Shocking images have emerged of an aquarium dolphin writhing on the ground after jumping from its pool into a seating area where people were watching it perform.
The clip was filmed at Minsk’s Nemo Dolphinarium in Belarus and shows the helpless mammal lying on the floor of the auditorium next to its pool.
Other dolphins can be seen swimming inside the tank, but they appear to be distressed, with three poking their heads out to check on their stranded friend.
One can be heard screaming in apparent distress, as visitors to the amusement center watch and film the disturbing scenes while music continues to play in the background.
A group of staff members then approach the marine animal and work to drag it back to the pen using a towel, while the crowd of parents and children gasp and applaud as they manage to place it back in the tank.
Shocking images have emerged of an aquarium dolphin writhing on the ground after jumping from its pool into a sitting area.
Visitors to the amusement center watch and film the disturbing scenes from their seats before a group approaches the mammal.
One of the keepers falls into the pool with the dolphin while pulling it to the side, while another bows to the spectators.
While dolphins breathe oxygen, they risk dying from overheating if they remain out of the water for an extended period.
It is unclear what led to the dolphin jumping out of the water, although animal welfare charity Dolphin Project commented, referring to cases of dolphins jumping out of their tanks.
A spokesperson for the charity said: “Abnormal behavior has been documented countless times in dolphins, killer whales, belugas and other cetaceans in captivity, from extreme cases of jumping out of their tanks, to banging their heads against walls or doors, to floating lethargically for hours. prolonged periods of time.
‘These are just some of the many reasons why they don’t belong in aquariums or marine parks.
‘We strive to expose the problems these animals face in the captive trade and advocate for an end to this exploitation.’
Staff members work to transport him back to the pen using a towel, while the crowd applauds as he is returned to the tank.
The video, which was posted to TikTok last week, sparked outrage online and garnered more than 45 million views.
One person commented: “What a cruel life for such beautiful creatures.”
Someone else added: ‘I’m sorry they don’t belong in captivity. Beautiful dolphins.’
One person said: ‘Dolphin shows must stop! They need to live in the open sea.
‘Maybe it’s a sign that these poor dolphins shouldn’t be in captivity!!!’ Another viewer agreed.
Dolphins in captivity have a shorter lifespan than their wild counterparts, which can live more than 40 years.
According to World Animal Protection, the standard dolphinarium tank is approximately 200,000 times smaller than the natural space in which dolphins live.
An estimated 3,000 dolphins are held captive around the world as part of the multibillion-dollar dolphin tourism industry.
