watching the cove: an exclusive interview with Elora Malama West

We had the pleasure of interviewing Elora Malama West about her experience in Taiji, monitoring the cove. We so appreciate her taking the time to do this interview with us, and we hope you are inspired by what she shares about her experiences. Be sure to check out her blog at: http://eloramalama.com/ 






Elora Malama West is a homeschooled teenage activist. She is currently attending community college with plans to eventually transfer and pursue a degree in Environmental Journalism and Photography. In the fall of 2010 at age 16, Elora accompanied her father, Scott West, to Taiji, Japan for the first Cove Guardian campaign. They spent three months on the ground reporting everyday about the plight of the dolphins. While there Elora began a blog, A Teenage Activist: This Girl's Soapbox (eloramalama.com) and encouraged thousands of people to call the Japanese embassies in their area to protest the dolphin slaughter. 
She returned to Taiji again in March of 2012, to assist in wrapping up the second successful Sea Shepherd Cove Guardian campaign. Elora participated in the first ever meeting between the mayor of Taiji and the activists protesting the town's annual slaughter. 
She hopes to send a message to her generation that you are never too young to stand up for what you believe in. Elora wants to inspire kids to stand against cetacean captivity and protest swim with dolphin programs, and other institutions that exploit marine mammals. She believes that if you love dolphins and whales, you want to work to protect them.

Blue Freedom: What caused you to decide to volunteer to be a Cove Guardian for the Sea Shepherds?

Elora: Well, while I only had three days notice that I was going to Taiji, my journey to Taiji with Sea Shepherd began months earlier. I came home from school one day and my dad told me that he was taking us all to see a movie called "The Cove", downtown that night. He showed me the trailer for it, but I had never heard about the issue. I sure knew about it after seeing the movie. I remember barely speaking on the car ride home, and leaning against the window crying. I had seen the documentary Sharkwater about a year earlier, and I quit theatre to begin scuba diving. I wanted to dive with sharks and work on shark conservation one day. Well now I wanted to save sharks and end this hunt in Taiji; because like Richard O'Barry said, "If we can't end it here, in this one cove, there is no hope for us". I realized that I wanted to help all of the ocean, because everything is interconnected. Each species relies on another one to do it's job or be it's prey. Dolphins were my favorite animal, and I could not believe people actually killed them. 

Well, a couple of months after seeing the movie, I actually had the chance to meet Richard O'Barry on Whidbey Island for the anniversary of Lolita being captured for the entertainment industry. Talking with him made me even more passionate about the issue. 

Very soon after I met Richard O'Barry, Paul Watson called my dad (Scott West) and told him to: "go to Taiji and make it work". So, my dad and I traveled over and built the campaign with all of the amazing volunteers that showed up. 

So it was a series of events that made me decide to volunteer. The movie gave me an awareness of the issue, Ric O'Barry was another dose of inspiration, my parents were my biggest motivators, and of course Sea Shepherd gave me the grounds to do it. I chose Sea Shepherd because they are the only marine conservation organization that gets directly involved, and even though Taiji is not a direct action campaign in the usual sense, we are on the grounds and documenting everyday to keep the slaughter in the media, on people's TV and computers, and in their heads. 

Blue Freedom: When did you go to Taiji and how long where you there?

Elora: I have been to Taiji, Japan, twice. The first time was in 2010, while I was 16. I was there from early September to early December. It was supposed to be a six week trip, but I ended up staying my full 90 day visa. My blog really picked up, and people cared about what I had to say. It was best for me to stay and keep documenting, I felt like I was being a voice for the voiceless and it was immensely important to me. 

The second time was in March of this year (2012). I went over to assist with wrapping up the second successful Sea Shepherd Cove Guardian campaign. I was there for about a week. During this time, Sea Shepherd discovered that Taiji operates under two different permits for hunting. One allows the drive hunt and captive trade to happen from September to early March. The second allows them to kill cetaceans at sea and bring them in with their daily catch. So Taiji, Japan, kills dolphins and whales all year round. They also have two harpooning vessels that go out at sometime during the year and harpoon whales at sea. 

Blue Freedom: When and how did you first learn about the killing cove in Taiji? What was it like to experience it first hand?

Elora: At the movies with my family, a few months before I was on the grounds. 

It was soul sucking and tedious. The slaughter is hard, watching the innocents being driven into the cove and later a lifeless body being pulled up the butcher house steps was mentally and emotionally draining. But for me the captivity side was the worst. This is because you would watch the families fight to protect each other, and then fail or be killed in the process; and the ones selected for captivity had to live on in the pens and eventually tanks with the memories of the cove. 

We would watch them being trained to rely on humans for food. We have seen trainers punch and drown dolphins that are "misbehaving". It's the worst feeling in the world, not being able to help them in that moment. I really can't put it into words what it is like to experience it first hand, except that it only made me more driven to put an end to captivity and slaughter of cetaceans. 

Blue Freedom: Can you share some of your experiences at the cove?

Elora: There were so many. I could/am working on filling a book. I saw a lot of suffering and death, and met some not so nice people. 

But I also had an amazing adventure and met some really brave activists living in Japan; not to mention all of the lifelong friends I made with our crew. It was the hardest experience I think I will ever love. 

Blue Freedom: I remember reading about how you swam into the killing cove- what was that like for you? Can you share that experience with us?

Elora: The first time was really eerie and I didn't stay long. I was so afraid of the sea floor. I didn't want to touch my feet to the bottom because I felt like I might step on an old spear, or worse, a left carcass. Matt Smith and I just waded outside the entrance of it. There is a vlog on my Youtube page of my raw reaction to it. It was a clear reminder of what we were over there doing, and just how many innocent lives had been taken from that place. 

My last swim in there was actually the hardest out of all of them, even though I did not realize it would be my last time. There had just been a slaughter, and some media were interviewing my dad at the tables on the public park area. Myself and some other guardians swam in to see what the beach looked like after a slaughter. Of course they had cleaned everything so well, there was no sign of anything. Except for some rocks, that were a slightly darker orange/red color than the rest. I whipped two of my fingers across from it and blood came up from the rock. I was so horrified, and I didn't know what to do. So, I swam back slowly with one arm out of the water, and just walked right up to the camera crew and held up my hand smeared with dolphin blood.

