A Family-Fun Christmas Gift

Recent movies such as Dolphin Tale and Big Miracle inspire many to connect with and visit dolphins, some of the most friendly and playful creatures of the sea. However, the happy stories of these movies fail to reveal the unsatisfactory conditions of those dolphins kept in captivity.
Growing up in the Philadelphia area, I not only had the opportunity to visit many aquariums, but I also had the chance to go on the many Whale and Dolphin watching tours that the South Jersey shore has to offer. I saw the dolphins in their natural habitat and heard detailed information about the animals. This sparked my interest and I began to wonder how life in a tank might be different from life in the sea.
Dolphins are the animals second closest in intelligence to humans and have been kept in captivity since the 1870s for research, education, and conservation purposes. However, the educational purposes of dolphins and whales are best when the creatures are observed in their natural habitats.
Aquariums are not healthy for the animals. In the wild, dolphins can live into their forties or fifties. However, in captivity, more than 80 percent of captive dolphins die before the age of 20. The lack of space, chemically treated water, and isolation from their families are only a few of the reasons for this.
Many people go to aquariums and simply stare at the animals, not bothering to read the signs or information. Additionally, they can’t observe the dolphins living in close families, hunting for food in groups, or the normal traveling patterns of about a hundred miles a day.
By experiencing a whale and dolphin watching tour, participants can hear the interactive commentary of the tour guide and actively learn about the animals. In their natural habitat, observers can see how the animals hunt for food, and how they travel in groups. Supporting these whale and dolphin watching programs, is the best way to learn about these animals, observe their natural behaviors, and understand the issues that arise when they are kept in captivity.
South Jersey offers many ways to learn about dolphins and whales and support them. The Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center is part of Whale SENSE, a program developed by the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) and National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Whale SENSE recognizes companies that are committed to responsible whale watching and ocean stewardship.
In addition to The Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center tours, other opportunities for whale and dolphin watching in South Jersey include: Atlantic City Cruises, Silver Bullet Tours, and the Cape May Whale Watcher.
With the holiday season around the corner, many companies offer gift certificates or holiday specials. The Cape May Whale Watcher offers a holiday sale with up to 25% off gift certificates. Additionally, Groupon is offering specials this holiday season on whale and dolphin watching events in Cape May and the Wildwoods. The gift of a whale and dolphin watching tour would be a fun family activity to look forward to this upcoming summer!