Shocking Moment Dolphin Desperate to Escape Captivity Leaps Out of its Own Tank during Marine Show - DailyMail & NowPublic

photo credit DailyMail

A false killer whale (one of the larger species of dolphins) leapt from its tank during a July 4^th show at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan.

"Hideshi Teruya, who manages the dolphin section at the park, said that it suffered minor scratches and bruises on its head and fin."

The dolphin, called Kuru, was wrapped in mats and kept wet while it waited to be lifted back into the tank.

"Ric O'Barry, a former celebrity dolphin trainer and animal activist, says that the video is not just footage of a dolphin that accidentally left the tank, but is proof of Kuru's high stress levels. O'Barry likens the escape to a suicide attempt.
Said O'Barry: "The habitat of that false killer whale is so unnatural it leapt out in desperation. It wanted to end it. Why does a person jump out of a building?""

The saddest part is that the other dolphins in the tank hurry to crowd around their fallen friend on the other side of the glass, and seem to be calling to each other.

Full article here (DailyMail)
Video here (NowPublic)