Conclusions
The conclusions I have come to after researching this topic are that cetacean welfare in captivity in Canada and the US is maintained to reasonably high standards. These are intelligent, fascinating animals and they deserve to be treated with respect and cared for in the best way possible. I think that the importance of dolphin captivity lies in the education and research these animals are used for, and that they serve as ambassadors for their wild counterparts. Advancements in understanding and conservation of wild dolphins is only aided by the knowledge gained from studying captive ones. I also believe that non-releasable animals have a better life in a captive setting, promoting the spread of information about how to help prevent injuries and deaths in wild animals. The Vancouver Aquarium dolphins and porpoises are an excellent example of this. By learning more about the histories of these individuals, the public becomes more aware of issues such as bycatch and stranding that threaten wild dolphin populations. I think that there needs to be careful control over the standards of care, maintenance, and acquisition of these animals, and better international regulations should be put in place to help protect dolphins worldwide.