We know a lot about dolphins and their behavior in the wild and captivity, but thanks to continued research, we are always learning more about these fascinating animals.
From their complex social structures to highly intelligent brains, dolphins have long been the subject of studies by research teams all around the world.
As modern technology advances, we get to witness how they behave in the wild, which has led to some fascinating discoveries, both good and bad.
In this post, we’re going to take a deep dive into behavior that has recently been discovered and one that shows a more sinister side to these animals. Do dolphins kill for fun?
It’s an interesting question that is still being debated, so if this question has ever crossed your mind, stick around as you’re in the right place!
Do Dolphins Kill For Fun?
Yes, dolphins certainly do kill for fun. In fact, they’ve been witnessed several times killing numerous animals for the pleasure of it.
However, it’s still up for debate whether these killings are actually for fun or to eliminate competition from their hunting grounds.
These top ocean predators have also been observed playing volleyball with pufferfish and even baby sharks.
While they may seem like cute and friendly animals, dolphins certainly have a sinister side that involves killing, playing, and teasing other animals.
Why Do Dolphins Kill Porpoises?
The reasons why dolphins kill porpoises are not fully clear, but some researchers suggest that dolphins view porpoises as competitors for food and territory.
This theory makes a lot of sense, although porpoises are cousins of dolphins, they still wouldn’t want them snooping around and stealing their food.
In areas where prey is scarce, dolphins may want to wipe out any competition, including porpoises.
Dolphins may be killing porpoises over territorial disputes. Pods of dolphins are generally tight-knit groups that stick close together.
If the pod comes across porpoises entering its territory, dolphins may attack in order to defend the pod and their resources.
Another interesting take is that it’s misdirected sexual aggression.
Dolphins are incredibly aggressive when it comes to breeding season, and males will often rape or kill females during this time.
It’s important to note that dolphins attacking porpoises is quite rare and most interactions between these two species are peaceful.
Whilst we still don’t know the reasons why dolphins kill porpoises, all of the above theories make a lot of sense.
Do Dolphins Attack Humans For Fun?
No, dolphins do not attack humans for fun. Dolphins and humans typically have positive interactions in the water, with human attacks being very rare.
However, in certain situations attacks on humans do happen. If the dolphin feels provoked, intimidated, or sick/injured, it is much more likely to attack than if it’s healthy and at a distance.
Dolphins in the wild typically only attack humans out of self-defense or if they perceive the human to be a threat to their pod or calf.
But they may also attack if they are being mistreated or their needs are being met, which can happen sometimes to dolphins in captivity.
These highly intelligent and complex animals and designed to be in the ocean living with a pod and looking for food.
In captivity, they’re often kept in cramped conditions and have a very rigid diet, which can cause stress and unhappiness in dolphins.
This may lead to attacks on trainers or behavior that is unpredictable.
Dolphins are certainly capable of inflicting harm to humans and could kill a person easily, especially in the wild.
For this reason, it’s incredibly important for swimmers and divers to always be vigilant when around dolphins in the wild.
Keep your distance and always treat these animals with the respect that they deserve.
Are Dolphins Violent?
Yes, dolphins are violent animals that can become highly aggressive and dangerous, especially during the breeding season.
They may look happy, smiley, and innocent due to their anatomy, but there’s a side to dolphins that not many people see, and it’s ugly.
Dolphins are known to sexually assault females during the breeding season and will even force females into mating with them.
Multiple male dolphins sometimes hold a female hostage and breed with her over and over again, and if she tries to swim away they quickly chase her down and will bite or whack her with their tails.
Male dolphins will actively kill calves, as once the calf is dead, the mother becomes ready to breed immediately.
They can be vicious and brutal animals at times, so it’s always important to be on guard around dolphins as things can turn quickly.
What Do Dolphins Do For Fun?
Dolphins are highly social animals that like to play and have fun by blowing bubble rings or surfing in the waves.
They’ve also been observed playing volleyball with some fish and other animals and breaching high out of the water.
Many dolphins live in pods that are usually between 5 and 30 individuals, but some pods can be as large as 100 individuals or much more.
They have many ways of keeping themselves occupied and developing lifelong friendships with their pod members.
Wrapping Up
Contrary to popular belief, it’s true that dolphins do kill for fun. They kill porpoises seemingly out of fun and kill pufferfish and small sharks too.
This is not out of predation as dolphins don’t feed on these animals, but they still kill them and have been witnessed toying with their body parts.
Dolphins are truly remarkable animals that are arguably some of the most intelligent in the animal kingdom.
There is much more to dolphins than meets the eye, from their sinister ways of having fun to their aggressive mating tactics.
Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed learning more about the dark side of dolphins in this post and now know that they can be truly vicious and cold animals at times.
Apologies for painting dolphins in this light, but it’s important that our readers learn the truth about all marine life and not just what’s portrayed by entertainment businesses and the media.
Catch you in the next one.
Hi, I’m George – the founder of MarinePatch. I created this blog as marine wildlife has been my passion for many years. I’ve spent over a decade in the marine wildlife industry and spent years out in the field conducting research. In today’s modern world, an online blog is the best place for me to share my findings and reach as many people as possible to help educate and inspire others. Enjoy your time here and you’re welcome back anytime!