"And How Do You Know?"
How can something be so obvious to different people drawing the opposite conclusions?
To help answer the question, over forty organizations - zoos, aquariums, universities - are working together on a new scientific study to quantify the welfare of cetaceans (whales and dolphins) under human care. Granted, the study is being carried out by facilities which already have these animals, which means that they're likely coming at this from a place of already suspecting that they can provide the best welfare (or, at least, from not being philosophically convinced that there is no way that whales and dolphins can be well cared for in a zoo setting). By trying to back up answers scientifically, however, there is a better chance of viewing aspects of whale/dolphin welfare on a continuum, which means that it's possible to better identify what aspects of their care make the biggest difference for their wellbeing. Enclosure size? Social group? Relations with keepers?
Hopefully, this ongoing study will help us better understand the quality of life that we are giving cetaceans in aquariums. It may lead some facilities to decide that they can no longer meet those needs and phase cetaceans out of their collections. It may lead others to make substantial changes to how they are caring for their animals. What matters the most is that any changes that result will be driven by science and a desire to provide the best possible care for the animals
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