Dolphins in the Care of Humans: A Look Toward the Future
Abstract
The existence of dolphin groups in the direct care of humans is a recent development on a world-wide basis. In the past 30 years, much progress has been made in understanding cetacean biology through study of delphinids in human care. Millions of people who otherwise would have no proximate experience with these sea mammals have appreciated and learned about them. Further, dolphins have become a symbol and a vehicle for educating the public on the world's oceans and their ecosystems. Protection of ocean ecosystems must be a high priority as we look toward the 21st century. At the top of the ocean food chain, delphinids may be important indicator species for understanding the effects of some human activities on the ocean environment. Progress must continue in all of cetacean biology. In my specialties, delphinid clinical medicine and neurobiology, there are exciting prospects. We can enhance the condition and extend the life-span of dolphins in our care. Preventive medicine, improved disease treatment through better medications such as new antibiotics, and improved methods such as anaesthesia and surgery should be more widely practiced. Progress in anatomy, molecular biology, physiology, and cognitive neuroscience should give us new insight on the delphinid brain, one of the more challenging objects of our time. Tursiops truncatus, Cetacean biology.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA274168
Entities
People
- Sam H Ridgway
Organizations
- Naval Command, Control and Ocean Surveillance Center