There appears to be little or no oversight or standards associated with using sea mammals in so called amusement parks. Why do two dolphins need to jump at the same time in close proximity other than provide a thrill for tourists and bring in money to the pockets of owners of such facilities?

Glenda Salerno, Largo, USA

There's is nothing educational about watching a captive animal perform tricks. How much would you learn about humans if you kept one captive for years and watched it perform circus tricks for your entertainment? Wild animals observed in the wild behaving naturally which far more educational.

Ruth Corner, Pwllheli, Wales

An unfortunate accident. I cannot comment as to the treatment of animals held at this park. However, I think that having wild animals in captivity helps develop a greater understanding and respect towards them as we can learn to love and appreciate them which is then relfected in the real world.

Megan Callus, Swan Hill, Australia

this just makes me angry, why cant we just learn to stop abusing everthing for our entertainment.

Luke, sydney, Australia

like many others commenting here i have visited discovery cove and sea world
the animals are well cared for,loved and respected and are teaching our youth to love and respect them too.
what is so great about the wild,we as a species are causing more harm to them in their natural enviroment.

sharon mason, preston, uk

Sad but not really surprising for an organisation that claims to be environmentally friendly and all about conservation but was charged with polluting the water of Mission Bay at least eight consecutive times within a six months period and who's salt water tanks are leaking into aquifers below...

Linda, Sarasota, USA

There is a reason this sort of display has been banned in several countries, including the UK. It's easy to call a group of activists extreme but when several countries ban it, it should really make you think...

Matt, Wallasey, UK

Bottlenose dolphins in the wild can live into their 50s, take Nicklo, FB28 and RipTorn in Sarasota Bay for a start and that is without 'better medicine, food and no preditors '. And what about THEIR lies about orca longevity? Scientific Paper on that: http://www.orcanetwork.org/nathist/biennial.pdf

Kat, New Brighton, UK

Animal Right activists may be right for the wildlife of wild animals. but I was there last year and join the "swim with dhophins", they tell us how to treat them and respect them -including stingyray, birds, and even dolphins. if they are in the wild, they may be killed or...

Via, Taichung, TW

I took my children there last week and the trainers love these animals and treat them as individuals. There is nothing bad going on here. Animal activists are wrong about the amount of time dolphins live in captivity. They have better medicine, food and no preditors or pollution and live longer.

Lynda, Kaukuana,

Animal rights activists will say anything to turn you against marine parks and zoos. Sea world and discovery cove give people an opportunity to see animals, learn about them and teaches us how to respect them more in the wild. Which has led to more respect and involvement in saving wild species!

sally, Orlando,

I have been twice and I have seen how well looked after and loved all the animals. Going back in 2 weeks sorry to hear what happened but acidents do happen. Also all the dolphins were over 8 years so advocates should get facts right

curtis, newcastle, uk

also, people disapprove to have dolphins in delimitated areas, but, isn't the same with a pet at a house? I know is not the same thing, but, I think what that they should do is to criticize how the dolphins are treated and they place conditions, not only the fact that they are not free.

Alan, Cancun, Mexico

soon it will be the only place where we will be able to see them

Alan, Cancun, Mexico

I feel sorry for the dolphin

Alan, Cancun, Mexico

Devastated to read this story having just had a dolphin encounter on Thursday of last week. The dolphin that I encountered during my visit was Scarlet aged 28 (older than 5). I believe the oldest dolphin is aged 40 years.
At no time during my encounter was the dolphin forced to perform.

Michelle, RYDE, Isle of Wight, UK

the dolphin that died was 30 years old so i guess your 20-25 "fact" was wrong.

David, orlando ,

Animal Rights people aways condemn parks and zoo's with these beautiful animals. I been to see them train and I personally have seen how well they are cared for and I certainly never been witness to them being stressed over performing. Having the public see these animals is so very educating.

Dan Miller, Fort Pierce, USA

The animals that visitors see at the parks, are born at the parks. Those that are brought in from the wild (such as manatees) are those that are on long term rehab or they are unable to be returned to the wild. Those rescued from unfortunate situations are kept at an rehab facility.

Stephanie Sanchez, Orlando, US

I am also floored by the inaccuracies. The bottlenose dolphins at Sea World and Discovery Cove are born and raised there, and live very long and healthy lives. They are very well taken care of. This was a freak accident, and the caregivers and trainers of Sharky are mourning a loss of their family.

Daun Desjarlais, Orlando, USA

I swam with Tyler at Discovery Cove a year ago. I feel deep sorrow and pain for Sharky and in some ways I feel guilt for enjoying something that may have led to her harm. I hope the investigation sheds light on the truth and will ensure that the dolphins at Discovery Cove are safe forever.

Angela, Orlando, US

sorry that happend.

Audrey, ohio, cincinnati

I am shocked that you would print information that is so horrificly inaccurate. To quote a group saying wild dolphins live up to 50 years in the wild is one of the biggest lies I have ever read. In the wild, bottlenose dolphins like those at Discovery Cove will only live 20-25 years. Shame!

Jeff Anderson, Orlando, USA