Lolita, living in "fish bowl" of a tank...

You may have read one of my posts about Lolita on here before, an Orca who is living in the Miami Seaquarium. (See September 14, 2010's post for more info on Lolita).

Briefly, Lolita is living in a tank that is entirely too small for her. There are many people trying to help "retire" Lolita, as her original pod is still being tracked. I would like to share an amazing video, about Lolita and her story, here. Please watch this, I promise you- you will come away with more awareness about the living conditions of this gentle creature, and many of the other animals at the Miami Seaquarium. This video is from www.savelolita.com, a website which helps promote her survival.
Watch the video HERE.

Today, I came across an interesting link, from "Without Me There Is No You". This is a blog, that pointed out some GREAT points about Lolita's tank, and a letter that was written to The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), which is the governing agency that oversees marine mammals in captivity. Please follow this link to read this blog to see what the APHIS had to say in response to this letter- about Lolita's tank- because I think you will find it shocking. I sure did. The link to the blog is HERE.

I think the blog ended with some great tips of what we CAN do to try and help Lolita. I will list them here.
Thanks www.savelolita.com, and to "Without Me There Is No You"!

List From, "Without Me There Is No You"

What Can You Do? (To Help Lolita?)


1. Write, call or email APHIS. Send a Freedom of Information Act request asking them for the proof that Lolita’s tank is legally sized.

USDA APHIS Animal Care: ace@aphis.usda.gov
USDA/APHIS/AC
4700 River Road, Unit 84
Riverdale, MD 20737-1234 Ph: 301-734-7833

2. Boycott the Miami Seaquarium. Tell your friends, family, everyone you can to stay away from the Miami Seaquarium.

3. Educate yourself about Lolita. Spread awareness. Visit SaveLolita.com and Orca Network to learn about Lolita’s story and ways you can help.

4. Contact your local Congressmen and ask for their help to enforce the AWA.

5. Watch the documentary Lolita: Slave To Entertainment. Arrange for a screening at your local library, school, college, etc.

6. If you live in or near Miami, join the other protestors the last Saturday of each month from 12:00-2:00 outside of Seaquarium, located at 4400 Rickenbacker Causeway.

 Until next time....
 

The Real "Free Willy"

Here is a pic of the real "Willy" from the "Free Willy" movies, "Keiko". Here is in Iceland, where he was eventally released, upon the real "Free Keiko" movement. What a beautiful shot. This pic is allowed to be shared royalty-free, courtesy of Ric O'Barry''s website: www.savejapandolphins.org.

Sadly, Keiko did pass away in 2003 after his release. He was able to live about a year and a half officially in the wild. This is a picture of an outdoor ocean pen, which can be used to release captive animals back to the wild. So YES, it CAN be done... but more work needs to be done in this area.
If you are interested in the time-line of Keiko, from his capture to death, it can be found here. Very interesting.

Until next time....

The Whale Museum: Taiji, Japan.

So, where do the dolphins that are captured in Taiji, Japan go?
Some of them spend their lives in what is known as "The Whale Museum", which is located in Taiji.

Check out this link, to see the living conditions. They will shock you.
They go here....

This next video is one of the best videos I have seen done of what is happening in the cove, and also includes where these 3 dolphins that you saw in the above link ended up (The Whale Museum). I will add a disclaimer that the footage is graphic, yet important to see nonetheless.

You can find that link here.


Until next time....

Amazing.

WATCH THIS.

This video was sent to "The Cove" site on Facebook, by a Japanese couple living in Tokyo. They heard about what's happening in the Cove, went to Taiji, and were inspired to make this animation- which tells the story from the perspective of a dolphin.This clip does have English subtitles. 

Truly amazing.


Until Next Time...

Good News

Good news, from the desk of Richard O'Barry, asked to be shared.

We have come far.

We still have a long way to go.

Let us celebrate our successes.

Let us not forget our challenges.

Thank you everyone for every little thing you may have done to support the positive things we can celebrate. A person you share "The Cove" story with. A news story you read. A moment of your day you pause to think about our marine friends. A dolphin show you vow not to attend. A petiton you sign. A blog, like this, that you read. Thank you.

And now, From Ric O'Barry....


Until Next time.....

It's getting to be that time....

Happy Holidays everyone... from my home to yours!

Whatever holiday you may celebrate, I hope that it brings happiness to your heart, and a smile to your face.

Until next time....

Made my day!

