Taiji’s first dolphin hunts of 2020 have been bloody and horrific. It’s up to us to change the tide on how the world sees dolphin captivity! Simple. This often happens with “surplus” bottlenose dolphins, which are more highly prized for captivity than other species and are showing signs of depletion due to the Taiji killings. Artist, illustrator and certified marine mammal naturalist. I have tasted 3 kinds of whale meat in Japan over the years. We hope you will continue to stand by our side as we continue our work across the globe, from the United States to the Solomon Islands and to Indonesia, where four dolphins are currently rehabilitating in the world’s first permanent dolphin sanctuary, of which we built. A convenient, reasonable, and reliable fleet with 24/7 English-speaking service. The overall quota for the season allows for more than 1,700 animals to be killed or captured. Massive destruction of dolphin pens in the aftermath of Typhoon Hagibis, Taiji, Japan. Dolphin trainers with four newly-captured striped dolphins, Taiji, Japan. Tradition does not make it right. I would also like to thank Matt Sorum, Leilani Munter, Maisie Williams, Slash, Dr. Brian May and Tom & Kim Scholz. © 2020 Ric O'Barry's Dolphin Project. They are exploitative, and often responsible for the destruction of entire wild dolphin pods. It started in the 70s to supply aquariums. Trying to think of some other reason but cannot. Really? It is also dark red and whale like. Fax: +81 3 5561 7756 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSxOSexVX4I. Hunters were seen grabbing the dolphin by its dorsal fin, pulling the little mammal out of the water. Ric O’Barry at the Cove, Taiji, Japan. Other dolphins are sold to aquariums and marine parks. I can understand the "tradition" argument, but really? About a decade later, that calf may be ready to have young of their own. Email: editor@japantoday.com

I highly recommend everyone to watch the document (available on Youtube) and inform yourself to become aware of what goes down here. oldman, how many Japanese do you know who eat Dolphin meat? No point any more. Credit: DolphinProject.com, A hunter attempts to float a large pilot whale off the beach, Taiji, Japan. International law applies only to weak countries, dont you know that yet? During this particular slaughter where approximately 55 dolphins lost their lives, a young juvenile was spotted swimming amongst the blood of its pod members. What happens to your body in extreme heat? TAIJI, WAKAYAMA PREF. We are grateful to each of you who lent your voices in support. Most of us have either been on a vacation where captive dolphin swim programs were advertised around us, or we have seen. The Drive Fishery Quota for the 2019/2020 dolphin hunting season in Taiji, Japan targets 1,749 dolphins across 9 species, including bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales and false killer whales. Does labeling anything as "culture" make it okay? Nets were dropped just outside the Taiji harbor where each dolphin in the pod was captured. Risso’s dolphins have pregnancies that last 13-14 months, and bottlenose dolphins have gestation periods lasting about 12 months. Japan is a country that experienced the Minamata disaster. It all seems so unneccessary and idiotic, wrapped in politics and national pride. Credit: DolphinProject.com, Once wild and free, now, dead and tethered to skiffs after slaughter, Taiji, Japan. Naturally, this means killed for meat (which is dangerous to consume) or captured for momentary human amusement. All Rights Reserved. For more than 30 years, the International Marine Mammal Project has led the fight to protect dolphins, whales and the ocean environment. Over and over our team has documented the prolonged suffering of dolphins, once driven into the Cove.

| KYODO. Honestly, it doesn't take much to realise that this is a cruel and horrific practice, especially on an intelligent animal. They were each around 3 meters long and will be sold to aquariums, according to participants in the hunt. The only saving irony is that the reckless actions of humans may eventually make these animals so inedible that even the people who hunt them won't want to eat them anymore. Not sure who people think they are, complaining about what another group of people are eating. I was at an izakaya about 25 years ago with a Canadian buddy having a meal and drinks, he ordered a dish that I tried and it tasted terrible and he told me that I had tried porpoise. Credit: DolphinProject.com, Dolphins are selected for “life” in captivity after being driven into the Cove, Taiji, Japan.