Nev Schulman defends photo of himself swimming with captive dolphin

Catfish host Nev Schulman caused a bit of a stir thanks to another kind of swimming animal this weekend after he posted the photo above of himself hugging a dolphin at Dolphin Quest on Facebook. The picture resulted in numerous angry comments condemning Nev for supporting the keeping of dolphins in captivity.

Nev later deleted the photo, then returned to Facebook to share a lengthy retort to those passing judgement on him in which he not only pointed out all the great work that Dolphin Quest does to “responsibly educate people about Dolphins as well as study them,” but also how much he has personally done to further the cause of marine mammal conservation/protection organizations.

“I can’t stand all the people who felt it was their place to tell me how wrong I was to swim with dolphins in captivity but have probably never done anything to actually make a difference about it,” an uncharacteristically riled up Nev wrote. “Seeing the cove and posting a comment on my wall about it doesn’t make you a hero.”

His response, included in its entirety below, concluded with, “My experience at Dolphin Quest moved me and magnified my appreciating and commitment to advocate on Dolphins behalf. I hope you understand that I had the best intentions.”

Here is Nev’s full post:

A lot of people were upset and disappointed that I recently had an encounter with Dolphins in captivity. I want to make it clear that I too am disapproving of the mistreatment of marine mammals and having seen both Blackfish and The Cove feel strongly that there needs to be changes made to protect those animals. I completely understand why for many reasons all animals should be free to live in their natural habitat and not live in any kind of captivity. I do however feel strongly that there is a need for humans to better understand the animals we share this planet with. More than that, I think it’s fair to say that we are completely ruining whatever natural habitat the Dolphins call home, and that a much larger issue than keeping a small population of Dolphins in captivity, is the risk we run of causing their extinction as a result of pollution, climate change, irresponsible fishing practices, and general industrialization. My post was meant to shed light on an organization that I believe is doing it’s best to responsibly educate people about Dolphins as well as study them. I asked many questions about their captivity and was convinced that while this wasn’t the life they were intended to live, they are treated in the most caring and responsible way possible and live in an environment designed to mimic their own closely.

I also think it’s worth noting that while I had no intention of publicizing it, I have made real financial contributions to a number of marine mammal conservation/protection organizations. I can’t stand all the people who felt it was their place to tell me how wrong I was to swim with dolphins in captivity but have probably never done anything to actually make a difference about it. Seeing the cove and posting a comment on my wall about it doesn’t make you a hero. And what about all the animals we see in movies? Elephants at the circus? Domesticated snakes/lizards/birds that many keep as pets? Let’s not be so righteous about one thing while at the same time ignoring the exact same thing happening elsewhere.

The world has a lot of problems. I want to be a part of making changes for the better. Sometimes that means taking risks. Sometimes that means trying things, and even making mistakes. My experience at Dolphin Quest moved me and magnified my appreciating and commitment to advocate on Dolphins behalf. I hope you understand that I had the best intentions.

Thanks.