An Urgent Message from Ric O’Barry

On Sept. 30, 2014, I resigned from my position at Earth Island Institute’s International Marine Mammal Project/Save Japan Dolphins (EII-IMMP). After 44 years of protecting dolphins, it was time to preserve my legacy and remain true to my roots. I believe the best way to do this is through a small grassroots organization with financial transparency.

Now called Ric O’Barry’s Dolphin Project, our mission remains the same: it’s about protecting dolphins, 100% of the time. Moving forward, it’s time to set the record straight.

Despite my resignation, EII continues to send out fundraising emails and blogs using my name and likeness.

Locked out of my original website (DolphinProject.org) and mailing list, EII has refused to return the website I originally created, back to me. This means I’ve been unable to update you — our well-meaning supporters, and now some of you unknowingly continue to send your donations to EII, believing they support our Cove Monitor team on the ground in Taiji.

I do not wish to use our precious resources and energy fighting EII, but their current fundraising campaigns are misrepresentative.

Even after I quit, my name, signature and likeness continue to be used without my permission.

If you have been donating to SaveJapanDolphins.org or DolphinProject.org through Earth Island Institute, please consider switching your donation over to DolphinProject.net.

Ric O’Barry’s Dolphin Project has some phenomenal projects in the works — returning to the Solomon Islands, ending Indonesia’s traveling circus, Taiji of course, and Camp Lumba-Lumba — the first and largest permanent dolphin re-adaptation center in the world.

There is so much to do, but it’s only achievable with your help.

Know that you are aiding the longest-running, most active, anti-captivity dolphin welfare organization in the world. We know you share our mission and support direct action, so please ensure that you are donating to the original DolphinProject.net

Ric O’Barry’s Dolphin Project has applied for federal tax exemption as a 501(c)(3) public charity and if this designation is granted, then the full amount of your contribution will be deductible for federal income tax purposes.

Help us continue our urgent work — It’s Only Possible Through Your Generous Support!

CLICK HERE TO DONATE.

For the Dolphins, Always,

Ric O’Barry

Founder/Director

Dolphin Project

We do not accept donations from the canned tuna industry or captivity industry.

Shopping for your pod?

Don’t be shellfish – share Dolphin Project with those you love! There’s all kinds of great gear in the Dolphin Project shop!

We’ve brought back the “Classic” 1973 Project tee and our “Original” 1970 Tee — and the previously unavailable Crew shirts, as seen on Harry Styles.