Misty looked out at the early morning fog. The lake moved in tones of grey and blue, undulant, rolling, reciprocating the peace she sought. The cozy blanket soft around her shoulders. Hands wrapped around the warm ceramic of her coffee cup.
In the distance, out of the water rose an unusual figure. A dolphin? In Lake Ontario? That can’t be possible.
She rubbed her eyes, walked back to the house, and picked up her phone to deal with the daily messages. There she saw the notification. The news headline blazed on her screen.
DOLPHIN ESCAPES FROM MARINELAND INTO LAKE ONTARIO.
100 words.
Unlike the last time, this story is pure fiction, though I wish it were true.
Marineland is a famous attraction in Niagara. I have been to it several times on school trips with my children when they were young. Since then I’ve educated myself on the unethical trapping and storing of large sea life for public entertainment. It’s a filthy business.
Friday Fictioneers is a place for flash fiction brought to us by the lovely Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. Visit Rochelle’s site and use her Wednesday photo as a prompt to write a complete 100 word story.
Life with Alegria 
I remember when Marineland first opened. We all thought it was awesome. It took a long time (too long) for us to open our hearts and eyes to what was happening there. I hope your dolphin is still free and happy.
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I’ve been on so many school trips with my kids to Marineland. It was always fun, but those poor big creatures stuck in tanks always bother me. Humans tamper with nature far too much. Thanks for reading Michelle!
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Every time I’ve seen a sea-life show, I’ve wondered if animals know they are trapped, and if they wish to be free. Do animals even process such things? I don’t know. I just know that along with the amazement of seeing the work of the trainers, I wonder if the animals would accept the offer of freedom.
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Yes I believe they do know. They may not speak our language, but they feel many of the same emotions we do. Now imagine yourself living in a bathtub your whole life. How would you feel?
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I am dreaming with you girl! No animal should have to live in captivity like that.
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Thanks Anne. Let’s keep dreaming and hope for change. Thanks for reading.
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Reminds me of the movie Free Willy.
I liked the atmosphere you created with the story.
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Thanks T. That was a great movie. Appreciate you reading and commenting.
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Great ethical piece.
I am wondering, given the worsening state of our oceans, are there any welcoming environments for the natural fauna?
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Thank you Bill. I wonder that as well. Appreciate you reading and commenting.
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Dear Shelley,
Were I her I’m not sure I’d report her siting. The treatment of these beautiful creatures makes me sad. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you Rochelle! I agree. It makes me sad also.
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Generations to come will look back in horror at how creatures were caged for our amusement. Nice one.
Here’s mine!
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Thanks Keith. I believe you are absolutely right.
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This prompted me to google whether dolphins could live in freshwater, and indeed there are some species that ONLY live in freshwater. Thanks for being the prompt to widen my knowledge. Liked your story.
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Thanks Sandra! You just widened mine as well. I wasn’t aware of that.
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Missed visiting Marineland.
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That’s okay. Better to have missed it I think. When you come next time, visit one of our lovely wineries instead. Thanks for reading!
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After watching Blackfish, my eyes were opened. I hope they are all freed one day.
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I hope so too Ms Jadeli. Thanks for reading.
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You are welcome.
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I adored my once in a lifetime trip to SeaWorld when I was a kid, seeing the Orca led to a lifelong fascination with them. And then I learned about the capture and treatment of them in captivity. Thankfully these parks are coming to an end now.
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You’re right Iain. I too enjoyed the experience with my kids, but in time things change as we learn more about the behind the scenes actions taken for the enjoyment of humans. I don’t have the answers, but I am glad these types of places are closing. As always, appreciate you reading and commenting.
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