Wow. What amazing photos, and what a breath of fresh air. These amazing photos were taken by my friend, Lindsey D. Fisher, who has a real art for photography. Words just can't describe real whales in the the wild. These pics were taken in California.

 Photo courtesy and copyright of Lindsey D. Fisher.  

 Photo courtesy and copyright of Lindsey D. Fisher

This pic is believed to be of a Minke Whale. 

You can purchase prints of Lindsey's work here.

Seriously, check it out. 

Read her bio, look around at her portfolio, this girl has talent. 

Thanks again for the awesome shots of whales in their home, Lindsey D. Fisher! It's exactly where we want to see them, and exactly where we want people to enjoy them! 

You rock!

Until next time...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone out there!

I'm thankful for the opprotunity to learn more about our ocean friends.

I'm thankful to be able to share that knowledge and information with others.

And, I'm thankful if it just changes the way ONE person views how keeping whales and dolphins in captivity can negatively harm them. Because even reaching one person is one person more than it was before.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday, shared with family, friends, and loved ones!


Until next time...

Getting Ready for the Holidays?

Many people getting ready for the holidays this time of year... looking for some ideas for gifts?

Well, you could donate in someone's name to a great cause, Save Japan Dolphins at Earth Island Institute.
Go ahead and click here to learn more about to donate. Just click on the "click here to donate" button. Easy!
ALL DONATED FUNDS GO TO EFFORTS TO STOP THE KILLING OF DOLPHINS AND WHALES.

What else could you give someone for the Holidays?
Well, I'm always trying to spread the word about "The Cove", so I highly suggest that to anyone. (adults and teenage only). Such an important message to spread.

(Here's me with my very LOVED copy of the film)

Lastly, for a great film showing our dolphin and whales in their natural home, a film has just come out by Disney that I truly enjoyed. This film is great for kids and adults alike, and there is also a great picture "coffee-table" like book that you can as well! This film is truly amazing, and shows our children the importance our oceans really have on the earth... and taking care of them and all sea animals. The film, is called "Oceans", by: Disneynature. Awesome.

So, there you have it. Three great gift ideas for the holidays...for all different age groups, for all different tastes. Some to learn just of the ocean, some to inform of the cove, and some to help stop what is happening to our dolphins and whales.

Enjoy your holidays with your loved ones!

Until next time......

Let your voice be heard. It's your voice. Use it.

President Obama just left for Asia, and is scheduled to be in Japan the 13th and 14th of November. His trip is planning to include a meeting with the new Prime Minister Naoto Kan.

Prior to his trip, several organizations gathered together for a common cause, and drafted a letter to President Obama, stressing the importance of what is happening in Japan, and urging him to help us get the world out to Japan that the slaughter of dolphins and whales. President Obama's voice in this matter is very strong- and the facts that he can convey to the new Prime Minister of Japan.

The organizations that drafted the letter were:
Earth Island Institute
Animal Welfare Institute
World Society for the Protection of Animals
American Cetacean Society
Cetacean Society International
In Defense of Animals
Nantucket Marine Mammal Conservation Program
Orgami Whales Project
Peninsula Citizens for the Protection of Whales
The Whaleman Foundation/Save the Whales Again! Campaign

To read the letter, please click here, and go to the entry made on 11/5/10.

So, what can you do to help? YOU can contact President Obama and express your concern with what is going on in Japan. Write, email, call... do whatever you need to do.

To email President Obama, click here .

To write, the address is as follows:
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

To call the White House, here are the numbers:
Comments: 202-456-1111
Switchboard: 202-456-1414

To fax a letter, here is the number:
 FAX: 202-456-2461

And, to visit the White House website, go to:
www.whitehouse.gov

Let your voice be heard. It's your voice. Use it. 

Till next time....

Baby Dolphin Falls Out of Tank, Dies at Florida Marine Park.

 A baby dolphin died this past Sunday, at Gulf World Marine Park in the Panhandle area of Florida.
When reading the cause of death, I was shocked. However, we can add this to our reasons of why these animals should not be held in captivity.

The dolphin somehow FELL out of it's tank during the night, and passed away.
This is so sad, and makes me so angry.

I'm not sure on the dimensions of the housing accommodations for this little one, but he was apparently with his mother and 2 other baby dolphins and their mothers.

What made me even more upset? This is not the first time an animal has fallen from it's tank at this park. This just happens to be the first death.

Read more about the accident here.

