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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...

Southwest Airline’s “Transfarency” ad, not so fare to dolphins

As part of Southwest Airlines “Transfarency” campaign, a recent advertisement highlights a number of tropical get away spots the airline flies to.  When a customer asks about potential travel destinations, Southwest responds with the Jax Jones song refrain of “yeah yeah yeah.”  Unfortunately, when the customer asks if he can “swim with dolphins” when traveling, Southwest eagerly responds with more “yeah yeah yeah’s”. 

In 2014, WDC welcomed the news that Southwest had ended its 25 year relationship with SeaWorld after the release of Blackfish which raised concerns about the treatment of whales in captivity.  However, orcas are not the only species that suffer when confined.  Dolphins continue to be taken from the wild to supply the growing demand for swimming with dolphins and dolphin encounters. In captivity, dolphins have a lower survival rate than in the wild and the stress of their confinement often results in behavioral abnormalities, illness, and lowered resistance to disease and death.  

Southwest Airlines, WDC is asking you to take our Pledge Never to Plunge and end your promotion of swimming with dolphins.  Yes to low fares and faraway places but NO to swimming with dolphins!