Dolphins Should Be Treated As “Non-Human Persons”
Dolphins have proven so intelligent that it is morally repugnant to kill them for food or hold them captive in aquariums, according to U.S.
In fact, contrary to previous research, new research suggests dolphins are smarter than chimpanzees and second only to humans in terms of intelligence, they deserve to be treated as “non-human persons” making them eligible for more humane treatment.
Studies into dolphin behaviour have highlighted how similar their communications are to those of humans and that they are brighter than chimpanzees. These have been backed up by anatomical research showing that dolphin brains have many key features associated with high intelligence says The Times of London.
In fact, studies show how dolphins have distinct personalities, a strong sense of self and can think about the future, they show characteristics of being “cultural” animals, meaning that new types of behaviour can quickly be picked up by one dolphin from another.
Picture via Wikipedia.
