Argument: Should Marine Mammals be kept in Captivity?

Our Local Marine Mammals

Can you find Watsonville on this map of the Monterey Bay?

     Our very own Monterey Bay is home to a wide variety of ocean life, including marine mammals. Just last summer, our local marine mammals made the national news for the extraordinary display they put on right off of local beaches.

 


I.  Dolphin Intelligence

    




  
1. Listening and Viewing for Claims and Evidence
We humans tend to think of ourselves as the most intelligent of all the earth's animals. We see it every day in our ability to learn, communicate, plan and create. How do scientists measure the intelligence of other animals? As you view the video, take notes on at least three pieces of evidence presented to support the claim that dolphins are also highly intelligent. You will take notes on the document The Human-Dolphin Relationship in your Language Arts folder.


2.  Reading for Information: Summarizing Central Ideas
What has the relationship between humans and dolphins been like? What have been the threats or benefits to dolphins? Read two sources on the human-dolphin relationship. Determine the central ideas presented and use those ideas in an objective summary.

Source One: “Hunted for Fun, Left to Die”

Scholastic Scope Magazine)

II. Orcas in Captivity

Movie Trailer: Blackfish
In 2013, a documentary film was made about keeping orcas in captivity. What is the point that the filmmakers were trying to make?

  
Prompt 
     Currently, there is much debate about whether or not the larger and more intelligent marine mammals, such as dolphins and killer whales, should be kept in captivity at marine parks like Sea World.  The California Legislature may even be considering a new law that would make it illegal to "hold in captivity, or use, a wild-caught or captive-bred orca for performance or entertainment purposes” (Assembly Bill 2140). What are the negative consequences of keeping orcas (killer whales) in captivity? What are the possible benefits?
     We will be researching both the pros and cons of the issue. Your final project will be an argument essay   in which you present your position and evidence that supports your claim.  
     You will begin by reading to learn about this remarkable animal.

The Orca

    Orcas, also known as killer whales or blackfish, are members of a special group of marine mammals known as cetaceans. Dolphins are also in this group. Read the short informational article in National Geographic that provides some basic facts about orcas. As you read about orcas in the wild, what inferences can you make about the possible challenges of keeping this animal in captivity?