2022: A Year to Remember

If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything at all, it’s the value and importance of helping another out – no matter the species  – human, animal, or plant. And, for over 52 years, that’s exactly what Dolphin Project has done. From educating Balinese schoolchildren on the importance of habitat preservation to documenting the atrocities taking place at the Cove in Taiji, Japan, to improving the quality of life of three previously abused dolphins at the Umah Lumba Rehabilitation, Release and Retirement Center, the first ever permanent dolphin rehabilitation, release and retirement facility for formerly performing dolphins, no matter the challenges, we have met them head-on.

With your kind and steadfast support, we look forward to continuing our innovative, global programs to protect dolphins in 2023. But none of what we do could be possible without you. From making a monthly donation, to purchasing a t-shirt or other Dolphin Project authentic gear (now 30% off storewide until the end of the year), each action you take goes directly towards helping dolphins. And, through December 31, every donation Dolphin Project receives will be matched dollar for dollar up to 50K! Stock and cryptocurrency donations will also be tripled, so please give generously.

On behalf of everyone at Dolphin Project, may the upcoming year reignite your curiosity and engagement with the natural world and all its inhabitants.

Rescued Dolphins Johnny, Rocky and Rambo Offered Their Freedom, West Bali, Indonesia

Minister of Forestry and Environment for the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. Ir. Siti Nurbaya, M.Sc officially opened the gate and offered the dolphins their freedom. Credit: DolphinProject.com

Rambo plays in the bay near the Umah Lumba Center, Bali, Indonesia. Credit: DolphinProject.com

On September 3, approximately three years since we confiscated Johnny, Rocky and Rambo from a shallow swimming pool at the Melka Excelsior Hotel in North Bali where they were forced to perform in endless shows for paying tourists, the dolphins reclaimed their birthright and were given the option to swim free. At the time of their rescue, the dolphins were suffering from a variety of serious health concerns. However, under our team’s 24/7 expert care at the Umah Lumba Rehabilitation, Release and Retirement Center in Banyuwedang Bay, West Bali – the first ever permanent dolphin rehabilitation, release and retirement facility for formerly performing dolphins – following Dolphin Project’s Protocol for the Rehabilitation and Release of Captive Dolphins they gradually regained their health and strength.

Rocky, upon release, swam out of the bay and into open waters. Sadly, in November, Johnny succumbed to a respiratory illness. Rambo has chosen to remain in the area of the Umah Lumba Center, where he explores the bay and on a daily basis spends time in the foraging pen. As the Center is a true rehabilitation, release and retirement facility, we are prepared to rescue and rehabilitate future dolphins in need and have a full-time staff veterinarian, security guards and caregivers.

Exposing the Dolphin Hunts, Taiji, Japan

Melon-headed whales await slaughter, Taiji, Japan. Credit: LIA/Dolphin Project

Every year from September until March, a notoriously inhumane hunt of some of the most sentient creatures on the planet takes place in Taiji, made famous by the 2009 Academy award-winning movie The Cove. During this period, dolphin hunters, “drive” the mammals to their capture or deaths via means of physical violence and acoustic torture.

During the 2022/2023 hunting season, due to ongoing COVID-19 travel restrictions, we continue to collaborate with Life Investigation Agency, headed up by Ren and his team of all-Japanese activists, as well as other teams of independent Japanese activists who will be on the ground in Taiji to document the drives and other events that take place there.

Taiji, Japan Sued Over Dolphin Dealings

Bottlenose dolphins captured for your entertainment, Taiji, Japan. Credit: LIA/Dolphin Project

Ren Yabuki, Director of Life Investigation Agency and a resident of Taiji launched a lawsuit against the town for the disclosure of public documents related to dolphins taken captive and slaughtered in Taiji. Ren first reached out to Dolphin Project in 2014 to collaborate with us on legal and educational initiatives. His intention was to end the suffering of dolphins in Japan. Dolphin Project supported LIA’s initiative by sharing our vast database, going back to 2003 when I first documented the dolphin slaughters and captive selection taking place there.

