For many, swimming with wild dolphins is a dream experience. However, recent events have sparked concern among environmentalists, who now view such interactions as cruel and unethical due to the captivity of these animals.
In response, a Dutch non-profit organization has developed an innovative solution: using virtual reality (VR) technology to offer people an immersive and realistic encounter with dolphins without any harm to the animals. This project aims to replace traditional dolphin encounters with a more ethical and sustainable alternative.
The Dolphin Swimming Club was founded by artist Marijke Sjollema, who first encountered dolphins in 1993 while diving in the Gulf of Mexico. She recalls the moment vividly: “I saw a gray shadow under the water. At first, I thought it was a shark, but then I realized it was a dolphin.†That experience ignited her deep passion for these intelligent creatures and led her to dedicate her life to helping others connect with them in a meaningful way.
Together with her husband, Benno Brada, Sjollema has spent years developing VR experiences that allow people to immerse themselves in the world of dolphins. “Dolphins bring joy, playfulness, and a sense of peace,†she says. “They have a healing power that touches everyone.â€
The couple’s first VR project, launched in 2015, involved immersive dolphin-themed videos. Recently, they introduced waterproof VR glasses, allowing users to float in water while experiencing the underwater world of dolphins. Though still in the experimental phase, this innovation is setting a new standard for immersive therapy.
Heeren Loo, a therapist working with disabled communities, has been testing the waterproof VR glasses and praised their potential. “VR movies transport people to another world, helping them relax and feel differently,†he said. “Many report feeling calm and at ease after watching them.â€
One young girl with chronic insomnia fell asleep quickly after watching dolphin videos, while another patient found relief from pain through the experience. “It feels like meditation,†said Dion, a community member. “The sounds of the dolphins and the water help me forget the noise around me.â€
The Dutch government has supported the project with a grant of 50,000 Euros to develop the waterproof VR glasses, which use a waterproof Samsung smartphone and a 3D-printed case. Dr. Wim Veling, a psychiatrist at the University of Groningen, believes VR can be a powerful tool for mental health. “Immersing people in a different world helps reduce stress and promote relaxation,†he wrote on the Dolphin Swimming Club’s website.
Sjollema sees VR not just as a tool for accessibility, but as a humane alternative to dolphin captivity. “We wanted to create an option that doesn’t harm animals,†she said. “This is about offering a real experience without the cost of exploitation.â€
The VR films were shot in the Red Sea in 2015 by a professional team, who used divers capable of holding their breath for up to five minutes to avoid disturbing the dolphins during filming. Today, over 150 universities, hospitals, and communities worldwide are using VR for therapeutic purposes, and the future of this technology looks promising.
Some users even express excitement about seeing more thrilling content, like sharks or lions. “If we could see a predator in action, that would be amazing,†one person said. But for now, the focus remains on the calming, magical world of dolphins—offered safely and ethically through the power of virtual reality.
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