Needless to say, within the next few days a net was put up forbidding us from entering the cove. 

Blue Freedom: What are some of the main events that stand out in your mind from your stay in Taiji monitoring the cove?

Elora: There are several events that stand out in my mind. These are just a few out of hundreds! 

The first time I saw the killing cove; It was filled with approximately 85 dolphins. I was watching them thrash around and panic. It was the first time I had ever seen a dolphin in the wild, only they weren't in the wild, they were already sold or soon to be dead. 

The first slaughter I witnessed; The operation was so organized and moved so fast if you didn't pay super close attention you missed something important. Learning their work schedule and slaughter techniques was tedious. 

The international day of protest when the activists on the ground had the first ever meeting with the mayor of Taiji; My dad and I represented Sea Shepherd at that table. 

The time my dad (Scott West) was detained at the police station for testing a bluff made by one of the officers; Sea Shepherd is not in Taiji to break laws, but we will walk right up to that line. I had to drive myself back to the hotel on the opposite side of the road from what I am used to (so I could call the U.S. consulate), with media on the phone and my fellow crew all trying to still get slaughter images and help me out. 

Days off; We were lucky enough to get several non kill days and we could spend them touring Wakayama prefecture. I had an amazing time getting to know my fellow crew and friends, and spending time with my dad. 

Blue Freedom: Can you tell us a little about how you saw the connections between the slaughter and the captive cetacean entertainment industry while you were at the cove?

Elora: It would be impossible not to see it. They would drive in a pod, trainers from nearby dolphinariums would come and select the best looking from the pod (usually Bottlenose females because they look like Flipper) and basically fill the orders that have come in from around the world. Any infants would be taken from the pod for a similar fate, and then the unwanted would be slaughtered and processed for their meat. 

The captive industry is what funds the slaughter. A captive dolphin can be sold for over a hundred thousand dollars (USD), while the dead ones are only worth about eight hundred dollars (USD). So the captive industry is a very lucrative industry, so much so the slaughter would not continue without it. 

I have also personally witnessed the connection between the slaughter and captivity industry. My dad and I followed one of the transfer trucks leaving from Taiji to a dolphinarium in northern Japan. It was Suma Aqualife Park, and we got footage of the connection. 

Blue Freedom: Being a teenager, what advice would you give to other teens who want to help stop this horrific slaughter?

Elora: The best advice I can give is to get involved! Write letters to marine parks, organize protests, educate your schools and friends/family, refuse to support the captivity industry, and of course volunteer if you have the time and means. No part in this movement is a small part. 

Thank you so much, Elora for sharing your experiences with us, and inspiring our readers to make a difference.

2013 here we come!

Thanks to you, 2012 was a success!

Here's a quick overview of what we accomplished:

• We started our organization! With volunteers spread throughout the country and internationally, we are proud to be a group of mostly teenagers who are making a difference in the lives of these amazing animals.

• We began filming our documentary Voiceless. We've filmed interviews and shot on-location footage in Maine, Florida, etc. We're stoked!

• We took our Voiceless talks to our first- of many -classrooms! We were so thrilled to talk to our first class of fifth and sixth graders- they were so into it! The truth about captivity and the plight of cetaceans was something new to them- and they were totally inspired when they learned that they have the power to change it.

• We were able to launch a campaign to raise awareness for the Disney Dolphins. Thanks to our Change.Org petition, our message has gone big with the public- urging Disney all the more to do the right thing by humanely releasing these four dolphins to seapens for rehab.

• This November we launched our third Free Tilly Now campaign to support the humane release of Tilikum, the largest orca whale kept in captivity (captured in 1983). The word is getting out- and the support we've received is phenomenal.

There's absolutely no way we could have done all this without your support and financial help.
Thank you for your comments of support and for helping us spread the word!

If you think this group is relevant and effective, I ask you to please consider giving a beginning-of-year donation to help us continue filming Voiceless in 2013.

We're looking forward to another exciting year of helping make this beautiful planet a more ethical place for cetaceans.

Click to give

Learn more about Voiceless

More on our education programs

speaking out: an exclusive interview with students Susan F. and Ashlyn D.

You may have seen our new PSA Video on YouTube Starring Susan F., Ashlyn D., and Christina S.

We're thrilled to have been able to interview them about their thoughts on captivity, protecting marine mammals in the wild, and also about their involvement in our new documentary Voiceless which will be released in 2013.

Be sure to check out their PSA video at the end of the interview!

Blue Freedom: Thank you both so much for sharing with us today. How did you did find out about the captive cetacean entertainment industry and what made you realize it was wrong?

Susan: I found out through the Blue Freedom founders. I've always loved animals, so when I found out about this industry I started learning more about marine mammals. They are much smarter than us, yet humans seem to think we can still control them and take them out of their natural habitats with no questions. Plus to kill these gorgeous creatures inhumanely with no solid reason is even worse. Animals were not put on this earth so we could kill and control them.

Ashlyn: I found out about the captivity industry through a blog called Dream Sailor. There was a post about giving back to others and making a change in the world. In that post, there was a section over whale and dolphin captivity. At first, I didn't really react. I didn't see how it was connected to me at all. I live in a landlocked state, nowhere near the ocean or even a marine park. But the idea stayed in the back of my mind for weeks afterward until I finally broke down and began researching the topic. The more I read, the angrier I got. As I continued to read and educate myself, I realized exactly how intelligent and self aware these creatures are and how wrong it was to reduce them down to doing circus tricks. I couldn't see how this industry could take these creatures and casually use them for profit and entertainment. It made me sick to think that we as humans could be so blind as to not see how cruel and pointless a life in a tank must be for a cetacean.

Blue Freedom: What inspired you to do something to help end captivity and protect whales and dolphins in the wild?
  

Ashlyn: I saw people who had banded together for this cause, groups who had sacrificed so much just so that they could speak up for the animals. It was inspiring to see someone who was actually doing something and not just sitting by. It struck me that I could do the same. I didn't have to be silent. I was capable of raising my voice and changing something. It made me take initiative and open my eyes to the fact that if we don't stand up for what's right, then nobody will.

