment over time. Despite evolving attitudes towards cetacean captivity and exploitation, economic interests continue to drive their ongoing abuse. This article explores early myths, scientific studies, and modern practices, shedding light on the enduring impact of cultural perceptions on the lives of these magnificent creatures.
Summary By: Faunalytics | Original Study By: Marino, L. (2021) | Published: July 26, 2024
This report documents how cetaceans have been represented in culture over time, and how this impacts efforts to end cetacean captivity and exploitation.
Cetaceans (e.g., dolphins, whales, and porpoises) have been depicted in mythology and folklore for thousands of years. This is due in part to their exceptional intelligence and other impressive capabilities. However, the author of this paper argues that their cultural significance has also made them targets for exploitation and captivity.
In this article, the author dives into how human-centric representations of cetaceans affect their treatment over time. In general, the author believes that the economic significance of cetaceans remains a driving factor for their ongoing abuse despite changing attitudes towards captivity and exploitation.
The author first discusses early narratives involving cetaceans, especially dolphins, as god-like creatures with healing powers. In the 1960s, these perceptions were only strengthened by the work of neuroscientist John C. Lilly, who shed light on bottlenose dolphins’ incredible intelligence and large, complex brains. The author argues that Lilly’s work had largely negative outcomes. For example, he popularized the belief that understanding how dolphins communicate could unlock the ability to communicate with extraterrestrials — this led to unethical, and often fatal, experimentations on captive dolphins.
The ancient perception of dolphins as “healers” is further reflected in the creation of human-dolphin interaction programs such as Dolphin Assisted Therapy. This was built on the idea that visitors with health conditions could gain therapeutic value from swimming and interacting with dolphins. The author points out that this idea has largely been debunked, although swimming with dolphins remains a popular tourist activity.
Beyond being viewed as mythical creatures, cetaceans have long been captured and abused for their entertainment and economic value. According to the author, the creation of the International Whaling Commission and the Marine Mammal Protection Map helped reduce whaling and the practice of capturing live cetaceans. However, certain countries have found loopholes to continue hunting and trapping cetaceans for money (either to put them on display or to kill them for human consumption).
Marine parks have also found loopholes amidst growing public pressure to end cetacean exploitation. Namely, they often claim to be doing research and contributing to cetacean conservation efforts. The author argues that several of these institutions have no substantial evidence to back them.
Despite growing pressure from the public to end cetacean abuse, marine parks remained popular until the release of Blackfish in 2013. This documentary showcased problems with the captive orca industry that had been hidden from the public eye. Afterwards, a dramatic, global shift in public attitudes towards cetacean captivity was dubbed “the Blackfish effect.” This was followed by several economic and legislative changes worldwide.
Seaworld was most notably affected by the Blackfish effect, as it was forced to discontinue its orca breeding program and took a substantial market value hit. The author notes that while Blackfish played a critical role in the changes that took place, ongoing animal advocacy efforts were also important.
Unfortunately, cetaceans and other aquatic animals continue to be mistreated around the world. The author cites cases in the Faroe Islands, Japan, China, and Russia, where cetacean hunts and live entertainment are increasing. Many cetacean species are facing population declines and even extinction. While cetacean sanctuaries are becoming more common as a home for captive animals, advocates should continue to work on changing public opinions and pushing for legislation change so that cetaceans can remain safely in the wild where they belong.
Notice: This content was initially published on Faunalytics.org and may not necessarily reflect the views of the Humane Foundation.
