Return to the Wild as an Option for Managing Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins

摘要

Professionals responsible for the management of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins(Tursiops truncatus) have been addressing the pros and cons of returning long-term captive animals to the wild. Campaigns calling for the release of dolphins from public display and research facilities conducted by animal rights activists have gained notice. They base their arguments in favor of such a strategy on only one premise-captivity, of any kind, is bad therefore, dolphins should be set free. Professionals (e.g., scientists, trainers, managers, etc.), on the other hand, recognize the need to determine the risks and benefits of such action and insist on identifying responsible biological justifications before taking it. In light of the biological implications of the term reintroduction and the nature of the other presentations in this symposium, this paper represents the reintroduction program that has yet to be: more importantly it addresses the question of whether it should be.