Susan: I was simply tired of staying quiet, even when I knew something was wrong. I had seen how certain things could get done, if lots of people banded together. That's what I wanted to do. I wanted to protect these animals before they were extinct and future generations could only hear about them. I just wanted to make a difference in my world. Another thing that really inspired to speak up was the movie Dolphin Tail. I was completely amazed that a boy, much younger than me, had saved Winter the dolphin. It made me realize no matter how young or old, you can do anything.

Blue Freedom: What are some of the things that shocked you the most about the captivity industry?

Ashlyn: Two of the main things that shocked me were the decreased lifespans and the food deprivation. I was surprised to learn that most cetaceans can live up to 100 years in the wild, but were lucky to make it to their teens in captivity. 100 years is a long time. Most humans don't even live that long. For these animals to be able to spend that many years with their families in a limitless ocean is one of the most beautiful things that I have ever heard of. It's sad to think that cetaceans in captivity don't get that kind of opportunity; that they are stuck in a sad existence, getting half of the life that they deserve.
Food deprivation was another shocker. It's really disgusting to think that marine parks have somehow justified withholding food in order to ensure that the whale or dolphin will perform. It's like locking somebody in a room and starving them unless they do something entertaining. It's a completely ridiculous concept.

Susan:  Definitely the fact that trainers withhold the animal's food before shows so they'll be "sharp." That's like only feeding a human the bare essentials they need. It's cruel and horrible.

Blue Freedom: Can you tell our readers about some of the projects you are currently working on to help end captivity?

Susan:   I am helping with Blue Freedom's documentary. I've also made posters for protests against aquariums. As of this moment, I'm not working on any specific projects (other than the documentary), but I'm always keeping an eye out for ideas!

Ashlyn: I'm sort of in between projects at the moment, other than what I have been able to do for the documentary. The most recent project that I was a part of was a virtual protest against Miami Seaquarium where you were supposed to snap pictures of a poster that you had made, with statements like, "Retire Lolita", etc, and post them to places like Facebook or Instagram. I believe it's still going on, actually. It's being hosted by a Facebook page called Freedom For Whales, in case anyone is interested. It's a fun and cheap way to get involved! Hopefully I will stumble across another project soon!

Blue Freedom: You are involved in our documentary Voiceless- what are your thoughts and hopes for the documentary?

Ashlyn: I feel that the documentary is going to be a huge success. I know how inspiring it can be to see others stand up for what they believe in. I hope that it's message will rest in the hearts of its viewers and educate them on the truth behind the captive cetacean industry. It's been said that the truth will set you free and I am truly hoping that the truth will indeed be the thing that sets these creatures free.

Susan: I truly think the documentary will be a big success. Besides The Cove, I don't know of any other films that give these creatures a voice. It's about time we did. I'm hoping that many students and adults will watch it and vote not to buy the ticket to SeaWorld or any other aquarium.

Blue Freedom: Fighting to save the oceans is something that few teenagers are involved in- how do you share your story with people your age, and what kinds of responses have you gotten from them?

Susan: I did write a poem about the dolphin slaughter in Taiji, Japan entitled, "It Must End." I also wrote an essay about the same topic. This year, being greatly involved in my competitive speech team, I plan to mention the dolphin slaughter in my speech. As for the responses I've gotten when I mention I'm involved in this cause . . . Students tend to react all the same--a nodding head, smile, and saying, "That's great!" or "That's really cool!" Then in a second, they seem to think it doesn't affect them. I'm really hoping to change that.

Ashlyn: Being a teenager myself, I am constantly attached to some form of social networking; Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Tumblr, Instagram, etc. I'm always posting links to articles, videos, and stories in order to try to educate others further on this subject. It has gotten the attention of some, the scorn of others. It seems that the reactions I get are always one of these: They either become patronizing about it, saying things like, "Oh, that's nice that you feel so strongly about something." or they will be casual about it, with replies such as, "But...marine parks are fun!" One rare reaction I get is anger; anger that humans have dared treat these animals like this. It's the best feeling to see someone's heart be kindled with fire, lit with a desire to do something about this injustice. If I can get one person to realize how wrong this industry is, my day is made.

Blue Freedom: How do you think we, as teenagers, can end the captive cetacean industry?

Ashlyn: By not supporting the industry. If we don't give our money to the industry, we take away it's very backbone and the only thing that is keeping it going. Also, spreading the word so that other people are inspired to get involved and not go to marine parks is extremely important. We must encourage an end to the support these marine parks have been shown. I know that most of us don't have the means to join the Cove Guardians in Taiji or directly join other conservation groups, but it's important to get involved where we can.

Susan: Just by getting involved and getting the word out! I understand that teenagers can't hop on a plane, head out to Taiji, and become members of Sea Shepherd. We'll leave that to the more experienced adults, but that doesn't mean we can just sit on our couch and do nothing! While Sea Shepherd and the Cove Guardians are in the ocean, teenagers (even adults) can bring awareness to others! The only reason this madness hasn't stopped yet is because many people don't know about it. Teenagers are always on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, or any other social networking sites. That is the easiest way to get the word out--through the Internet!

Blue Freedom: What advice would you give to a teenager who is considering buying a ticket to a marine park?

Susan:  Don't do it. I usually try to put people in the marine mammal's "shoes" by saying, "How would you feel, if you were suddenly taken from your home and dumped in a completely different area? A place so small you can see the other side of it, and you're starving and you're scared because your parents and friends were taken somewhere else? What if you knew you were going to die and never see your home again?" Maybe they should start putting those questions on marine tickets.

Ashlyn: Please take the time to educate yourself before you buy a ticket. Do the research and consider it in a non-biased manner. After you have read the truth, pause for a moment and ask yourself if it's something that you truly want to be supporting.

Blue Freedom: Would you both like to share some of your thoughts on how teenagers and young adults can help end the horrific annual dolphin slaughter in Taiji?

