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Fishers' involvement is crucial. Image: WDC/JTF

When porpoises and people overlap

We're funding a project in Hong Kong that's working with fishing communities to help save...

Mindful conservation – why we need a new respect for nature

'We should look at whales and dolphins as the indigenous people of the seas -...
A dolphin called Arnie with a shell

Dolphins catch fish using giant shell tools

In Shark Bay, Australia, two groups of dolphins have figured out how to use tools...
Common dolphins at surface

Did you know that dolphins have unique personalities?

We all have personalities, and between the work Christmas party and your family get-together, perhaps...
Leaping harbour porpoise

The power of harbour porpoise poo

We know we need to save the whale to save the world. Now we are...
Holly. Image: Miray Campbell

Meet Holly, she’s an incredible orca leader

Let me tell you the story of an awe-inspiring orca with a fascinating family story...
Humpback whale. Image: Christopher Swann

A story about whales and humans

As well as working for WDC, I write books for young people. Stories; about the...
Risso's dolphin at surface

My lucky number – 13 years studying amazing Risso’s dolphins

Everything we learn about the Risso's dolphins off the coast of Scotland amazes us and...

Boo on Shamu!

Is SeaWorld trying to buy our forgiveness by connecting with well-known and well-loved brands? First Wendy’s, now Stauffer’s (the ones who make those delicious animal crackers) have SeaWorld-themed products that encourage their customers to visit the oceanarium.  The “Shamu and Friends” line of cheddar cheese crackers features smiling orca cartoons, and the box declares that “a portion of the proceeds from your purchase will help protect animals around the world through the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund.”

  

Sounds like a good deal – buy some delicious snacks and help protect animals, but you’re also buying the idea of happy, smiling orcas in captivity.  With the recent release of “Blackfish” and the numerous incidents at SeaWorld that have been in the media recently (a beached pilot whale, a dolphin who jumped out of its tank), more attention is being brought to the cruelty of captivity and awareness of the issue is increasing.  Pixar even changed their planned ending of the upcoming “Finding Dory” to reflect the controversy around captivity – the animated marine animals featured in the movie will have the option to leave a captive marine park.  As with Wendy’s, consumer choices matter – don’t buy the Shamu snacks, don’t encourage this partnership, and tell Stauffer’s that you don’t support captivity and they shouldn’t either.