London to Protest for Japan’s Dolphins

In the past 12 months, the UK’s capital city has rocked it several times for the dolphins who risk capture from the Japanese drive hunts. On October 16th, London will speak out once more when hundreds of activists and an impressive lineup of speakers, will take their message to the Japanese Embassy.

At issue are the Japanese dolphins drives which for six months of the year, force wild dolphins swimming past the town of Taiji, into a cove. Once they are contained, the marine mammals are killed for meat consumption or sold to captive facilities.

This will be the third protest at the Japanese embassy in London in less than 12 months. Maria Nangle, a Cove Monitor with Ric O’Barry’s Dolphin Project, was at the cove in Taiji, when Japan Dolphins Day took place in London, on Sept. 1.

While the event was ongoing, things in Taiji went awry when Ric O’Barry was arrested.

“Ric was in prison, while Vicki Kiely and I, were at the police station for 6 1/2 half hours being questioned about his arrest,” Nangle said. This time around,” she added, “Ric and I, will both be there.”

There is an impressive lineup of people scheduled to speak at the protest. Ric O’Barry of course, will be there to speak this time, followed by the Born Free Foundation’s Will Travers, OBE, and Dominic Dyer — also of Born Free and Care for the Wild. Ollie Blackmore of Ollie’s Cycle Challenges, will also share his recent experiences in Japan. Blackmore completed a grueling, 3,600 kilometer bicycle ride from one end of Japan to the other — completely solo and unsupported, to raise awareness for Japan’s dolphins.

Event organizers are asking participants to bring just two things along with their voices — attention-grabbing inflatable dolphins, and a red rose. “The roses are for a special tribute we have planned,” Nangle explained, “they will represent the blood of thousands of lost dolphins, and the love of the people who fight to defend them.”

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Over 600 people are currently expected to attend the protest, but organizers are hoping for a turnout of one thousand.  The demo is open to all groups — without affiliation, so please attend.

Mark October 16, in your calendars now, and we hope to see you at the Embassy of Japan, 101-104 Piccadilly, London, between 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

The following day, Dolphin Project Ambassador Maisie Williams and Ric O’Barry will skydive in the English countryside to help raise awareness. You can learn more about their jump here.

“As someone who has recently fallen hard and fast onto the dolphin trail,” Nangle said, “I urge everyone and anyone who cares for dolphins and believes they should be free, to join us in London. Enough is enough … our voices need to be heard louder than ever!”

Photo Credit: DolphinProject.com

For further details — or to inquire about the demo, visit the event page on Facebook.