Anti-Cap vs Pro-Cap Understanding Cognitive Dissonance: Logic Behind Support of Marine Mammal Captivity
Not long ago, we lived an “average” life just like the majority of people, then a new road emerged in front of us. We were not always activists. This new road has changed our lives drastically. It started with a new knowledge regarding the damage we, as humans have created in our oceans, which quickly lead us to the captive industry of imprisoning marine mammals. We thought people needed to hear and see the evidence that these animals are suffering greatly in captivity and the world can make a positive change for these animals, ourselves and our oceans.
We set out on a journey to raise awareness and what we encountered when we began to raise this awareness was astounding!
Help P.O.C.'s
An ANTI-CAP is someone who does not support marine mammals in captivity. These individuals generally come from a state of love, understanding and being able to empathize with captive marine mammals or other animals. Their motivation generally comes from an emotional state of being. There is no sense of JOY brought to a Anti-Cap by viewing a marine mammal in captivity. PERIOD.
A PRO-CAP is someone who does support marine mammals in captivity. They focus on the aspect that they are already in captivity and by supporting captive breeding programs then no one is taking from the wild populations. They claim to be PRO-LIFE. Many times we find they live in a state of Cognitive Dissonance, a theory of human motivation that asserts that it is psychologically uncomfortable to hold contradictory cognitions. The theory is that dissonance, being unpleasant, motivates a person to change his cognition, attitude, or behavior. Pro-Caps enjoy viewing animals in captivity, it brings a sense of joy to them. Pro-Caps take the stance marine mammals are in captivity, they are going to remain in captivity and we are PRO-LIFE, so we support all marine mammals.
Numerous Pro-caps we have encountered seem to be equivalent to a wild pack of dogs, they attack anyone or any public statement that speaks out about against marine mammals in captivity. They spend their time searching blogs and videos, leaving smear trails behind them. We have been referred to as “idiots”, been told to “shut the f*#k up”, and even that we are stupid. They are harsh and aggressive.
We could not understand why this was happening to us. I mean, we were not hurting anyone, we were trying to help sustain our Earth for future generations. We were defending the truth that marine mammals are suffering in captivity, the proof is here for all to see.
I made a few connections with some of these PRO-CAPS as I wanted to understand why and how they could feel this way. I wanted to see them for who they were and not just the aggressive behaviors they were displaying towards us. What I found very interesting was that PRO-CAPS do have concerns also about captive marine mammals and even wild marine mammals. We had things in common, yet on the flip side there were also things that we did not have in common.
The Emotional Lives of Animals
PRO-CAPS publicly defend the captive industry by stating the marine mammals are not suffering because they do not feel emotions.
Here is an actual conversation from a PRO-CAP sent to me:
“Applying human trauma to orca trauma is honestly not relevant. Applying any human emotions, feelings, or ideals….(anthropomorphism)….is something I will not do. Its easy for people to anthropomorphisize a situation because it makes it easier for THEM to relate to the animal or thing they are involved with. In the world of science any debates or arguments that involve feelings or human situations applied to orcas would not be taken seriously, therefore I honestly cannot either. I sympathize with your emotions, but I cannot share them, my field requires my brain to think differently.”
Well with regards to this statement “In the world of science any debates or arguments that involve feelings or human situations applied to orcas would not be taken seriously, therefore I honestly cannot either“
This is false information and it was trying to be fed to me as truth just as it is to so many other people. There is research regarding animal emotions in captive marine mammals and numerous other animals.
From psychology departments to scientists, there has been a whole side of research regarding animal emotions that is being ignored by these PRO-CAPS.
Lolita and Hugo
”Behavioral and Respitory Sychronization Quatified in a Pair of Captive Killer Whales“
Some scientists who study animal emotions work in the field of cognitive ethology. The fusion of cognitive science and classical ethology into cognitive ethology “emphasizes observing animals under more-or-less natural conditions, with the objective of understanding the evolution, adaptation (function), causation, and development of the species-specific behavioral repertoire.
Many cognitive ethologists were originally white lab coat wearing scientists who inflicted terrible pain upon the animals they studied, where after some time they realized animals do have emotions and it would be better to study the animals in their own natural setting versus the controlled lab studies. Many documentaries we watch on the Animal Planet or science channels regarding wild marine mammals is information provided by cognitive ethologists.
Marc Bekoff, a leading scientist with more than 30 years of experience has written a few really good books on animal emotions. I could do a whole story on his books and findings alone. I highly suggest checking out some of his books as fascinating stories lie inside pages waiting to be heard.
Many PRO-CAPS have to see “scientific” proof to believe the negative sides to captivity exist, which out way the positive side for the marine animals in captivity. The type of “scientific” proof they want to see is from the white lab coat wearing scientist in a controlled environmental study. We all know what happens to animals in labs, I do not need to elaborate on this matter.
What I would to point out is Why would any individual who claims to love animals and be pro-life wish to see marine mammals being tortured, extensively till death offers them a relief? It comes back to Cognitive dissonance.
