BBC NEWS ONLINE: Dolphin 'happiness' measured by scientists in France

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But Dr Susanne Schultz from the University of Manchester, who has studied the social behaviour of wild marine mammals, points out that the study cannot tell us "if a dolphin in captivity is happier than it would be if it was in the wild".

"I do think it's a valuable finding that dolphins in captivity potentially seek out contact with humans," Dr Schultz added.

"And I think that finding can be applied to how we manage other charismatic, intelligent species.

"But just because a dolphin interacts with you doesn't mean that it would choose that lifestyle if it was given a choice."