Dolphin Project: 51 Years Defending Dolphins Worldwide!

As we enter year two of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dolphin Project is celebrating 51 years spreading awareness about the plight of captive dolphins across the globe.

Despite worldwide travel and other mobility restrictions, we’ve kept busy continuing to rehabilitate our three rescued dolphins, Rocky, Rambo and Johnny, at the Umah Lumba Rehabilitation, Release and Retirement Center, the world’s first permanent dolphin rehabilitation, release and retirement facility for formerly performing dolphins in Bali, Indonesia.

Johnny chases a fish in the healing waters of the Umah Lumba Center, Bali, Indonesia. Credit: DolphinProject.com

Our 24/7 team is in the process of conducting a meticulous evaluation of the dolphins to determine their releasability. Should any be candidates for release, they will be taken to Camp Lumba Lumba Readaptation and Release Center in Karimun Jawa, the world’s first permanent facility dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of dolphins. The mammals will then be prepared for return into their home range. Should any of the dolphins be deemed unreleasable, they can retire in healing and safety at the Umah Lumba Center, living out the rest of their lives in peace and dignity.

Wild bottlenose dolphin captured for “entertainment” for paying guests, The Cove, Taiji, Japan. Credit: LIA/DolphinProject.com

We collaborated with Life Investigation Agency (LIA), ensuring that an all-Japanese team was on the ground each day to document the drives and other events that took place in Taiji, Japan during the six-month-long dolphin hunting season. Between the months of September and March, several species of dolphins, including the very young and the very old were routinely subjected to harassment, suffering and abuse, slaughtered for their meat or taken captive to be exploited in marine parks and aquariums. Entire pods of dolphins were decimated.

We continue to organize virtual events to help educate and generate awareness, including The 9th Annual Empty the Tanks Worldwide Online Event. On May 8, no matter where you live, we’d love for you to virtually join us and spend the day advocating on behalf of captive cetaceans! Please watch your IN BOX and our social media for details.

The 9th Annual Empty the Tanks Worldwide Online Event – May 8, 2021

Since April 22, 1970, Dolphin Project’s founding principles – educating the public about captivity and, where feasible, retiring and/or releasing captive dolphins – continue to guide our work. And as we continue to lend our expertise and resources to support local activists, we ensure that those who depend on us for a voice will not be forgotten.

Today, we’ve adopted new ways of sharing information and protecting our planet, and have continued to enact real change for those in need.

Armed with a mission, a logo and some t-shirts, Dolphin Project was officially born 51 years ago!

Successful relocation and release of Risso’s dolphin, West Bali, Indonesia. Credit: DolphinProject.com

On our 51st anniversary (also shared by Earth Day), we celebrate YOU. It’s because of your generous support we have made the great progress we have. As our gift to you, from 12:00 a.m. EST on Thursday, April 22 to 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, April 25, using coupon code DP51, you can shop authentic Dolphin Project gear for 15% off! It’s a great way to stock up on Dolphin Project merchandise and get ready for the Empty the Tanks event. Remember, each time you donate to Dolphin Project, know that you are aiding the longest running anti-captivity dolphin welfare organization in the world.

Rocky, Rambo and Johnny swim in the healing waters of the Umah Lumba Rehabilitation, Release and Retirement Center, Bali, Indonesia. Credit: DolphinProject.com

For the dolphins, always,

Ric O’Barry, Founder/Director of Dolphin Project