For example, people who smoke know smoking is a bad habit. Some rationalize their behavior by looking on the bright side: They tell themselves that smoking helps keep the weight down and that there is a greater threat to health from being overweight than from smoking.
Dissonance and consonance are relations among cognitions that is, among opinions, beliefs, knowledge of the environment, and knowledge of one’s own actions and feelings. Two opinions, or beliefs, or items of knowledge are dissonant with each other if they do not fit together; that is, if they are inconsistent, or if, considering only the particular two items, one does not follow from the other (Festinger 1956: 25).
Basically it is easier for a PRO-CAP to feel better about one’s self through the justification that these marine mammals will always be in captivity so let us love them for who they are. A need is also being fulfilled for a PRO-CAP though, their own need. Many PRO-CAP’s are fanatics regarding captive cetaceans, they have extensive knowledge regarding captive orcas. Captive orcas are celebrities.
Also what we found was each PRO-CAP has their favorite captive orca. Another finding regarding PRO-CAPs was yes, they did know some information about wild orcas yet their real knowledge came down to captive orcas. PRO-CAPs also use the defense that SeaWorld does all kinds of conservation efforts, despite lack of conservation efforts for wild orcas. We, here at Withoutmethereisnou know just as much information regarding wild orcas as we do captive orcas. We also do not have a favorite orca….well I may be partial to Granny as she is living proof of the true life span of an orca.
- Shouka Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Vallejo, Ca.
It is not just hardcore PRO-CAPs who live in a state of cognitive dissonance though. It is also the ticket holders going to these parks and supporting marine mammals being held in captivity. The mass state of cognitive dissonance can have impacting consequences for marine mammals in captivity and their trainers. In less than 3 months two separate orca trainers were killed by different orcas, both orcas belonging to SeaWorld Inc. Trainers have even been paralyzed from working with captive orcas. Numerous attacks and warning have been shown by captive orcas towards their trainers. Orcas generally do not just suddenly attack, they provide warnings the majority of the time.
From whale killer to killer whale
Living in a state of cognitive dissonance is harming not only to the self, but also the animals involved. Every time a captive orca is forced into an attack or displaying numerous warnings, this creates stress through the changing of the chemicals being flushed through their entire system. Physical changes manifest during heightened times of stress. Stress leads to premature death. Captive orcas are dying prematurely. Captive orcas such as Tilikum are prime examples of how cognitive dissonance hurts animals.
- Tilikum
Tilikum now has been forced to virtually live alone. He is locked in a small pool the majority of the day alone. He is no longer allowed to go do his big fluke splash he was so famous for in SeaWorld shows. This is Tilikum’s life now without Dawn.
I, personally do not label myself as an ANTI-CAP. I am a person who is aware of immoral acts occurring to captive marine mammals. I could have ignored what I was learning. I could have stated what I was learning was not the truth despite the evidence or I could have done my best to help bring about changes. I made the choice to not avoid/ignore the issues at hand and instead I have played a very important role into setting the changes I wish to see in motion. I carry no guilt, no shame. I am not mean or oppressive to PRO-CA’s. I protest, sign petitions, write blogs and make videos all in the hope of raising awareness. I am just asking for more love/respect to be shown towards captive marine mammals and one another.
The one year anniversary of Dawn Brancheau’s death is another reminder of what irreversible damage can come from living in a certain chronic state of cognitive dissonance. It is apparent Dawn felt Tilikum deserved better, thus the reason for Dawn’s extra work with Tilikum in the recent years. Dawn never publicly spoke out about the concerns for Tilikum, she felt compelled to remain a trainer and continue working in an unsafe work environment. Dawn died doing what she wanted to do, despite known consequences from the past. The deaths of Dawn Brancheau, Alexis Martinez, Daniel Dukes and Keltie Lee Byrne raises concerns that it can continue to happen in the future.
Ask yourself if you are a PRO-CAP or an ANTI-CAP? Are you living in a state of cognitive dissonance that is directly or indirectly negatively affecting captive marine mammals?
what really kills me is that Tili probably KNEW that there would be consequences for his behavior regarding Dawn’s death. But, he did it anyways out of frustration and hurt. That really says something when he was willing to undergo even more isolation and an even lonelier life in order to prove his point. it was premeditated, and he is probably grieving over the loss of his life, and the loss of hers.
<3 great article. keep em coming!
So, you are saying that you “know” exactly what Tilly felt at the time, and know what he feels now? Wow you must be a whale psychic. Also, what “consequences” are you talking about? SW didn’t “punish” him for this, nor would they ever. And how could he know about any of the other consequences? I’m confused by your statement. And “premeditaded”?? C’mon really?
thank you.
i was about to comment and say i agreed with carolinecalentine’s comment above… until i realized I AM CAROLINEVALENTINE! haha
“We could not understand why this was happening to us.”
