cetacean rights

Cetacean rights refer to the idea that whales, dolphins, and other cetaceans deserve legal protections due to their intelligence, social complexity, and capacity to experience suffering. Advocates argue they should not be exploited for entertainment, research, or industry, and should be granted freedoms similar to those of humans—such as living free from captivity and harmful practices. Recognizing cetacean rights emphasizes their intrinsic value beyond being resources, promoting conservation and ethical treatment based on their sentience and ecological importance.