recommended reading

Over the years we have worked with numerous campaigners, of which some belong to the category of people who, without knowing a whole lot about dolphins, have a strong sense that dolphins don't belong in captivity. In order to be more effective in educating the public about dolphins in captivity, first get educated by reading these materials.

*Behind the Dolphin Smile 
by Richard O’Barry with Keith Coulbourn
(1988, 1999 St. Martin’s Griffin, New York, 299 pp)

Ric O’Barry’s own personal story of how he trained the dolphins in the Flipper TV program and became convinced that all dolphins should be freed from captivity. A touching and often funny account of an amazing life.

An engaging memoir … a refreshing down-to-earth look and men (and) dolphins. – Kirkus

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*To Free a Dolphin 
by Richard O’Barry with Keith Coulbourn
(2000 Renaissance Books, Los Angeles, 269 pp)

Ric O’Bary’s personal account of the in-fighting over the release of captive dolphins in Florida. An interesting story about the moral consequences of keeping dolphins in captivity.

(*NOTE: Both books are currently out of print. May be available in libraries or in used bookstores. Watch this space for further updates on reprinting.)

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Rekindling the Waters: The Truth About Swimming with Dolphins 
by Leah Lemieux
(2009 Troubador Publishing Ltd., UK, 354 pp)

The first two-thirds of the book chronicle the author’s years swimming and interacting with a group of captive bottlenose dolphins in Cuba, and the contrast with wild dolphins. The last third is a detailed, documented discussion of the problems with keeping dolphins in captivity.