Dolphin Project Returns to The Cove

Fourteen years ago when Dolphin Project Founder/Director Ric O’Barry first stepped foot onto the shores of The Cove, he wasn’t expecting to see the water running red from the blood of freshly-killed dolphins. Then and there, he committed to exposing the heinous goings-on to the world, and hasn’t stopped since.

Between the months of September and March, an “official” 1820 dolphins of various species including bottlenose dolphins, striped dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, Pacific white-sided dolphins, pilot whales, false killer whales and pantropical spotted dolphins will be subject to harassment, injury, capture and slaughter, all in the name of greed and ignorance. Many more dolphins will be killed as a result of the hunts, their numbers never recorded. Trainers, working alongside hunters, will select approximately 150 wild bottlenose dolphins, “presold” to marine parks in Japan and overseas – a violent process where dolphins will fight for their lives against the deafening and disorienting roar of boat engines, shouting, nets and extreme manhandling.

2016/17 Drive Fisheries Quota, Taiji, Japan

Although a 19-day incarceration last winter, resulting in Ric’s deportation from Japan will prevent him from going to Taiji, our team of Dolphin Project Cove Monitors will be present for the entire six months of the annual dolphin hunting season.

Dying Risso’s dolphin lands at Ric O’Barry’s feet in first drive of the season, Taiji, Japan, September 11, 2015. Credit: DolphinProject.com

“Last year, during the first drive of the season, a Risso’s dolphin attempted escape from the hunters. He landed at my feet, dying. Dolphin Project Cove Monitors caught the tragedy on live stream. Moments like these underscore the extreme cruelty of the hunts. We need to keep showing up and sharing these images with the world. And we can’t do it without you. Please consider donating what you can. Together, we will end it.” ~ Ric O’Barry, Founder/Director of Dolphin Project

This insanity MUST end. And together, we WILL end it.

Blood from slaughtered dolphins fills the water of The Cove

HOW YOU CAN HELP

DONATE

Dolphin Project will be on the ground in Taiji during the entire killing season, live streaming, blogging and disseminating information for the world to see. Your support has never been more crucial and is greatly appreciated.

PARTICIPATE

We’re calling on individuals, activists and organizations across the world to participate with us on this International Day of Action. Join activists around the world on September 1st and make a difference for dolphins.
CLICK HERE to host or participate in a Japan Dolphins Day event.

SHOP AND EDUCATE

Wear your support for Dolphin Project and start a dialogue!
Shop our authentic gear here.

 
There are a number of other ways you can take action to help end the Taiji dolphin slaughter.

Ric O’Barry’s Dolphin Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the USA (Tax ID 47-1665067), and donations are fully tax-deductible.