Q) Do wild dolphins act the same as dolphins held in captivity and used as experiments?-Judy,16
A) The common person often envisions that because dolphins in captivity seen so friendly, they are easy to study
and make perfect subjects for experiments in behavior.
It is true that dolphins have been used in experiments of all sorts. It is also true that, living collectively in their
tanks, in reach with the public, dolphins develop habits and invent or imitate certain forms of conduct so as to charm their
trainer.
Q) Are the captive dolphins really as unhappy as people make them out to be?-Jimmy, 13
A) There is really no certain answer to that question. One would think that dolphins performing in shows would be better
pleased than an inactive dolphin in a zoo. Captivity is always unnatural for an animal but there have been accounts where
hurt dolphins were healed and released and yet came back to where they were released.
Q) Why do dolphins swim by boats?
A) Sailors of all nationalities are familiar with dolphins. Sailors have watched dolphins follow in the wake of the ship as
if the dolphins were interested in the ship, or the people on it. For centuries, sailors have been puzzled by the preferred
position of a dolphin with respect to a ship. Dolphins always swim just forward of the stern. Many people have questioned
on why this is preferred for them. Some have concluded that the motion of the vessel provides a free ride for the dolphin.
Or, a way to conserve energy. We can only guess, for we do not know enough about the behavior of dolphins.
Q) Do dolphins always swimm in groups?
A) Dolphins are known to be very sociable animals. Few dolphins have been left by their groups and took confort in human compainionship.
Many have been rejected and die. Some scientists believe it is because of lonliness. So for the most part, yes.
Q) Do dolphins have ranks among themselves?
A) There is probably a leader dolphin, and probably there are dominate dolphins. It is possible that these ranks are temporary.
Dr. Kenneth Norris is of the opinion that there is no permanent leader among free dolphins.
