I am writing to you today to express my concern over your “Little People Aquarium Visit” playset. Dolphins are highly intelligent creatures with complex social structures. Captive dolphins live in barren environments that are less than 1% of their natural habitat and are often paired with unfamiliar dolphins. Captive cetaceans are susceptible to many ailments such as digestive blockages (due to swallowing foreign objects), malnutrition and mental instability. Scientists note that these animals are at a greater risk of contracting communicable diseases, skin disorders caused by chemicals that are used to treat tank water, and inescapable aggravated attacks from tank mates.

Promoting dolphin captivity to very young children through a toy is unacceptable. This playset is teaching children that dolphins exist strictly for human entertainment and will likely create a desire to see these animals in captive environments. A recent study confirmed that over 60% of children unfortunately do not learn anything from visits to the zoo. Instead of promoting dolphins in tanks we are encouraging you to instead advocate animals in their natural habitats.

You have the chance to join the ongoing movement world-wide that supports freedom for whales and dolphins. Children are so impressionable, especially at your Fisher-Price toy age. We suggest that you remarket this toy (and others similar) to endorse animals in their native environments.

Please consider doing the right thing for the sake of dolphins and whales in captivity. Thank you for your time!