Susan wrote this poem which she read to her class and published on her blog:

Ashlyn:  I think almost all of us who love whales and dolphins are pretty familiar with the town of Taiji and what happens there.
Every year from September through March, hundreds of dolphins are herded into a cove where they are netted off from the ocean and from freedom.
They are kept there until a select few are chosen to be taken into captivity, provided that they are attractive enough.
Once chosen, they are ripped from their families, with whom they have spent their entire lives with, creating an incredibly strong bond that only can be broken by us humans.
Those not singled out for a life in captivity are left in the cove for what could easily be compared to mass murder.
The creatures in the cove are brutally killed until the water is no longer a pristine blue. It is bright crimson with the innocent blood that has been shed.
Gone are the glistening, gliding creatures that were swimming with their families the morning before. In their place are mutilated bodies that are quickly sent to a slaughter house to be prepared for human consumption.
For me, the slaughter is like something out of a nightmare.
This kind of cruelty is just not something I can wrap my head around.
Many times this horrific killing is justified by the excuse of tradition. Personally, I don’t understand how this could ever be considered a ‘tradition’ that is sacred. I certainly don’t see how this is a ‘tradition’ that should be allowed to continue. A practice that is surrounded by merciless, bloody killing is not one that deserves to be titled a tradition at all.
The honest truth is that this slaughter is not done out of tradition. It is not done out of necessity. I will go as far to say that it’s not even done out of something as stupid as sport. It is done for one purpose-money. Money that is exchanged in hands that are covered in the blood of the thousands of dolphins that have died in Taiji and will continue to die as long as this murder continues. Teenagers today who have become aware of this cruel practice need to come to a realization.
Greed is what fuels this slaughter. That greed starts at marine parks who want more dolphins for their shows and who are willing to take the survivors of a bloodbath if it means that their programs can continue.
One dolphin can be sold for 100,000 dollars. The fishermen can make a pretty penny as long as they continue to drive the dolphins into the cove. It doesn’t take much deductive thinking to realize how intimately connected the captivity industry is with the dolphin slaughter in Taiji.
So, young people ask yourselves this: Do you really want to go to a marine park now, knowing that you’re supporting the murder of these benign, innocent creatures? By buying a ticket to a dolphin show, you’re also buying these dolphins a ticket to death.
The only way for these deaths to end is for we, as teenagers with a capability to make our own decision, to choose not to go to marine parks and spread the word about what really goes on behind the smiling dolphins we are all so fond of.

Blue Freedom: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

Ashlyn: Never be silent. You don't have to get involved in every cause that comes your way, but pick something. There are so many hurting people and animals in the world that need someone to give them a voice and fight for their rights. Human trafficking, world hunger, the need for clean water, animal testing-there are so many causes that need people just like you to help them! So, please, for their sakes and the sake of our world, stand up and make your voice heard.

Susan: Just get involved, even if it's not with the marine mammal captive industry. I end up saying this all the time, and I probably will for a long time. We only have one world. We need to protect it and make it better for future generations and for us right now. We need to--and should--care about our world and what goes on around it.



Check out the video Susan, Ashlyn and Christina S. made to help spread the word about captivity; we applaud them for their awesome effort!

It's up! Be sure to check out our now LIVE website: www.bluefreedom.org

behind the dolphin smile: a new and exclusive interview with Ric O’Barry

Richard O’Barry is the founder of Dolphin Project, Inc. and director of Earth Island Institute’s Save Japan Dolphins campaign. He is a world-renowned advocate for dolphin freedom. He starred in the Academy Award®–winning documentary, The Cove, and in his son Lincoln O’Barry’s television series, Blood Dolphin$, on Animal Planet and Planet Green. He lives in South Miami, Florida.

In Behind the Dolphin Smile, Richard O’Barry shares his experience with dolphins in this captivating autobiographical look back at his years as a dolphin trainer for aquatic theme parks, movies, and television. It chronicles what led O’Barry to change his perspective on the treatment of dolphins and begin a campaign against dolphin captivity that has spanned decades.



Click to learn more about The Cove

Included in this new edition is a preface on O’Barry’s role in the riveting documentary The Cove, which has garnered more awards than any other in its genre, as well as information on his campaigns to stop the slaughter of dolphins. O’Barry’s new edition of Behind the Dolphin Smile serves as a platform to inform new generations on the international plight of dolphins and inspire those willing to join the cause.

"Though Behind the Dolphin Smile succeeds on many levels—as a biography, an

adventure tale, a dolphin primer, a wonderful, page-turning narrative—at heart it is

something more than all of them. This, it seems to me, is a love story."

—Susan Casey, from the Foreword

We're totally thrilled to have interviewed Ric O'Barry about the new edition of his book Behind the Dolphin smile- a book that gives us an in-depth look at his continuing tireless efforts to free cetaceans from the slavery of the marine park industry, and to stop the slaughter of these beautiful animals. 

Blue Freedom: Mr. O'Barry, thank you so much for joining us to talk about your book. Can you tell us about what inspired you to write Behind the Dolphin Smile?

Ric O'Barry: At the time I wrote it, I wanted to bring to the public both a bit of my story, but especially my way of thinking about captivity and dolphins.  They are marvelous animals, and I felt at the time that I had betrayed them as a trainer and promoter of the "Flipper" television program.  I came about to a different way of thinking and worked to oppose captivity, so "Behind the Dolphin Smile" was my way of telling that story.  In 2003 we started the Save Japan Dolphins Campaign at Earth Island Institute. In looking for further ways to promote our cause, one idea that we came up with was to re-issue the book, with an updated introduction that talks a bit about The Cove documentary, which was released in 2009.

Blue Freedom: What message does the book bring to it’s readers?

Ric O'Barry: First, I hope, people will have a new appreciation about dolphins, about why captivity is wrong, and why dolphins belong in the wild ocean.  I think the story of my life shows how one guy, who loves dolphins, did a complete turn-around on keeping dolphins in small tanks doing dumb tricks for the public.  In a small way, I hope to change other people's minds, both about dolphins and about why we need to care more about the health and well-being of the oceans and all its inhabitants.

Blue Freedom: You’ve worked with dolphins in the past, can you tell us about a few of the individual dolphins that had a part in changing the way you viewed captivity?

Ric O'Barry: I was in a unique position, because during the Flipper series, I lived with those dolphins.  There were five dolphins that played the role of Flipper in the series, and my favorite was Kathy.   I taught her a lot of tricks for the series, but she taught me a lot about just how smart these animals are.  And remember, unlike dolphin trainers today, who run dolphins through their tricks and then go home, I was with Kathy night and day.   When the series was over, she went back into a tank at the Miami Seaquarium.  And, as I discuss in the movie, she eventually died there by, in my opinion, committing suicide in my arms and sinking to the bottom of the tank.  That hit me so hard.  The next day I was in jail in the Bahamas for trying to free a captive dolphin held there in a sea pen.  I tell that whole story in the book.

