[LINK] "FYI: Giving Birth in the Ocean with Wild Dolphins is *Still* a Fantastically Awful Idea"

[rfmcdonald]

Science Sushi's Christie Wilcox reposted a 2013 article on the continuing popularity of the idea of giving birth admist dolphins. This might be a good idea if the dolphins were actively consenting to this activity. One wonders what the hell they think is going on.

Let’s talk about dolphins for a moment. I get it — they’re stunning creatures. These sleek, smart, playful animals are almost universally loved by people. Dolphin interactive experiences are hot sellers at tourist locations worldwide, and we naturally want to trust their cheeky, smiling faces. So many people I know got into marine science because of their affinity for dolphins and other marine mammals. I understand why a to-be mother might want to calm her nerves by having a dolphin in the tub during an underwater birth. I can even stretch my imagination and see why a woman would enjoy swimming with a pod of dolphins and giving birth while watching the beautiful displays of these majestic animals.

But, DEAR GOD. NO. JUST. NO.

Because of their friendly disposition and common occurance in aquariums, we tend to think of dolphins as trustworthy, loving creatures. But let’s get real for a minute here. Dolphins don’t eat sunshine and fart roses. They’re wild animals, and they are known to do some pretty terrible things.

Et cetera.