When I was about 11 years old I went on a family holiday to the Gold Coast.
I was allowed to bring a friend with me and it was all very exciting. We were going to do the whole shebang, swimming at the beach, getting our hair braided on Cavill Ave, screaming our way through the theme-parks. All of it. But there was one activity that had me beside myself with anticipation.
Swimming with dolphins at Sea World.
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Don't beat your little 11yr old self up Seaworld Aus is vastly different to Seaworld in the US, they've never had whales in Seaworld Aus. The amount of marine wildlife that Seaworld Aus rescue, rehabilitate and release back is astounding.
This is off their website:
On average Bottlenose Dolphins can live to 23 - 30 years of age in the wild dependent on their environmental threats, but at Sea World we have had some Dolphins live to be beyond 50 years of age. This long life can be attributed to excellent husbandry, veterinary care, world class facilities and a lack of predators, all leading to longevity. The health and wellbeing of our animals is of the upmost priority. Sea World has rescued, rehabilitated and released many marine creatures over its years of operation through the park’s not for profit research and rescue foundation.
The majority of our dolphins have been born at Sea World as part of our managed breeding program which has been in place for many years. Some animals are third generation and others were transferred to Sea World many years ago when other facilities in Australia and New Guinea closed.
I did a whole day there with dolphins are they are all in very large enclosures, very well fed, all look super healthy and really happy. I do admit that the ones who are bred in captivity might prefer to be out in the big ol' ocean but if you're going to make that argument then almost every zoo in the world should be shut down as well.
Ok. Dolphins are not Orcas (please, go ahead and 'educate' me biology peeps), and Seaworld Aus is not Seawold US. But go ahead and continue to beat yourself up about a decision you made as an 11 year old.
Orcas are Dolphins. They are the largest species of dolphin. Moreover, dolphins are a type of whale - they are members of the toothed whale family. So, in essence, you're wrong.
I can't believe I had to wait so long for you find me and correct my comment, Pointing out wrongness. Although if that's your full time job (pointing out wrongness) then I guess I should expect to wait my turn.