Until next time....

Set Back in Taiji, Japan.

Rick O'Barry and his son Lincoln, are on ground in Taiji, Japan.
The plan was to have a PUBLIC discussion with the mayor of Taiji today, November 1, 2010- Mayor Kazutaka Sangen, along with local fishermen about the dolphin hunting that is taking place in Taiji. 

The meeting didn't go as planned... and O'Barry learned some disheartening news.

Needless to say, O'Barry is on his way now to where this whole mess began... The Cove.
Read about what happened, in O'Barry's blog, HERE.

Till next time... hopefully with better news...

I Just Love 'Em

Pure Love. That's All.

Till Next Time....

SeaWorld, San Diego: Part 1

SeaWorld: San Diego, California.

This past September, I had the chance to visit SeaWorld, San Diego. I have been waiting to post this blog for a while, because I wanted to gather my thoughts on what a moving experience this was.
I myself, had not been to a SeaWorld since the age of about 12, possibly earlier.... I know as a child, I had been to the one in Orlando, and the one that used to be open in Ohio. However, it had been YEARS. And, unlike many parks that hold sea life captive, SeaWorld is one of the only few where you can see Orcas.
First, I will speak on my experience with the Orcas. I refuse to attend shows, but I was amazed at the sheer mass of people that filed in the last 7 minutes or so before, as the show was about to begin. My only wonder was if the trainers were actually going to get in the tank with the whales, because the same week, OSHA had filed suit with SeaWorld in Orlando, and I knew their trainers were not allowed in the tank with the whales due to the whole ordeal. (The suit was filed I believe due to violations by SeaWorld, during the whole trainer death incident with Tilly the Orca earlier this year- but don't quote me on that.)
Anyway, before the show, I was taking note of how small the living conditions of these whales really is, both from the side through the gate and from above from a bridge that went over the entire tank, to the show area. Here are the pics looking through the gate:

In this pic, you can really see how small the holding tank is. Keep in mind, during this time, there were about 4 whales swimming in this tank. As seen in the next pic:

There was one whale, that I sat and stared at for a good 20 minutes. He (or she) just stayed in the same spot, floating, which gave me a lot of time to think about it, and it's small home.....
These pics may all look similar... but taken over the span of about a half hour... of the same whale. Poor thing.

You will notice his dorsal fin- the one on the top is bent over. This happens when whales are kept in captivity. I have heard that they "don't know why"... but I have my own theories... I think it's because they aren't given the chance to swim as fast and the distances they would in the ocean... and the fin then tends to droop over time. Who knows.

 Could sat here, and stared at this guy for days... my heart really went out to him. I just stared and stared... and I felt like he just stared back.

 Watching the crowd start to come in. Amazing how in a few short minutes, those stands will be about full. The whales have yet to be released at this point into the "show" pool.

 Watching the crowd... as you can see, they are filling the stands, and just walking around me in the tunnel. I'm trying to check out what the trainers are doing... was really interested in seeing what was going to happen as far as them getting in the tank... but was SO not staying for the show.

 "Shamu", as every whale at SeaWorld is called (even though they have various other names) is released from the holding pen, into the show tank... the stands continue to fill... about 5 minutes till show time.

 Showtime is about to start... I'm so angry at this point, I don't even like looking the whole ordeal.

 Time for me to jet from the deck viewing area.... I thought it was appropriate that the tunnel felt like you were in a CAGE.

Because that's exactly how these animals feel everyday.

Talking to a staff person at SeaWorld, I asked about the Orca's dental care, because again... that is something that is always of concern for animals and dolphins in captivity. She stated that the whales in this particular SeaWorld (the orcas) typically receive drilling on their teeth DAILY. This was something that I had read about, that is basically the worst or the worst. I didn't think I would be hearing about it happening at SeaWorld... I thought maybe of one of the smaller, private owned parks. She stated that their teeth get so bad, that it's pretty much all they can do for them. Hmmm. I wonder if it's it's their diet? The stress they are under (stomach acid eating away at their teeth)? The fact that they aren't able to hunt like nature intended them too? I wonder how the owner's of SeaWorld would feel getting their teeth drilled on daily.

Sick.
Sick.
Sick.

My next post, I'll talk about the dolphins of SeaWorld, San Diego.

Till Next Time....