Taiji has long been criticized worldwide for the cruelty of the hunts. Their explanation is that the hunts exist to protect a “tradition”. However, according to information that Ren has received from Wakayama prefecture, the Taiji Municipal Development Corporation, of which the Mayor of Taiji, Sanken Kazutaka, is the chair of the board, receives approximately 80% of its income from the sale of live cetaceans. Thus, the main purpose of the hunts is not about hunting dolphins for meat, but to sell live dolphins to aquariums, for lucrative profits.

Indonesia by the Numbers

Tree planting in Bali, Indonesia. Credit: DolphinProject.com

Dolphin Project has expanded our outreach in Bali by helping with several community initiatives. These include:

• Planting 10,000 seedlings of mangroves and 1000 coconut trees to help protect the coastline and marine ecosystem in West Bali,
• Sterilizing a total of 151 dogs,
• Rescuing 15 monkeys who were kept chained in cages, or escaped from previous owners who kept them as pets,
• Rescuing and treating one deer who was attacked by wild dogs,
• Rescuing and relocating nine snakes who needed to be evacuated from people’s homes,
• Rescuing and treating three sea turtles (green turtles)

Educating for our Future!

Learning made fun at the Umah Lumba Education Center, Bali, Indonesia. Credit: DolphinProject.com

In the village next to the Umah Lumba Center is a place where kids learn, and have fun doing so! The Umah Lumba Education Center is a free school, but effective in its engaging methods of teaching. The children have much fun learning, while gaining an appreciation for their natural world. We have 44 regular students in our school, and 25 visiting students from outside the village.

Donate with Confidence

Did you know that Dolphin Project has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, a Platinum rating from GuideStar and a top-rated designation from Great Nonprofits? These exceptional designations distinguish us from our peers and demonstrate to the public we are worthy of your trust.

Empty the Tanks Worldwide Event

Empty the Tanks Worldwide Event

After two years of online activities, May 7 marked the return of in-person protests at marine parks and aquariums during the 10th Annual Empty the Tanks Worldwide Event. Around the world, people spent the day advocating for an end to dolphin and whale captivity.

Dolphin Habitat to Close at The Mirage, Las Vegas, Nevada

Anti-captivity protest at The Mirage, Las Vegas

In a victory for Las Vegas, after three decades, the Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage will be permanently closing. Between April and September of this year, three dolphins died at the facility. Over the years, Dolphin Project has lent our support to local organizations and individuals who have campaigned against the exhibit.

Changes Abound at Miami Seaquarium?

Lolita, Miami Seaquarium. Credit: DolphinProject.com

An inspection report on Miami Seaquarium by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) dated July 6, 2022 stated that the diets of nine dolphins were severely cut for the purposes of ensuring the animals performed better for guest interactions. In addition, multiple aggressive incidents against trainers, and even members of the public were documented. For decades, Dolphin Project has vigorously campaigned against the facility. And now, in a public statement, the Dolphin Company, owner of the Miami Seaquarium said they are committed to efforts to retire Lolita, the 55 year-old orca who has been held in captivity since 1970.

Global Beach Cleanup

Students of the Umah Lumba Education Center participate in beach cleanup, Bali, Indonesia. Credit: DolphinProject.com

On August 21 and 22, people across the world participated in our annual Global Beach Cleanup event. Every piece of plastic and debris cleaned up was one fewer item of trash that could have found its way into a waterway and potentially entangled and harmed marine life.

Dolphin Defender Month

Paris says NO to dolphin hunting and captivity! Credit: C’est assez

This September marked Dolphin Project’s second annual Dolphin Defender Month! Participants from across the world created awareness of Taiji’s annual dolphin hunts, and their connection to the captivity industry. Participants also educated on the truth behind marine mammal captivity, encouraging people not to buy a ticket to a dolphin show.

Dolphin Project Turns 52!

Ric O’Barry and actor Luke Halpin, circa 1971. Credit: DolphinProject.com

April 22 marked Dolphin Project’s 52nd anniversary. Our mission today remains the same as it did when I founded Dolphin Project back in 1970: Let’s protect dolphins together.

Ric O’Barry, Founder/Director, Dolphin Project

Every donation Dolphin Project receives will be matched dollar for dollar up to 50K, through December 31st. Stock and cryptocurrency donations will also be tripled, so please give generously.