Blue Freedom: You've seen dolphins in the wild and in captivity; can you tell us which you think is the most educational and which would you recommend to someone who wants to learn more about these animals?

Ric O'Barry: I think there is no comparison -- watching wild dolphins will teach you about how these animals live their lives in the amazing ocean environment they inhabit.  A dolphin in a tank is like a bird in a small cage -- how can we learn about birds if we don't see them fly?  Captivity removes the two most important things in a dolphin's life:  it's freedom to swim, and it's family.  You learn this by seeing wild dolphins, or by seeing films about wild dolphins or by reading books.  You don't see it in an aquarium setting -- an aquarium cannot artificially duplicate the ocean or the dolphin family.

Blue Freedom: What advice would you give to someone who is considering purchasing a ticket to a marine park?

Ric O'Barry: It is all about the money -- the only reason dolphins are kept in captivity today is not for education, not for conservation, and not for science.  If people did not pay to go see dolphins, dolphins would not be enslaved.  There are plenty of alternative ways to enjoy the REAL ocean and wild dolphins without buying a ticket to see dolphins do dumb tricks that have nothing to do with their real lives.

Blue Freedom: What is your hope for the book?

Ric O'Barry: Of course, I'd love for everybody to read it.  I have written another book that is sort of the sequel, called To Free a Dolphin, and I have plans to write a book about our Campaign once it is successful, as I know it will be.  I hope young people get inspired to help dolphins and the oceans, and I hope old people get inspired to learn more.  That is what it is all about  -- we have an environmental crisis and we have to work at it to fix it.

Blue Freedom: Any other thoughts on your book that you would like to share with our readers?

Ric O'Barry: I certainly want to thank all the people that helped me through the years, all the dolphins I've known personally, and all the effort put in to re-releasing this book.  It has been a real pleasure.

Blue Freedom: Where can we purchase Behind the Dolphin Smile?

Ric O'Barry: It is available in bookstores and online.  You can pick up copies at our friends at EcoJoia, who do our t-shirts, hats, and other Campaign material:  http://www.EcoJoia.com

Electronic copies are also now available at the Apple Store, Amazon, and Barnes&Noble for e-Readers.



Learn more about Ric O'Barry's book Behind the Dolphin Smile at Save Japan Dolphins
Learn more about Ric O'Barry's Dolphin Project and how YOU can help save dolphins HERE
Learn more about The Cove HERE

Thank you to the Earth Island Institute, Save Japan Dolphins and various sites for use of photos.

Blue Freedom does not claim ownership of any of the photos used in this post.

Thank you. :)

Imprisonment for ‘White Whales’?

The issue of Beluga whale importations to the United States has been pushed into the limelight.
The Georgia Aquarium applied for a permit to import 18 wild-caught Belugas from Russia- an action which has sparked a wide-spread public outcry.

William Hurley, the Georgia Aquarium's chief zoological officer, was quoted in the Atlantic Journal, stating: "We want to fix this mess so that your children and grandchildren can see Beluga whales."
But is conservation really the aquarium's goal when it comes to this possible importation?
And, perhaps more importantly, is this how we want our "grandchildren" to experience Beluga whales?

We interviewed Alex Lewis from Cyber Whale Warriors about the Postcard Writing campaign, urging people to "Tell the GA Aquarium NO to the import of 18 wild-caught Beluga Whales!" and we also interviewed former SeaWorld trainer Samantha Berg who used to work with captive Beluga whales. 

Blue Freedom: Can you tell us about your campaign, Alex?

Alex Lewis: Our campaign is simple and easy - anyone can participate across the globe. We are simply asking people to send a postcard from your hometown to the Georgia Aquarium to express your feelings on the Beluga import. You can be as creative as you like and perhaps make your own postcards or even send as many as you want. The idea is to show the President of the Aquarium just how many people oppose this import. We are also encouraging people to leave their return address to possibly receive a reply!

Check out more postcards HERE


Blue Freedom: What inspired you to start a campaign to protest the possible
import of Belugas?

Alex Lewis: I held a protest at the Georgia Aquarium on July 21st with the help of Free the Atlanta 11 and Georgia Animal Rights and Protection after I heard the news of the possible import. Free the Atlanta 11 first brought this information to light. I decided that I was not going to sit back without letting my voice be heard (especially since I was going to be in Atlanta that week!) and so I got as many people involved as possible. The protest had such a large turnout, I was shocked (we did not get an exact headcount but it's estimated to be at least 40 people). Upon returning home to Dallas I came to the conclusion that there was more I could do for these Belugas. It was clear to me that people from across the globe could get involved now, before the public comment period, (which is going to be the most important factor in this!) simply by sending a letter. I spoke with Holise Cleveland, who is the mastermind behind Cyber Whale Warriors, and we both agreed that postcards would be the best option. Not only will the Aquarium see where their mail is coming from, but the postal workers, interns, and anyone else who happens upon said postcard will know that there is a major issue at hand. Perhaps we can
educate more people this way.
　
Blue Freedom: Can you tell us about the possible importation of Beluga whales to the USA?

Alex Lewis: The Georgia Aquarium applied for a permit to import 18 wild-caught Beluga Whales from Russia. These Beluga's are captured cruelly in a "round-up" that happens annually in Russia. Many are separated from their pods and forced to live in holding "pools" before their imports to other facilities. The Georgia Aquarium has spent over $2 million dollars on this effort to import these Belugas, who have been uprooted from all they know, to join other imported Belugas across the United States at other aquariums (not just at the Georgia Aquarium). It is extremely difficult for the U.S. to justify capturing marine mammals and the laws are very strict so the Aquarium has turned to Russia to acquire these beautiful animals. In a few weeks the import-permit application will be published in the Federal Register and you will be able to make an important public-comment pertaining to this awful import.
　
Blue Freedom: Can you explain what will happen if the permit application for the import goes through?

