A couple of years ago on that day a long held dream of mine – to swim with the dolphins – has finally come true. We had been thinking of visiting Dubai for a while and once we planned the trip, my favourite humans gave me a dolphin swim voucher as a birthday present. To say I was happy would be an understatement – I was thrilled. Only God knows how many photos of people kissing dolphins are there on the internet, and I’ve found them all to be extremely lucky.
Our whole adventure in Dubai and Abu Dhabi was unforgettable, now when I think of it, but back then I couldn’t even sleep, waiting for them dolphins. The day arrived and here I was at last – overexcited in a skintight bodysuit, briefed on the terms and conditions of playing with dolphins. My man retreated backstage with our children and the largest camera lenses we had, ready to capture this dream coming true.
I had envisioned myself frolicking like Ichtiander (the amphibian man from Beliaev’s novel, for those who read) amid frothy waters but in reality I entered a small fenced pool, lined up with another 5-10 tourists. The dolphin tamers commenced their well rehearsed routine and the poor animals got down to business. One by one we had to swim to the middle of the pool where the dolphin on shift would swirl, give us a hug, allow a kiss or two for a nice photo and then give us a lift to the shore.
Two, five, ten times this same thing, back and forth, with some pushing and scolding when needed and a fish-bait for a reward. On my way out of this damned pool I wanted to explode with happiness and burst in tears at the same time. The body of the magnificent creature – velvety, slippery and unbelievably strong – will stay in my memories forever and equally long will do so my disappointment. I wasn’t actually disappointed but rather disgusted with myself for having participated in such an event. And it might have showed on my face, for my family thought I didn’t like my birthday present.
I liked my present; I liked it a lot but the moment I kissed the dolphin, he somehow made me see through his eyes and this is what I didn’t like: a group of barbarians paying money to torture enslaved animals. I’ve been living with the dolphin’s curse ever since so I can no longer perceive things like I used to. Circus tricks with tigers, birds in cages and cats in apartments is something I’ve disliked even as a child but now I cannot stand even a dog on a leash.
My heart aches for every well groomed, well trained and fashionably clothed pet now because I can’t help but imagine what it would’ve been if I were them. What would it feel like if someone locks me up between 4 walls, feeds me when they please (with artificial food), forbids me from running and suffocates me on a leash if I dare to unfollow the right path. If someone makes me wear a collar sending mild electric waves through my body should I bark too much or gets my organs removed so to avoid the inconvenience of my procreational instincts. And all that in the name of love…
I used to have cats and rabbits and hounds and whatnot in the past but I changed. The dolphin I kissed told me that those who really love animals do not imprison them for self gratification or money but love them where they belong – outside, in the wild.
♾
