Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society

In the following viewpoint the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) argues that keeping marine mammals captive in marine theme parks is cruel. Whales and dolphins that normally swim in open oceans do not live as long when confined in captivity, WDCS claims, and some become injured when the stress of captivity leads to aggressive behavior. Forcing dolphins to swim with humans is particularly cruel and dangerous, WDCS maintains, because captive dolphins—who have nowhere to hide—may bite when they no longer want to interact with humans. The argument that captive mammals provide research and educational opportunities is unfounded because captive behavior is not the same as behavior in the wild, WDCS asserts.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to WDCS...