Alex Lewis: If the permit application for the import goes through, I will be extremely saddened. What kind of example is the U.S. setting for the rest of the world? "We aren't allowed to capture these animals off of our coasts, so we pay other countries to do it for us?" It's shameful and it's a practice that really should be put in the past. I can honestly say that I am hopeful that the application is denied and that we can set a good example to the rest of the world. The Georgia Aquarium needs to better educate the public on just how endangered this species is. That's why its imperative that every person takes the time to leave a comment on the Federal Register. The more comments the
better. I honestly feel we have a good shot at this if people continue to send postcards and also keep an eye out for notifications for the public-comment period. The best way to stay informed of this is to visit http://www.freetheatlanta11.org or their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/awareness.thru.education as they will most likely be the first to announce the comment period and will have detailed instructions on how to get through the process.
　
Blue Freedom: What will happen to the Belugas if the permit application does not go through?

Alex Lewis: Sadly, if the permits do not go through, these Beluga's most likely won't be returned to the wild and possibly be taken to other facilities world-wide. The Russians who captured them most likely have other clients who are interested. But really, who's to say what exactly will happen to them. I will assure you, however, that we will be monitoring the situation very closely should the permit be denied and will continue to make updates. Our efforts to stop all marine mammals in captivity will continue, whether these animals are being held captive in America or Russia, we will continue to fight for their rights.
　
Blue Freedom: How can people join to help stop the importation?

Alex Lewis: People can join our event first and foremost to get details on where to send postcards here: https://www.facebook.com/events/446600815371410/ . We are encouraging
people worldwide to get involved. The next thing people can do is like our page on Facebook for notifications on when to start the public-comment period. As previously stated Free the Atlanta 11 would also be a good site to check out for this.
　
Blue Freedom: What advice would you give to someone who is debating buying a ticket to see captive Belugas- perhaps at the Georgia Aquarium?

Alex Lewis: The best advice I can give is don't go. Instead enjoy nature, go outside, play at the park, see a movie if it's hot or raining. Don't spend money at the Aquarium because it will encourage them to continue efforts in importing marine mammals and other marine life from other countries. The practice of going to these places is outdated and, quite frankly, a huge waste of money. You will not learn a single thing about these beautiful animals and how they interact in the wild. Instead you will learn about how they live in captivity, and quite honestly that's not worth knowing about. Gawking at these depressed and unhappy animals is a lousy way to spend your time and your money.

　
Samantha Berg grew up in Great Neck, NY (Long Island) and graduated from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York with a BS in Animal Science in 1989.  In February 1990 she was hired at Sea World of Florida and she worked there until the end of August 1993. During her time at SeaWorld, she worked at the Whale and Dolphin Stadium, Shamu Stadium and Sea Lion and Otter Stadium. Samantha is a licensed and board certified acupuncturist and she runs an Acupuncture Center with her husband, Kevin Meddleton, in Palmer, Alaska. (http://www.alaskaacupuncture.com)
 

We asked Samantha about her experience with Beluga whales and about what life is like for them in captivity.

Blue Freedom: Can you tell us a little about your experiences of working with Belugas in captivity?

Samantha Berg: The Belugas were the first animals I was approved to get in the water with at SeaWorld in Orlando. They were my favorite animals at the Whale and Dolphin Stadium. I thought of them as big Pillsbury dough boys. They were not flashy or fast like the dolphins, and they were incredibly gentle and playful. The show sequence that featured the Belugas was an underwater ballet with two trainers in SCUBA gear, each doing a “foot-push” with a beluga around the main show pool. A variety of behaviors (tricks!) would be performed underwater in front of the glass in the main pool so the audience could watch. Everything from somersaults to spins to mimic behaviors (head shakes yes or no, wiggling, blowing air out of their blowholes), with the finale being both belugas poking their their heads out of the water and leaning on the glass next to the trainers and making the whistling noises that have earned them the title “Canaries of the sea”.

One thing I loved to do was to put on SCUBA gear while all of the Belugas were swimming in the main pool. The trainers nick-named the Belugas “buzzers” because you could actually feel the effect of the Belugas echolocating on you underwater. It felt like an all over buzzy/tingly sensation. Belugas can make sounds so intense that they can kill or stun fish, so it’s interesting to feel the effects of that powerful vibration as it travels through your body. It was also possible to hear a variety of clicks, whistles and chirps underwater as well. The experience of being in the water with these majestic and graceful creatures never lost its fascination for me - it was mesmerizing to sit on the bottom of the pool and just listen to the sounds and watch as the Belugas swam around me.

My favorite photo from SeaWorld is a picture of me kissing Shadow, a male Beluga whale. (See photo on the right.) I’m in the water next to him and I’m leaning over to kiss his melon which is is simultaneously pushing towards me. So my face ends up being totally squished by his head. It’s a fond memory but it’s also incredibly bittersweet considering what I know about the tragically shortened and socially deprived lives of captive Beluga whales. Shadow was captured on July 18th, 1987. When I worked with him, I had no idea that he had been swimming in the wild as recently as two and a half years prior to my first interaction with him. Shadow died on February 6th, 1998 after 11 years in captivity - he lived a mere fraction of the time he could have lived in the wild.

Blue Freedom: Living in Alaska, you’ve seen Belugas in the wild- can you tell us about the contrast between wild and captive Belugas?

Samantha Berg: I’ve seen pods of wild Beluga whales in the Cook Inlet and in the Turnagain Arm just south of Anchorage. Unfortunately the Cook Inlet Beluga whales are in decline. The major decline, from 1300 whales in 1970 down to 280 whales currently, has taken place in the past 15 years. In 1994, when the population was still 650 individuals, I would often see Belugas frolicking in the ocean while I was rollerblading or biking along the Coastal Trail in Anchorage,

which parallels the Cook Inlet. By 2000, it was rare to see any Belugas. In fact, the Cook Inlet Belugas are considered critically endangered and are under the protection of the United States Endangered Species act.

However, despite the fact that Beluga whales are threatened in the wild by a variety of factors - water pollution, declining fish stocks, boat traffic, polar bears, etc. - the animals in the wild still have it much better than their captive counterparts.

Belugas in the wild are highly social - they are often found in groups of 100 or more. In zoos and aquariums, minus a few exceptions, it’s rare to find more than 3-4 non-family member Beluga whales together.

Belugas also have an amazing ability to find the tiniest slivers of open water amidst a dense ice pack using their echolocation abilities. In contrast, captive Belugas living in barren concrete and glass tanks are subjected to sounds bouncing off these artificial surfaces all the time - and it must severely limit their ability to use their echolocation skills. Not to mention how disturbing vibrations bouncing off of these unnatural structures must be for an animal whose primary navigation tool is sound.