I think you are lying and being deceitful. Of course you do. Look at how you are representing ‘pro-caps’ here. Many implications that they are illogical and idiotic. Also, you fail to find the same qualities you accuse them of with your fellow ‘anti-caps’. It’s rather preposterous. I have experienced unmeasurable amounts of hatred and name-calling from anti-captivity associated individuals with whales and other animals. Someone just called me “evil” for expressing that these whales have the intelligence of about a 2 year old human. I believe that based on the evidence presented. I have NEVER seen any claims from people that these animals do ‘not have emotions’. I feel as though this is a self-inflicted fantasy on your part. Overwhelmingly, humans have a strong appreciation for the ‘emotions’ of the more ‘intelligent’ mammals that are similar to them. Dogs do not pass the lauded ‘mirror test’ of self-awareness but are thought to be furred children by many. I am pro-cap in most instances and I do not deny ‘emotions’ on animals but I do not think they possess them to the intensity and advanced level as a human. Is that so incredibly far-fetched? I do not subscribe to the idea that animals are entitled to human rights, even if they possess some of the primitive workings of a human’s brain. An animal rights point of view will challenge the possession of even dogs and cats, therefore, this may be why some people are giving you a hard time, or at least it should be. Furthermore, the claims of the intelligence and ‘human-ness’ of these whales is contradicted when I compare myself to a whale and realize that I would never possess the viable energy and eagerness to please that these toothed whales do if I were subjected to having my freedom removed. If I make THAT comparison, all of the sudden, no one wants to anthropomorphise them.
Thanks so much for saying this. Nice to see someone with a brain in their head on these threads. This article is so unbelievably bias, I can not get my head to stop spinning. I too have been horribly harassed by PETA and other antis when I worked for SW and otherwise. In my experience, it is antis who come to Zoos/Aquaria to protest and insult the way of life these keepers/trainers have undergone to care for the animals they love. Most people dedicate their whole lives to being with these animals and know everything there is to know about them and love them very much. AND, let me tell you, we do not get paid well, so you can outrule “greed” in your bag of reasons you think SW keeps these animals. I hear it all the time; that SW and Zoos breed for greed. No one working at SW makes much money, and the money that people provide with admission etc goes to 1. feeding the animals under SW’s care, 2. conservation to animals all over the world, 3. improving the parks (including the animal facilities and the way that we care for them), and 4. paying the employees (as I have said, not all that much!) People don’t get in the Zoo/Aquarium business to make money. When people support SW they are actually supporting animals everywhere. And the animals under SW care serve as ambassadors for wildlife in the ocean. If people actually went behind the scenes and saw what happens at these parks it would change their minds. I worked at SW San Antonio and never saw malpractice or any abuse or animals being “unhappy” because they were there. What I saw was wonderful, and the trainers understanding and awareness that since these animals are in our care, we must provide for them our utmost attention and give them the very best that we can. If it were not for cetaceans and other animals under human care, there would be very little support for their conservation, and whether you are anti or pro, we can all agree that seeing the animals up close and in person is the only way to go when you want people to really care. Some people just take it to the next level and start to lash out at one another… I have searched the internet for a non bias anit-cap vs pro-cap article, and still have not found many that support pro, and certainly none that are bias. I guess I will have to endure the mistreatment from some of the antis for as long as I live, so I’d better just get used to it
…. take care, -A
I don’t feel orca whales should be kept in captivity. I look at the whales in Free Willy, and I just fel they shouldn’t stay in captivity unless there is an oil spill or something drastic. The orca whale should stay in captivity at least until the oil spill is taken care of.
I find it funny how this article makes all pros seem to be the aggressive ones in conversations when in my experience it has been the other way around. I have found that antis are the ones attacking pros with their opinions and with curse words all over the Internet and making people who care for these animals seem to actually be greedy and want them to suffer. I have been cursed out plenty of times for standing up for SeaWorld and simply explaining the purposes of Zoos and Aquaria such as them. I can only speak for SW because I have first hand experience working there. But, as I have said, the antis seem to be seeking out blogs and YouTube videos that they can start arguments and insult zookeepers and trainers with their ignorance. Most trainers/keepers do think of the animals’ emotional well being, and like all zoos (checked over and accredited by the AZA) SW has taken drastic measures to do their best to ensure that the animals in their care have the best possible life they can in the care of man. Yes, these animals do belong in the wild, however, the animals in our care would absolutely die if they were put into the ocean. Look at the keiko story. I myself was a little on the fence about re release in orcas until all of that happened. He did not thrive in the wild and actually died. Now I understand that he was not a healthy individual, but releasing these animals is just not an option. I’ve heard opinions about “sea pens” and such which do not solve the problem of the toxicity of the ocean water. We can all agree that the ocean needs our help, and despite what a lot of antis think, SW really does care about the state of our world and strives daily to educate and conserve our oceans. SW has rescued and rehabilitated THOUSANDS of animals, and when people come to support the parks, a part of their proceeds goes to a conservation fund (this is part of the agreement to get AZA certified every 3 years). Yes, the old school ways were horrible (as many of these photos you have provided show) but things are improving and will continue to do so. But, if people do not support the park, improvement for these animals and for animals SW is helping all over the globe will not happen. I am sorry of any of you have had angry or abrasive experiences with pros throughout the years, but I am sure they are just feeling somewhat insulted by someone questioning their way of life and whether or not they care for these animals they have devoted their lives to, that’s all. Best wishes, -A