Alliance Warns of Dangers of Feeding Dolphins in the Wild

By Marilee Menard

It’s tempting to feed a wild dolphin. It seems like such an innocent and harmless thing. But feeding wild dolphins can have deadly consequences for them and can place people in real danger.

Feeding dolphins gets them “hooked” on handouts. The animals can lose their ability to find and catch their own food. Dolphins that become dependent on humans have been known to abandon their young, leaving calves alone to fight off predators and in danger of starving. Young dolphins, not yet taught to forage naturally on their own, are at the most risk.

Dolphins that are unafraid of people are more likely to endanger themselves by approaching boats, spending time in areas with high vessel traffic, and getting tangled in fishing gear.  Also, wild dolphins that have become accustomed to being fed have charged, bitten, and injured people.

Viewing wildlife in its natural habitat can be a wonderful and educational experience. Although tempting to try to get close enough to interact with wild animals, it’s important to remember that their behavior can be unpredictable and aggressive. Thus, it’s always best to view all wildlife from a safe and respectful distance, remembering that wild animals are just that – wild.

The U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act was designed to protect marine mammals. This law makes it illegal to feed, pursue, or chase dolphins in U.S. waters.

The Alliance supports the “viewing tips” of  Watchable Wildlife, Inc, www.watchablewildlife.org, an informal group of wildlife experts from government agencies and private organizations.

For a safe and enjoyable experience with wild dolphins that helps protect them:Keep your distance. Remain a safe and respectful distance of 100 yards from animals. Use binoculars or zoom lenses to get a close-up look. Dolphins have been sliced by propellers, so if on the water, avoid excessive boat speed or abrupt changes in speed or direction. Stay fully clear of a dolphin’s path. If approached by these animals, put the engine in neutral and allow them to pass.

Limit time spent observing animals. Encounters with people can be stressful to animals and can alter their normal behaviors. Half an hour is reasonable. Chances are you haven’t been the only one to watch the animal that day.

Stay clear of mothers with young. Never herd, chase, or separate a mother from its calf.

Never surround an animal. Always leave an “escape” route. Dolphins should not be trapped between boats, or between boats and shore.

And, most importantly, Don’t feed wild animals.

The U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service has a program to educate the public about the problems created by feeding wild animals and intruding on their natural habitats. But the government needs help getting these messages out. For more information, go to: www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/education/protectdolphins.htm

Alliance member marine life parks, aquariums, and zoos are active supporters of this message. The education information provided through presentations, interactions with the animals, graphics, and narration leave our visitors with a greater appreciation for the need to protect these species and to conserve their habitats. The Alliance GUIDE TO RESPONSIBLE WILDLIFE WATCHING is available on its Web site: www.ammpa.org.

Promote the passive observation of wild animals from a safe distance. It’s the best thing for the safety of wild animals and for us!

Marilee Menard is Executive Director of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums in Alexandria, Va. The Alliance is an international association of marine life parks, aquariums, zoos, research facilities, and professional organizations dedicated to the highest standards of care for marine mammals and to their conservation in the wild through public education, scientific study, and wildlife presentations. The membership represents the greatest body of expertise and knowledge of marine mammal husbandry.www.ammpa.org