Skip to content
All articles
  • All articles
  • About whales & dolphins
  • Create healthy seas
  • End captivity
  • Green Whale
  • Prevent deaths in nets
  • Scottish Dolphin Centre
  • Stop whaling
Orca Lulu's body contained PCB levels 100x above the safe limit. Image: SMASS

Toxic tides, troubled whales: the toll of chemical pollution

In last week's blog, we examined the challenges whales and dolphins face as they travel...
Group of orcas at surface

Breaking barriers for whales and dolphins at the Convention of Migratory Species

Many species of whales, dolphins and porpoises undertake long journeys, encountering human-made obstacles along the...
Tokyo

WDC in Japan – Part 1: Finding allies in Tokyo

At the end of May, I embarked on an incredible journey to Japan on behalf...
Amazon river dolphins leaping

The state of river dolphin conservation

At Whale and Dolphin Conservation, we partner with conservationists and communities fighting to save river...
Researchers in Southeast Alaska studying whale poo

We’re funding crucial research on whale poo to combat the climate crisis

The ocean is one of the lungs of our planet, and whales help it to...
Narwhal surfacing

The unicorns of the sea must be protected – CITES

The narwhal, is under threat. Often referred to as the unicorns of the sea, narwhals,...
Sperm whales

We’re pushing governments for action for our climate heroes – whales

The climate crisis is the greatest threat to all life on Earth. But there is...
Dolphins captured for captivity in Taiji. Image: Hans Peter Roth

Loved and killed – whales and dolphins in Japan

Protests and criticism from outside Japan in response to the slaughter of whales and dolphins...

SeaWorld set to expand overseas?

As SeaWorld continues to refute damage to its business as a result of the so-called “Blackfish effect”, President and CEO Jim Atchison has reported international expansion plans. WDC notes this news with some concern.

SeaWorld already holds 23 orcas in its North American theme parks and a further 4 to 6 at Loro Parque zoo in the Canary Islands. Could discussions with potential partners include orca displays in other countries? China, for example, where around 50 zoos and aquaria hold captive whales and dolphins, many imported following wild capture operations in Russia and the Japanese drive hunts.  Reports suggest at least two recently captured orcas from Russia are in captivity in China. 

As Richard Branson and Virgin Holidays review their support for facilities like SeaWorld, we ask them to consider how this industry operates and the impact it has on wild whale and dolphin populations around the world. 

If you haven’t already, please sign our petition calling on Sir Richard to end this support.