Cortisol Changes in Bottlenose Dolphins in the Dolphin Interactive Program

In the present study, we analyzed blood cortisol levels to evaluate the stress levels of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in a dolphin interactive program (DIP). From the results, we conclude that DIP induced little acute stress on dolphins. On the other hand, we showed the possibility of chronic stress in DIP-participating dolphins in the high visitor season.

Japanese Journal of Veterinary Research