The Dolphin’s “Smile” and the Myth of Healing: A Splash of Reality

In the depths of the oceans, a fantastic mythological creature has long captivated our imagination — the dolphin. These intelligent, communicative creatures have been believed to be healers, saviors, and magical beings throughout history. But, as it turns out, the charming “smile” of the dolphin is nothing more than an illusion, and the notion that they possess the power to heal is a myth worth debunking.

Meet Jay, an eight-year-old boy with autism, who, like many others, found himself in the company of bottlenose dolphins during a therapy session. He smiled and splashed around, uttering his first words in months. It seemed like a miracle, and his parents were overjoyed, ready to sing praises to the dolphins as saviors of their child’s condition. But, in reality, Jay’s experience was just an illusion.

The dolphins’ enchanting smile, often mistaken for happiness, is nothing more than a quirk of their anatomy, created by the shape of their jaws. It has led to a widespread belief that these creatures are perpetually content, which couldn’t be further from the truth.

The myth of dolphins as healers has been woven into the fabric of human history, from Greco-Roman tales of dolphins saving lives to ancient Celtic and Norse beliefs in their mystical abilities. This myth took a more scientific turn when neuroscientist John C. Lilly conducted research with captive dolphins in the 1960s. His groundbreaking work on their brains and communication skills laid the foundation for many of the claims made by dolphin-assisted therapy (DAT) facilities.

However, the rise of DAT is not without its controversies. While proponents tout its benefits for treating various conditions, from depression to autism, there is limited concrete evidence to support these claims. Many DAT studies lack control groups and rely heavily on anecdotal evidence and subjective reports.

But the real concern lies in the well-being of the dolphins themselves. In captivity, these magnificent creatures endure immense stress as they struggle to adapt to environments vastly different from their natural habitats. The consequences are dire, with many captive dolphins living significantly shorter lives and suffering from various ailments, including gastric ulcers, infections, and stress-related diseases.

Moreover, dolphins are not the gentle, non-threatening creatures we often perceive them to be. In the wild, they can be aggressive and have been known to engage in brutal attacks on other marine life. People who engage in close encounters with dolphins risk injury and disease, making it a questionable choice for therapy.

As for the individuals seeking help through DAT, they may experience a temporary boost in mood and well-being, but the long-term results are often disappointing. Anthropologist Betsy Smith, who pioneered dolphin therapy, has since labeled it “the exploitation of vulnerable people and vulnerable dolphins.”

To address this issue, some countries, like the United Kingdom, Australia, and India, have already banned keeping dolphins in captivity. The public can play its part by advocating against swimming with dolphins programs and demanding transparency from DAT facilities regarding their long-term results.

In conclusion, the myth of dolphins as healers, perpetuated by their captivating smiles, is one that needs to be dispelled. While the allure of these intelligent creatures is undeniable, we must remember that the dolphins themselves suffer in captivity, and the promised therapeutic benefits often fall short. It’s time to embrace a more compassionate approach and protect these majestic creatures from harm.