“I have studied dolphins and whales for close to twenty years and, without a doubt, this book is the most powerful treatise on the ethics of dolphin captivity I have ever read! Lemieux presents a unique combination of gut-wrenching personal accounts and right-on-target scientific findings.”
--Dr. Lori Marino
Neuroscientist and Professor Emory University.


“Lemieux's Rekindling the Waters is an excellent eye-opening critique of the captive dolphin trade.”
--Mark J. Palmer
Associate Director, International Marine Mammal Project, Earth Island Institute.


“Part love story, part wake-up call, and wholly engaging… If you care about the other lives with whom we share the world, you will definitely want to read this book - again and again.”
--Suzanne Chisholm
film maker—Saving Luna.


”Leah Lemieux gives us the story behind the fun, telling the true story…This book is a potent plea for a change in attitude and an acceptance of responsibility.”
--Kris Simpson
International Dolphin Watch.


“Informative but poetic prose, which holds the reader’s interest and makes it difficult to put the book down.”
--Cathy Williamson
Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society


”Her words somehow remain lyrical while diving into the science, ethics, politics and profit that swirl around the captive swim-with industry….with clear, evocative language Leah digests current facts and perspectives from caring experts on dolphin intelligence, human ignorance and the ethical evolution of humanity.”
--William Rossiter
President, Cetacean Society International


"Leah Lemieux’s book is a lyrical, in-depth, and personal exploration of the issues behind the seemingly happy dolphins in swim-with attractions. Her story should make it clear to everyone who reads it that each dolphin in these facilities is an individual, with a unique personality – her experience is not that of the typical tourist. She spent countless hours with these animals, through no other motivation than friendship – and she learned that all is not as it seems. If you’ve ever wanted to swim with dolphins, you must read this book."
--Naomi A. Rose
Ph.D., Marine mammal scientist, Humane Society International


About the Book

Dolphins have become one of the world’s most popular and sought-after creatures. Since antiquity, dolphins have possessed a mysterious and compelling allure for humankind, which in recent years has intensified, inspiring everything from New Age fervor, to multi-million dollar theme parks.

In our profit-driven age, suppliers are never far behind demand and having discovered people will eagerly pay exorbitant sums for the opportunity to get close, lucrative captive "Swim with the Dolphins" attractions have sprung up in many tropical vacation destinations, cashing in on the human hunger for close contact with these powerfully charismatic creatures. Enticed and lulled by the promise of proximity, millions of people annually visit aquariums, marine parks and dolphin-swim venues, eager to caress that shining skin and perhaps glimpse what lingers behind the dolphins’ curving, archaic smile.

Rekindling the Waters: The Truth About Swimming with Dolphins is an intimate and intelligent expose, illuminating the unexpected dark side of this increasingly controversial phenomenon, revealing a lucrative industry rife with cruelty. In taking a closer look, the shocking truth reveals how a whimsical or well-earned holiday excursion to swim with captive dolphins can support horrendous suffering—and even the outright killing of these beloved and beleaguered creatures—all purposely kept hidden and secret from the public.

Toward the later half of the book, an examination of the latest scientific research regarding dolphin behavior, intelligence, self-awareness and culture is also presented, and this rich and diverse evidence raises dynamic ethical questions, eliciting a call for change in the way we regard and treat our fellow beings.

Rekindling the Waters: The Truth About Swimming with Dolphins is essential reading for anyone who cares about dolphins, the oceans they live in and this planet we all share.