DOLPHINS AND WHALES, OH MY!

Dolphin lovers – have you heard about the new documentary that’s out called THE COVE? I have no idea if I could actually sit through watching the movie, as I had a hard time just listening to the interviews and discussion about it on National Public Radio a few days ago! Actually turned the radio off when they were going to play a tape of the frantic, terrified squeals of the dolphins that had been herded into the tank area from the open sea on a tiny island in Japan. The island is a tourist attraction for dolphin and whale enthusiasts with a park, statues of dolphins, etc. However, in the center of the “park” is a hidden tank where they drive the dolphins in from the open sea. Babies that can’t keep up the pace coming in are left out in the ocean alone. Representatives (trainers!) from sea parks (ie Sea World) get to choose the best/healthiest dolphins first – they will be transported to the various parks. Then the fisherman move in to start slaughtering what’s left for the sale of the meat (sometimes advertised as whale meat). Tests have shown the level of mercury in this “meat” is way higher than it should be for human consumption! However, this is once again a “tradition” that has gone on for many years, and even the Japanese word for whales and dolphins translates to “monster fish.” They do not see them as mammals that are self aware. Care2.com has petitions going to alert the Japanese government and the people of the country about this situation (current opinion is the majority of people in Japan have no idea this is happening and would be totally against it. Obviously they do not have the kind of media coverage we are cursed with in the US…LOL). These incredible creatures, along with whales, have actually SAVED humans in situations out on the open seas – and they are definitely “self aware.” The ex-trainer interviewed on NPR talks about seeing whales and dolphins in parks that just lay against the side of the pools like logs, when they are not “performing” for the crowds, from sheer depression! He has also had one commit suicide in his arms – just made itself stop breathing and sunk to the bottom.

Have you heard about this new documentary or seen it? What are your thoughts about this situation and what we can do to bring an end to it? Speak up – if you don’t, who will?