Infamous whale jail dismantled – could a capture ban be next?
A Russian facility used to house captured whales in cramped conditions has finally been dismantled, hopefully putting an end to anymore cruel activities at the site. Dubbed the ‘whale jail’ after an international outcry, the floating pens in Srednyaya bay in Far East Russia were emptied of whales in late 2019 following public criticism from…
Read MoreNew law looks set to ban dolphin shows in France
New legislation in France is set to ban dolphin shows in two years time as part of wider rules that will also target circuses and mink farms. France currently has two marine parks which hold whales and dolphins. at Marineland Antibes which holds 4 orcas and 12 bottlenose dolphins. Planete Sauvage is thought to have…
Read MoreMore good news for WDC’s End Captivity tour operators campaign
WDC’s ongoing campaign asking tour operators not to promote cruel whale and dolphin captivity shows received another boost following the news that travel giant Expedia has become the latest company to ban the sale of holidays involving dolphins and whales. In a statement, Expedia announced that ‘attractions and activities that involve performances by, or interactions with…
Read MoreShocking footage of captive orca butting head against wall
Distressing scenes have recently emerged from Marineland in Ontario where Kiska, the loneliest whale in the world, has been filmed violently thrashing her head against the side of her tank. Kiska is a wild caught Icelandic orca who has spent the last four decades in captivity. She was just three years old when she was…
Read MoreNorway urged to abandon plans to experiment on captured whales
50 of the world’s leading whale and dolphin scientists have signed a letter from WDC urging the Norwegian government to stop potentially cruel and dangerous experiments on wild minke whales going ahead. Approval for the research was made by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet). The whales will be captured off Vestvågøy in the Lofoten…
Read MoreNorway urged to abandon plans to experiment on captured whales
Take action Please sign the petition on change.org Ask the Norwegian prime minister to stop these cruel experiments. Sign now – the whales could be captured any day. 50 of the world’s leading whale and dolphin scientists have signed a letter from WDC urging the Norwegian government to stop potentially cruel and dangerous experiments…
Read MoreCaptivity ‘done and dusted’ in Australian state
Officials in New South Wales (NSW), Australia have announced that captive dolphins will no longer be commercially bred or imported into the State. The new regulations were introduced by NSW environment minister Matt Kean and followed a public enquiry into captive dolphin shows and facilities, dolphin parks and circuses, and will see dolphin shows disappear.…
Read MoreStill no evidence dolphins cure human health issues says review
A review of the data behind Dolphin Assisted Therapy (DAT) – the use of dolphins to treat people with mental and physical health concerns, has concluded that there is still no concrete evidence proving that it works. Dolphin Assisted Therapy (DAT) encourages people suffering from a range of medical problems to enter the water with dolphins…
Read MoreSouth Korea cracks down on whale and dolphin captivity
South Korea’s government has indicated that it will ban new facilities from displaying whales and dolphins. The move comes as growing numbers of the population become aware of animal rights issues. The government has also said it will be issuing new regulations concerning the 23 existing aquariums in South Korea after around 20 marine mammals…
Read MoreThe last river dolphin
A river dolphin held captive in Duisburg Zoo, Germany, has died leaving just one remaining river dolphin in the world in captivity. Baby (also known as Orinoco or Butu) was 47 when he died at the zoo this week. He led a sad life, captured at a very young age together with his mother and…
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