National Dolphin Day, follow up

All around the world... for one day... we stood together.
Pics were posted on Ric O'Barry's blog from all over the world, of people coming together on October 14th - for one common purpose. To help spread the word to stop the slaughter of dolphins in Taiji. From large scale rallies to small ones, each one had the same message and effort. Thanks to each and every person who helped with this effort.
Check out some of this footage.
Here's an awesome PSA made from the Capetown demo: [O'Barry, www.savejapandolphins.org]
Click Here for Capetown PSA.... AWESOME.

To see more pics from rallies from around the world, see Ric O'Barry's blog here.
You will be amazed how many countries and cities were truly united in this effort.
Great work everyone.

Till next time...

4 Dolphins from the Cove, Exported to Egypt... Living in a "Swimming Pool".

Here's me, and one of the signs I have made for the rally on Thursday.
It's getting closer.
I'm getting ready.
Are you?

Ric O'Barry is advocating for 4 dolphins which have recently been shipped to Egypt from Taiji, during this time of need. What an adventure. I will update you here.
In a nutshell, there are plans for a dolphinarium, to open in the desert in Egypt. So far, 4 dolphins were imported from Egypt, with the plan for 5 more to follow. According to O'Barry's blog (www.savejapandolphins.org) he states, "HEPCA, the local Egyptian environmental organization that has been in the forefront of efforts to stop the dolphin imports and the dolphinarium, is working hard to see if they can get local authorities to halt the construction".

The good news is, the Governor of The Red Sea district of Egypt has issued a ban on all future imports of dolphins, meaning that the next 5 they were going to get from Taiji will NOT be coming. He also issued an ultimatum to the owner of four dolphins that had been imported from Taiji: the dolphins must be moved to a new location that complies with national and international standards for care. [O'barry, www.savejapandolphins.com]. Prior to this issue, the 4 dolphins were living in what almost appeared to be a swimming pool size hole in the ground, in someone's back yard! Living in their own feces, and for SURE not being properly being taken care of. To see a 1 minute clip of their living conditions, click here.

As for O'Barry, here is his speech at Dolphin Awareness Night for the HEPCA, in Egypt. Click here to watch that. Great how he explains how and why the dolphins in Egypt are in danger, and why it's so important to get them the heck out of there.
Till next time....

Everyone has to start somwhere...

My blank canvas.
Signs for the rally for Save Japan Dolphin Day, 10/14/10... coming soon.. as well as pics.
Got ideas for sign slogans? Post 'em here!

Some ideas given so far...

-Got Mercury? Dolphin Meat Does.

-Stop The Slaughter.

- Over 23,000 Dolphins a YEAR are KILLED in Japan

-Captivity FUNDS the SLAUGHTER

I don't know which ones I'm going to use, or If I'll come up with new ones. 

If you have ideas, please post them- you may see you idea being used! 

Till next time...
-Amanda

What's Killling the Whales in Captivity?

Thanks to Al Cane, a follower of this blog for bringing my attention to this very important video, by ABC News. The video, found here talks about the recent Orca deaths that have been occuring at Sea World- 3 within the last 4 months!
And, what you'll notice, is that not only are the whales in captivity dying... but, they are living to be only HALF the age that a whale in the wild would normally live to be.
Once again, another reason these animals belong in the wild.

Don't forget... Save Japan Dolphin Day is next week, 10/14/10.... I'm gearing up for it here in my hometown... more to come about that!

-Amanda

Coming Soon....

I've been excited to share this post. It's coming soon.
SeaWorld. San Diego.

Here's a few teaser pics....

 SeaWorld, San Diego

I'm in love already, because it shows ORCAS, which is my other love.... and other creature that should not be harbored in a TANK. SeaWorld Orlando, got slammed with the fine from OSHA the same week as my visit, for the death of trainer Dawn Brancheau. Brancheau's death was caused by a killer whale named  Tilikum, on February 24, 2010. "Tilly", as he was often called, was an aggressive whale that the park had known about- and trainers were given the "Tilly talk" about not getting too close or in the tank with Tilikum. [Linda Simons."Larry King Live".] (Simmons was the former Director of Health and Safety at SeaWorld Orlando.)

On this particular day, Brancheau was standing on a ledge surround Tilly's tank, when Tilly's took her by the hair and took her under. The accident lead the cause of death.

Finally, Simons spoke out about the conditions at SeaWorld, and was soon... "let go".
To read about the case, you can click here. Very interesting stuff.
Simons v. SeaWorld (Defamation).

Until next time....

