About the Dolphin
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Over half (53%) of the dolphins that survive their violent capture will die within 90 days. Indeed, dolphins possess a very sensitive and fragile skin. Any bruise or cut can become infected very quickly. During capture, dolphins are submitted to a strong physical and psychological shock. Some of them can become paralysed and drown. The death rate of capture is very high. After capture certain dolphins refused to eat, or ate foreign material, which caused their death. Certain dolphins have committed suicide by swimming at full speed against the wall of their tank, breaking their skull.
Transport also makes these animals very vulnerable. For example, in November 1999, four bottlenose dolphins and one beluga were transferred from Russia to Argentina for display at the Mar dolphinarium. Two of the four dolphins died on the way.

Other Information
Bottlenose dolphins show attachment to other species, especially humans. Indeed, all around the world (USA, Australia, New Zealand, and Great Britain) some dolphins have entered into spontaneous relationships with humans. For example, in 1971, in Florida, the Asburry family who lived near a canal, started feeding a bottlenose dolphin. They named her “Dolly”, taught her some tricks and built her a shelter she liked to use. The dolphin had a very strong relationship with the mother of the family and behaved like a child requiring a lot of attention. The Asburry children became Dolly’s favourite swimming companions.

Bottlenose Dolphin Factsheet

Bottlenose Dolphin Information

BND - Family Associations