Dolphins are renowned for their remarkable intelligence, capable of complex communication and comprehension that few other species can match. While their intelligence has led to their capture for human entertainment, it also highlights why keeping them in captivity is considered cruel.
Bibong, a 23-year-old Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, has recently been successfully released into the wild after spending 17 years in captivity at a South Korean aquarium. Bibong is the last of his kind to be freed by the Korean government, which declared the species endangered in 2012.
Plans for Bibong's release were announced in August, and he has spent over two months preparing for life in the ocean. Bibong was one of eight dolphins kept at a Jeju Island aquarium, with the other seven released between 2013 and 2017. Reports from Korea Now indicate that Bibong exhibited signs of chronic stress, as he refused to follow his trainer’s commands during a performance last year.
In preparation for his release, Bibong was moved to a transitional facility where he could interact with other dolphins and adjust to life in the wild. He was originally captured near Jeju Island in 2005, where an estimated 120 Indo-Pacific dolphins still live.
Bibong’s release was followed by a monitoring period where his movements will be tracked for 30 days, with ongoing monitoring for several months thereafter. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries will oversee his progress, sharing updates with animal rights organizations, marine mammal experts, and government officials.
The recent success of Bibong’s release has been highlighted by the Netflix show Extraordinary Attorney Woo, which helped bring attention to the plight of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins. In the show, the lead character expressed a desire to see these dolphins near the coast of Jeju, drawing public attention to their conservation.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries aims to ensure that Bibong lives a healthy and happy life in the ocean. They also plan to strengthen policies for the protection of marine animals and continue discussions with the aquarium industry to facilitate the release of more animals back to their natural habitats. Ruby, a beluga whale currently housed in a South Jeolla Province aquarium, is expected to be released sometime next year.
Efforts to save marine mammals have proven successful in the past, such as the recovery of humpback whales, which were removed from endangered species lists after industrial whaling nearly wiped them out. While whales and dolphins still face threats, ensuring they can live freely in the wild is crucial for their well-being.