Save Japan Dolphin Day, October 14th, 2010

On this day, there will be peaceful, worldwide rallies- many of which will take place in front of Embassies and Consulates of the government of Japan. (And yes, there are 17 that I counted in the U.S., including New York, Chicago, Miami, Boston, Denver, Atlanta and Detroit just to name a few.)
There is a list of participating countries/cities that you can find here.
I have contacted the person for the state and city in which I live, to city if there are any organized events planned for this day where I live. If there are, I will post them here for those that live close to me.

I urge you to find your country, state, and city on the list and contact your activist director.
Find out what is being done in your area, and what you can to join or even help.
Or, you would like to host a rally in your area, you can contact: Shelby Proie, Shelby@savelolita.com

Let's get together, one day, across the globe, for one cause.
See you on October 14th.
-Amanda

Amazing.

Amazing. I picture this is what it would be like, to be a volunteer, helping to save the dolphins in Taiji, Japan.

Watch 2.5 minute video clip here.

This slideshow called, "My Trip to The Cove" was made by: Leilani Münter & Craig Davidson
Featuring the song, "Whales Can Sing"
By: Duncan Walsh and the Wantanabes

Love it. 

SeaWorld, Orlando.

Recently, I had the pleasure of talking to a friend about her recent experiences at SeaWorld, Orlando.
I found her pictures amazing, and asked if I could use them here on my blog... because I felt that they really captured the true life of a dolphin in captivity.

When asked about her experience at the park, her answers were so insightful. While I hope to make it SeaWorld Orlando and the big park on my list... the Miami SeaAquarium, sometime this year... I will take with me these observations. I am soaking up everything like a sponge this year. These pictures really put together what I saw at SeaWorld, San Diego, (that same week!) and what Robyn saw at SeaWorld, Orlando hand in hand. Look for my blog on San Diego... coming soon to see what I mean.

Thank you Robyn, for sharing your story and your pictures with me. Your pictures, amazing. Thank you for answering my questions, and taking the time to listen to me talk about my passion. 

On to what I learned from Robyn's pictures....
[All pictures courtesy & copyright of Robyn Beals, 2010.]

These pictures Robyn got of the tank were AWESOME. It was stated that this is the tank that the pod stays in all the time. Now, I'm not able to tell the dimensions of the tank, or how many dolphins are in the pod- but you can just tell by the pictures... look how small the tank is! Robyn said from her observations, "it didn't seem deep enough". I would definitely have to agree with her there. In some of these pics, the dolphins look like they are swimming practically on top of one another.

Next, she got some GREAT close up shots of the dolphins. I asked about the teeth of the dolphins, because recently, I have heard about the "not so great" dental care that marine animals receive at these parks. Robyn stated that it was interesting I had asked her about that, because she asked about [their teeth], and was told that they start to break down due to age. Then why is it that in the wild, you will see a dolphin that lives to be 20+ years older than the oldest dolphin in captivity with teeth? When I post my blog about my trip to San Diego, I will post what they said about dental care there. They were totally honest, and it really made me mad to learn that the rumors I heard... were true, at least in San Diego. (I ALWAYS check with staff before posting actual facts about specific parks I have been to, BTW). I think this by Robyn pic says it all.

When I was in San Diego, the lower jaw on the dolphins I was with, was almost absent- pretty much worn down to the jaw bone. The upper teeth still intact, but not like they should be. When I saw this pic that Robyn took, I was in shock at the tooth loss, at both upper and lower. I wonder what the age of this dolphin is.

Robyn mentioned that they were given "dolphin candy" to feed the dolphins- what I noticed in the pics to be small fish and the like. So many times, dolphin's food is filled with Mallox, and other stomach meds to relieve the dolphin's stomach issues due to stress. ["The Cove". 2009. ]

I'd like to end with what Robyn said about her trip, because I think it sums up how many people, including myself in some aspects, feel about these wonderful creatures.

"My only question for all of this is why do they have them in captivity in the first place? (removed) had said that with sea world they are huge at saving these sea animals and help them but to have all them in such a cramped space to live seems to me the opposite of what they are saying they do for them. I know that they are well fed as in little fish that was ref to as "dolphin candy" and to me that doesn't sound healthy enough. I honestly have no idea what a "sick" or unhealthy dolphin looks like. I know that the trainers love their job but don't need any special schooling to do what they do, and it made me wonder. I always thought that they went to a trade school for this..  that one dolphin was really cute, he fallowed me around for that whole experience. He "laughed" at me and nudged my hand after I gave him the fish." 