Additionally, although Beluga whales do give birth in captivity, it’s rather rare for their offspring to survive. And most captive Beluga whales only live about 20 to 30 years in captivity, while their wild counterparts routinely make it into their 60’s or older.
　
Blue Freedom: What is life like for Belugas in captivity?

Samantha Berg: Just like other captive marine mammals, Belugas' lives in captivity are severely deprived. They are provided with a fraction of the space that they would be accustomed to in the wild, they are forced to eat dead fish which is limited in nutrients and, at SeaWorld, they are required to perform as many as seven shows per day.

Because Belugas are so gentle, they are popular animals to use for guest interactions - so during the Whale and Dolphin Show, a guest wearing waders would be escorted into the water to “meet” a Beluga whale under the supervision of a trainer. Belugas are often used for swim-with programs at Marine Parks and this is highly stressful for them to have many unfamiliar people getting in the water with them every day without the ability to get away if they don’t want the contact.

Belugas in captivity live about half as long as wild belugas. All four of the Belugas I worked with at the Whale and Dolphin Stadium in the early 90’s - Shadow, Spooky, AJ and Bandit - are dead now. Spooky gave birth to one stillborn calf and Bandit’s calf lived less than four years. I can’t speak for other facilities but the water temperature at SeaWorld was anywhere from 68 - 72 degrees Fahrenheit - much warmer than Belugas would ever encounter in the wild except perhaps during calving season. The water temperature, along with other stressors of captivity such as poor nutrition, limited space, chemically treated man-made salt water and unnatural social structures, likely contributed to suppressed immune systems and early demise.


Blue Freedom: What kind of message do you think importing wild belugas to the USA would send to the pubic?

Samantha Berg: The message this sends is that the US captive marine mammal industry can do anything they want despite the rules that recommend that they must take animals from other facilities that are already in captivity if they are available, rather than going out and capturing more wild animals. In a way, this is a blatant brush off to the regulatory agencies that monitor the captive marine mammal industry and proves that we must have stricter laws and enforcement when it comes to captivity. The government agency that monitors captive marine mammals once they are caught is APHIS, which is so understaffed that they can barely make one visit per year to each Marine Park in the country - thus the captive industry is effectively self-regulated, which should not be allowed to continue for the sake of all the animals currently in captivity and the animals that may end up there.

The good news is that when the Georgia Aquarium applied for a permit to import eighteen Beluga whales from Russia, it created quite an impressive public outcry, and that action is currently pushing the issues of the inadequacies of public display facilities squarely into the lime-light. Movies such as Stan Minasian’s “A Fall From Freedom” and David Kirby’s book, “Death At SeaWorld” are becoming more popular and more widely seen because of the public’s frustration with the Georgia Aquarium’s actions. So, in a way, the current controversy may be a good thing if more people wake up and start thinking about whether or not large, intelligent mammals with highly complex social structures belong in tiny tanks at all.


It's up to you to stop this import. Join the postcard campaign to add your voice.

"Our campaign is cheap and easy to do. Purchase or make your own postcard, mail to the address stated in our event (or on our website here: http://cyberwhalewarrior.com/2012/07/24/postcard-writing-campaign-to-the-ga-aquarium-say-no-to-the-beluga-import/). State your feelings about the import, for example "The Lewis family says NO to Beluga import!" or "Please don't import 18 wild-caught Belugas", and send away. Some people are sending several a week, which is awesome, and some people are just sending one which is sufficient though! We also have an album on our Facebook page of the home-made postcards, and I might add, we have some great artists sending in their beautiful work.

The effort to stop this import can become global but we need as many people as possible to get involved, follow our updates and send postcards. We can stop this, we just need to come together and let our voices be heard.

**The public comment period is now open for those who oppose the import of 18 wild-caught Beluga whales. The link to that is here: #Stop #Import of 18 wild-caught Belugas to the US here: http://www.regulations.gov/#!submitComment;D=NOAA-NMFS-2012-0158-0001
It takes about five minutes and these Beluga's are depending on us. We CAN block this import so its extremely important that we share this around, tweeted and get as many people to make a public comment as possible. These Belugas deserve a better life, let's rally around and do what's best for these beautiful animals!"

Photo credit:
Thank you to Samantha Berg, Churchill Wild,
Cyber Whale Warriors, and other sites for photos.
www.churchillwild.com

Death at SeaWorld: an exclusive interview with best-selling author David Kirby

Blue Freedom: What lead you to write Death At SeaWorld?

David Kirby: I was asked to appear on “Larry King Live” one night in August, 2010 during the huge egg recall due to salmonella contamination. My last book, “Animal Factory” dealt with the environmental and health costs of industrial animal production. I was booked for the second segment. The first segment was on the $75,000 fine that OSHA had issued against SeaWorld that day in the death of trainer Dawn Brancheau. One of the guests was Linda Simons, a former executive at SW Florida who blew the whistle on what she said was foot dragging and stonewalling by company officials in the federal investigation into Brancheau’s death. Also on the show that night, former executive Thad Lacinak, who really duked it out with dolphin activist Ric O’Barry. It was quite a heated argument.
I thought it sounded like an intriguing cloak-and-dagger story, and the basis for a great book. But I started out to write about the ramifications of the Orlando death. It did not occur to me right away that orcas in captivity were a story in themselves. After a few days of research, however, I learned how compelling the captivity angle really was.

Blue Freedom: Did SeaWorld allow you any special access to their staff or to the whales during the writing of this book?


David Kirby: SeaWorld spokesman Fred Jacobs provided me with some information and company statements when I first started doing my investigation, then later declined to cooperate further with the research, writing or fact-checking components of the book, which is unfortunate. He said the company did not like the book’s title or certain statements I had made in Huffington Post pieces and live on the air. Company officials did not provide me with any access to staff or facilities (I went to SeaWorld as a paying guest), and several prominent former employees also declined to comment. Fortunately, a large number of former employees, and even a few current ones, were willing to speak out about the realities of working at SeaWorld.

Blue Freedom: During your research for this book, did you discover things about marine parks that shocked you? If so, what?

