Drive hunt captures
Does SeaWorld capture dolphins from the wild presently?
SeaWorld
In response to criticism leveled at SeaWorld and other marine parks by the award-winning documentary film "The Cove" which accuses them of obtaining dolphins obtained in drive hunts, SeaWorld spokesperson Fred Jacobs stated that, "We think we're being unfairly criticized for something we're opposed to." He adds that, "SeaWorld opposes the dolphin hunts documented in "The Cove". We do not purchase any animals from these hunts. More than 80 percent of the marine mammals in our care were born in our parks. We haven't collected a dolphin from the wild in decades." Since 1993 there have been no permits issued to facilities in the United States to import dolphins acquired through drive hunt methods. Marilee Menard, the executive director of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, has also stated that she believes that "The Cove" filmmakers are "misrepresenting that the majority of zoos and aquariums with dolphins around the world are taking these animals."