A little knowledge on Dolphins

Dolphins belong to the family Delphinidae, which includes over 30 different species. There are more than 2,000 dolphins estimated to be living in captivity, residing in water parks, dolphinariums, and commercial enclosures. However, the exact population of dolphins in the wild is difficult to determine, but it is estimated to be around 9 million individuals, they are social animals that form groups of up to 1,000 individuals, communicating and interacting with each other. Their social order is well-defined, and they have a tendency to establish their own hierarchy.

The habitat and migration patterns of dolphins depend on various factors such as food availability, temperature, and distance from the shore. They prefer shallow waters near the coast to avoid colder regions, which is why dolphins can be found in almost any part of the world.

Dolphins use echolocation, a highly developed method of communication, to interact with their environment. They emit high and low-frequency vocalizations to communicate with each other and other marine animals. The wide range of pitches and noises they produce demonstrates their cognitive abilities. These vocalizations serve various purposes such as recognizing specific individuals, maintaining group cohesion, and coordinating movements for hunting and surveillance; scientific research has revealed that some dolphins, particularly female bottlenose dolphins, use sponges as tools during foraging. Observations have shown that they use sponges to search for and obtain food. While this hypothesis is widely supported, dolphins may also use sponges for play or to take advantage of their potential medicinal benefits. The transportation of sponges is a common specialized behavior among dolphins.

Dolphins do not dream in the same way as other mammals. Research conducted on bottlenose dolphins in 1964 found that they sleep with one eye open and one closed, suggesting a state of alertness against potential predators. However, it has not been conclusively proven that this behavior serves a surveillance function. Another study on white Pacific dolphins in captivity showed that they open and close their eyes depending on their position in the group, potentially to maintain their social connection with other members. In the early stages of life, dolphins exclusively feed on breast milk. Afterward, they begin to hunt on their own and consume a variety of resources. Dolphins are carnivores, and their diet primarily consists of fish, octopus, mollusks, and other invertebrates. They are capable of devouring surprisingly large prey, even those exceeding 4 to 6 kilograms, using a technique called gobbling to avoid damage from fins or spines.

Dolphins are considered rational animals as they possess the ability to understand and represent their environment, engage in logical thinking, and draw conclusions. They can modify their behaviors to intentionally create new patterns of interaction and explore new perspectives or objectives. Dolphins exhibit intelligence at the behavioral, cognitive, and social levels. They are self-aware, capable of performing different tasks, and possess a complex understanding of language and natural forms of interspecies communication.

Observations of bottlenose dolphins in captivity have documented both homosexual and heterosexual behaviors, as well as the practice of masturbation in males. Additionally, a National Geographic documentary on homosexuality in the animal kingdom highlights dolphins as very active creatures engaging in regular sexual practices. These practices include sexual interactions with members of the same and different sexes, as well as group sex. Cases of dolphin attacks on humans in the wild are extremely rare and often result from dolphins mistaking humans for prey or due to human interference. However, in captivity, dolphin attacks on humans are more common. Organizations advocating for dolphins, such as SOS Dolphins, attribute these attacks to the living conditions of captive dolphins. The physical and psychological well-being of captive dolphins is directly affected by their living conditions. Although efforts are made to provide a stimulating environment, captivity is inherently limiting compared to the wild. The auditory stimuli and reduced access to natural seawater and a varied diet can diminish their quality of life. Captive dolphins also face challenges related to socialization, as they may be kept in small groups or even isolated. These factors cause significant stress and anxiety in such intelligent animals, which can lead to a weakened immune system and susceptibility to various diseases.

Now, while dolphins are often considered adorable and intelligent creatures, it’s important to recognize that they can also exhibit dangerous behavior, particularly when provoked or disturbed. While instances of biting are rare, there have been reports of dolphins head-butting or dragging humans underwater, as well as lashing out with their tails. Dolphins are naturally social and curious animals, but constant disturbance from swimmers or boats can lead to irritation and aggression.

During mating seasons, male dolphins form alliances and engage in coercive behavior towards females. They may gang up on a female, attempting to force her into submission for mating purposes. It is also worth noting that there have been instances of dolphins pursuing humans as sexual targets. Given their substantial size, weighing around 400 pounds of 180 kg, such encounters can be intimidating or potentially harmful.

Additionally, it is true that there have been cases where dolphins have been observed killing porpoises, sometimes seemingly for reasons unrelated to food, which is mostly for fun. While the exact motivations for these actions are not fully understood, it highlights that dolphins, like any other species, can display aggressive tendencies.

While dolphins are often associated with intelligence, playfulness, and beauty, there are some dark facts about them that are worth mentioning:

• Infanticide: Male dolphins have been observed engaging in infanticide, where they kill the offspring of other males, so the previous genes wouldn’t pass on and they would be able to mate with the mother. This behavior is believed to be a way for the male to eliminate competition and increase their own chances of reproductive success.

• Aggression and Violence: Dolphins can display aggressive and violent behavior towards each other and other species. This includes acts such as biting, ramming, and even killing other dolphins or marine animals.

• Sexual Coercion: Male dolphins sometimes exhibit coercive sexual behavior towards females. This can involve forcefully herding or restraining females during mating attempts, which can be distressing and harmful to the female.

• Intentional Harm: Dolphins have been observed intentionally injuring or killing other animals, such as porpoises or small sharks, even when they are not hunting for food. These acts are believed to be driven by territorial disputes or competition for resources.

• Captivity and Exploitation: Many dolphins are captured and kept in captivity for entertainment purposes, such as in dolphin shows or swim-with-dolphin programs. The confinement and unnatural living conditions can lead to stress, health issues, and a shortened lifespan for these intelligent creatures.

While dolphins are undoubtedly fascinating creatures, it’s crucial to have a well-rounded understanding of their behavior and the impact of human interactions on their well-being. It is crucial to approach interactions with dolphins and other marine animals with caution and respect for their natural behaviors and habitats. It’s important to acknowledge these darker aspects of dolphin behavior and the ethical concerns surrounding their treatment in captivity and understanding the complexities of their behaviors helps foster a more comprehensive perspective on these fascinating creatures.