Happy 49th Birthday Dolphin Project!

“If I was involved in a cause, I decided I would at least need a bunch of t-shirts. I was asked by the shop owner what kind of logo I wanted. I told him I didn’t know. He asked if it was a project, and if so, what sort of project. I told him it was a Dolphin Project.” ~ Ric O’Barry, “Behind the Dolphin Smile”

That was in 1970 – when the dolphin captivity issue was not an issue to the general public, nor to the animal advocacy organizations active at the time. There was no Facebook or Instagram – and for that matter, no personal computers or even mobile phones! But 49 years later, the essence of what makes Dolphin Project so strong is still the same: a dedicated team of individuals committed to making real and positive change for dolphins.

Dolphins Joe and Rosie, and Ric O’Barry

Thanks to your generous support, we’ve made great progress since I made it my life’s mission to protect dolphins worldwide from exploitation and slaughter. In Indonesia, Dolphin Project and our partner JAAN successfully renegotiated a five-year Cooperation Agreement with the Indonesian government to maintain Camp Lumba Lumba as the designated rescue and release facility for illegally-captured dolphins. Lincoln O’Barry and Dr. Sarah Meltzoff continued their onsite field work in the Solomon Islands, assisting communities in transitioning away from their conventional dolphin hunts. In March, Dolphin Project returned from our 16th season in Taiji, Japan, ground zero for the captivity industry. Our education and outreach team continues to reach new audiences, offering workshops, university lectures, Skype interviews, event booths, and more. Dolphin Project is also working to make the first European dolphin retirement center a reality.

Dolphin Project Cove Monitors scan the horizon for dolphin hunting boats, Taiji, Japan. Credit: DolphinProject.com

In Indonesia, puppet shows support interactive education. Credit: DolphinProject.com

In many ways, our job is easier now than when I started out, armed with only a bunch of t-shirts and my voice. Access to information is virtually unlimited, sharing what we learn has never been simpler and our reach, never greater. That’s why, as we commemorate our 49th year this Earth Day, it’s imperative we keep spreading awareness in our efforts to help end dolphin abuse globally. Please continue to share our blogs, petitions and social media posts, and strike up a dialogue with whomever will listen. If you can, join your fellow activists on May 11 to help end dolphin captivity during the 7th annual Empty the Tanks worldwide event. And remember, each time you donate to Dolphin Project, know that you are aiding the longest running anti-captivity dolphin welfare organization in the world.

Camp Lumba Lumba dolphin rehabilitation and release center, Indonesia. Credit: DolphinProject.com

The only way to see dolphins – wild and free! Photo: wild Risso’s dolphins, Tracie Sugo

To celebrate our birthday, from 12:00 a.m. EST on Monday, April 22 to 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, April 28, using coupon code dp49, you can shop authentic Dolphin Project gear for 15% off! Also, be sure to check out Facebook as we’re running a week-long fundraiser to support our work for dolphins.

For the dolphins, always,

Ric O’Barry signature