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Research demonstrating the advanced intelligence of cetaceans (dolphins and whales) has triggered the National Aquarium in Baltimore to question the ethics of keeping its eight bottlenose dolphins in tanks and to consider moving them to a sanctuary in a warmer climate.

Dolphin bite at SeaWorld in Orlando, Nov 2013

A lawyer for PETA says it best: “Captivity can’t even begin to replicate the natural environment. Zoos and aquariums claim to promote education. The only thing they teach is, it’s OK to have these animals locked up in these enclosures where they are bored, lonely and deprived of all control of their own lives.” If people want to see wild animals, then they can watch nature shows that document them living in their natural settings or even view them in their natural habitat, if that’s an option. To see how you can help free captive dolphins, please see The Cove’s Take Action page.

After watching Blackfish, the documentary film about captive orcas at Sea World, Virgin Airlines CEO Richard Branson instructed his tour company Virgin Holidays to refrain from booking travel “with any organization that won’t guarantee that they won’t display dolphins and whales that are taken from the wild,” according to the Seattle Post Intelligencer.

The capture of Lolita, who is now at the Miami Seaquarim

The impact of Blackfish can’t be overstated: musicians are canceling their Sea World performances; protests are on the rise and ticket sales are declining. The whole world is watching. But we can’t be complacent because Sea World is a multi-billion dollar company that will stop at nothing to protect their biggest attraction: the killer whale shows. To be a voice for the orcas, please visit the Take Action on the Blackfish website.

During the 2013 dolphin hunting season in Taiji, Japan, 834 dolphins were killed and 164 taken captive for aquariums and swim with dolphin concessions. In a ground-breaking editorial, The Japan Times calls for an end to the “herding, capturing and slaughtering of dolphins” in Taiji, challenging the government’s claims that the practice is a “tradition” that “adheres to the principles of the law.”

Slaughter in the Cove

Worldwide outrage, pressure from the U.S. Government, increased activism and resistance from within Japan will eventually lead to an end to the dolphin hunt. In the meantime, please encourage the people in your network to rent The Cove and to boycott aquariums and “swim with dolphin” concessions.