David Kirby: I was shocked at how truncated the life span is for most captive orcas as compared to wild ones. I was shocked by the large amount of antibiotics, antacids, other drugs, and even gelatin (to combat dehydration) used just to keep captive killer whales alive. I was shocked by the broken teeth and removal of tooth pulp using a household drill, I was shocked at how some orcas died at SeaWorld – in agonizing still births, from mosquito-borne tropical diseases, from fighting with each other, from accidents - and I was dismayed by the orca inbreeding that goes on at SeaWorld.

Blue Freedom: You've seen Orca whales in the wild and in captivity; can you tell us which, in your opinion, is the most educational and which you would recommend to someone who wants to learn more about these animals?

David Kirby: I was also shocked at how little information is given about killer whales during the killer whale shows at SeaWorld. There is virtually nothing about ecotypes, longevity, prey, social behavior or habitat. And few if any of the “behaviors” -- which are really tricks -- seen in a Shamu show have anything to do with natural behaviors in the wild. Natural killer whales, for example, don’t do “bows” in the ocean, which are those forward leaps from the water in which they reenter rostrum-first. And most of the people I overheard at SeaWorld were talking about the “Shamu whales,” as if that were the species name.
On the other hand, if you go to San Juan Island in Washington State in the summer, for example, you can visit Lime Kiln State Park, on the Westside, where Southern Resident orcas pass every day, often a few times each day, often stopping to forage and frolic in the kelp beds just a few feet offshore. There is a lighthouse there with lots of written materials, photographic images and charts, posted by The Orca Network, Center for Whale Research and others. It explains the J,K, and L pods that make up the fish-eating Southern Resident community, and other orcas belonging to mammal-eating Transient pods. There is often a naturalist on-site to explain things and answer questions. You can learn a lot about killer whales in one afternoon. And it all costs nothing.

Blue Freedom: Can you tell us more about the inbreeding problem with the Orca whales at SeaWorld?

David Kirby: According to The Orca Project, (www.theorcaproject.com) Tilikum, the whale who killed Dawn Brancheau and two other people, has sired 10 living calves and is grandfather to three more. SeaWorld owns 19 captive-born whales, and 13 of them are his blood relatives. That means the gene pool is “dangerously lacking diversity,” The Orca Project reported. And former trainer Samantha Berg told me that SeaWorld is “just trying to make more whales, which jeopardizes the health of their population.” She said the captive breeding program was more of an “inbreeding” program.
Most disturbing of all was the young male Taku, who was allowed to impregnate his own mother, Katina, to produce the first fully inbred killer whale, Nalani. Such incest is as unnatural and taboo in orca society as it is among humans.

-Excerpt from "Death At SeaWorld"

Blue Freedom: What advice would you give to someone who is considering purchasing a ticket to a marine park?

David Kirby: I am not calling for any kind of boycott, or for the shutting down of SeaWorld and other marine parks. Everyone has the right to decide how they want to spend their entertainment dollars. Personally, aside from the research I had to do, I will not visit theme parks that have whales and dolphins on display. I would rather spend that money at a place like the Monterey Aquarium, which decided at its outset not to include cetaceans in its collection.

Blue Freedom: In your opinion, after all that you've discovered, should trainers be allowed back in the water with captive orcas and do you believe it would be safe?

David Kirby: Part of me thinks that if people want to take the risk to swim with captive killer whales in order to make a living, that’s their business. But the other part recognizes that the federal government has a statutory duty and a moral obligation to protect employees in the workplace, and not to rely on voluntary safety measures implemented by profit-driven enterprises. Killer whales are the oceans’ top predators, they can be dangerous, cunning and unpredictable. But the central question of “Death at SeaWorld” is not whether trainers should be in the water with orcas; it’s whether orcas should be in the water, surrounded by tourist-packed stadiums.

Blue Freedom: There has been a lot of controversy about this book on the internet- even though it has not been released yet -why do you think that is?

David Kirby: It’s a very emotional topic for many people on both sides of the issue. There is also a lot of money at stake.

Blue Freedom: After researching the issue and writing Death at SeaWorld, what is your personal opinion about keeping cetaceans in captivity?

David Kirby: I recently wrote a Huffington Post piece called “Time to Phase Out the Shamu Shows,” which I think captures my feelings on the subject very well. In it, I wrote: “After carefully researching this issue for two years, I have joined other animal lovers in concluding that the public display of captive orcas is detrimental to the animals; and dangerous for people. It is time to start phasing out this entertainment relic that will one day be consigned to the history of bygone amusements, such as the cruel spectacle of Victorian-era dancing bears.” I did not research other cetaceans in captivity, so I will reserve judgment on that for now.

Blue Freedom: What is your hope for the book?

David Kirby: I hope people who have never given much thought to captive orcas will read it and think about what life for these animals must be like in a concrete tank, separated from family members, forced into artificial pods, kept alive on dead fish. Mostly, I hope that readers will come to admire, respect and love killer whales as much as I have in the process of researching and writing this book. I hope they will also commit to helping save the habitat of threatened populations. And of course, I hope they enjoy the read!

 "This is a book everyone should read…David -Kirby 's-Death at SeaWorld 

outlines in grim detail just how bad captivity is for orcas and other marine mammals." -Richard O'Barry,  Director of  EarthIsland  Institute's  Dolphin Project  and  star of  the Academy Award-winning documentary, The  Cove

"In this authoritative and superbly investigative page-turner, certain to ruffle feathers and fins, DavidKirby traces the tale of scientist-conservationist Naomi Rose pitted against SeaWorld bent on turning acharismatic, intelligent, big-toothed predator — the killer whale, or orca — into its corporate brand.Kirby reports brilliantly on the escalating troubles and conflicts, the surprising and sordid underbelly of life — and death — at SeaWorld." -Erich Hoyt, author of the best-selling classic Orca: The Whale Called Killer and Research Fellow, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society

“Killer whales, like chimpanzees, are highly intelligent and intensely social creatures, forming close emotional bonds between family and group members.  I have watched them leap in the freedom of the ocean and feel deeply saddened and angered to see them in cruel captivity, swimming endlessly and hopelessly around their sterile concrete prisons. As David Kirby so eloquently documents in this timely work, killer whale captivity only benefits the captors.  It is impossible to read Death at SeaWorld and come to any other conclusion.” –Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE, Founder – the Jane Goodall Institute, UN Messenger of Peace

P r e - o r d e r  y o u r  c o p y  h e r e.