Ask Indonesia to Ban Dolphin Circuses

One of the cruelest and most archaic dolphin shows in the world takes place in Indonesia. Dolphins are carted in coffin-like boxes from city to city, and forced to perform in plastic pools. Their stress is unbearable, their captures illegal, and yet, the show continues.

Indonesia’s traveling dolphin circuses. Credit: DolphinProject.com

Traveling circus dolphins being loaded into a truck. Credit: DolphinProject.com

Dolphin Project, in conjunction with our local partner Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN) has been working to lobby the Indonesian government to ban these shows and release the dolphins. Protests have ramped up – last month, students in Pontianak City picketed the Forestry Department’s local office. A meeting with authorities was also held, who continue to vouch for the circus’s educational value. Yet, despite claims that show operators have format permits, existing laws should be in place to protect dolphins, not exploit them.

Activists have also conducted two protests in Jakarta, striving to raise awareness of the cruel nature of these shows. PT Ancol, one of two companies which operate the traveling circuses, has its headquarters in Jakarta, with the local government being a shareholder of the company.

Local Indonesian activists protest the traveling dolphin circuses.

Local Indonesian activists protest the traveling dolphin circuses.

Presently, the show has moved to Banjarmasin, exposing the dolphins to over two hours of travel under horrid conditions.

Dolphin Project needs your help. Please TAKE ACTION now and write the Indonesia Ambassador in your country, asking that permits be withdrawn from the two companies, PT Ancol and PT WSI, licensed by the Indonesian Forestry Department to operate the traveling dolphin circuses.

CLICK HERE for a list of worldwide embassies of the Republic of Indonesia.