The "smile" or "laugh" from a dolphin is often mistaken. Dolphin's have this look on their faces, that make it seem like they are always smiling, but they are not. They are wild animals, whose home is the ocean.
Not the tank you see here.
Although this looks like a smile, don't let it fool you.

Thanks again, Robyn. You've helped open up our eyes once again to the world of why dolphin should not be in captivity. Thanks for your answers, you willingness to share, and your love of these animals. You're right... they truly are "mystical creatures" as you called them. :)

~Amanda

News from Japan...

News from Ric O'Barry's Blog, from www.savejapandolphins.org:

Some sad news comes from Japan this week. The first dolphin slaughter of the season has occurred in Taiji, Japan this past week/weekend. 15 Risso's dolphins was brutally killed and taken to the slaughterhouse. [O'Barry. www.savejapandolphins.org. 9/30/10].

Looks like Ric and his team of volunteers have been closely monitoring the Cove, and it seems as if the dolphins who have been captured have so far been let go... which has been a good thing. However, there are also dolphins that have been herded into new open water pens. Additionally, they have been taken to the Taiji Whale Museum, for the purposes of captivity. Some may stay at this facility, and some will be kept to export to zoos and aquariums. [O'Barry. www.savejapandolphins.org.  9/30/10].

 

Picture of a dolphin capture in Taiji, Japan. [O'Barry has given permission for this picture to be used royalty-free].

If you haven't had a chance to read Ric's blog, it's quite interesting to see what goes on and how he is peacefully trying to stop what is going on in Japan RIGHT NOW. As I stated when I first stated this blog, I would LOVE to work with him... to be a volunteer with this project. But, what I would love even more, is for the slaughter to end, so that Ric wouldn't need any more volunteers in the first place. 

Follow Ric's Blog Here....

Photo of Ric, with dolphin meat being sold in stores. Dolphin meat contains toxic levels of mercury, which is one of the reasons dolphin slaughter needs to end. (READ: ONE of the reasons.) [O'Barry has given permission for this picture to be used royalty-free].

Let's hope for a better week in Taiji....

Animals want to help too, you know! ;)

This is my dog, Joey.

This is his toy, Flipper.

Joey only wants to help the dolphins too, you know. He saved it from it's captive bin at Target. It's now free to swim in our living room. He loves it dearly... caring it around the house. Maybe he's a lover of dolphins too?

A Major Victory for Dolphins in the Solomon Islands

A Major Victory for Saving Dolphins in the Solomon Islands. Click Here.
Way to go Ric O'Barry. As Ric states in his article, "The Solomon Islands are right behind Japan in terms of the number of dolphins brutally killed each year." He has helped by getting the Solomon Islands to agree to stop the killing of dolphins for 2 years. That's a start.
Watch the 4 minute clip here, of the agreement discussion and signing.
Awesome news.

I have some great blogs coming up... I hope they touch the lives of the people who read them.
-Amanda

Heroes.

Rick O'Barry is pretty my hero as of right now. His work and activism is amazing.

Click here to watch an amazing video about what he does, done to the song "Heroes"(cover done by the Wallflowers). Amazing. 

Please watch this.

Click here.... It's 2 minutes long. "The Cove PSA".

Watch this.
Please.
It's 2 minutes.

I watch it often; it drives me.

If you want, go to www.takepart.com/thecove for more info.

Thanks.

-Amanda

Shedd Aquarium, IL

Visiting the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, IL was quite the experience.
Now, remember... I am focusing this site on dolphins and larger marine animals only... although I know there are many other animals that reside at these facilities.

I shall tell my story, using photos.

So, while here, I refused to see the dolphin show. Watching dolphins do tricks for food really pisses me off, and I really wasn't in the mood for it that day. However, I did get a chance to talk to Shedd staff about their dolphins.

 The 3 dolphins that were "starring" in the show are housed here. Doesn't look very big, does it? When asked how deep, I was told 20 feet. I noticed a small poster next the side of the tank, that showed parts of the world where the dolphins "may" have come from... highlighting the coasts of California, as well as a few other parts of the world.... including Japan. As soon as I saw that, I was on a mission to find out where the heck these dolphins came from. Sorry you can't see them in the pics, they are underwater when I took the pics. I more wanted to show the space they had to swim.

Funny how when you start to ask questions of staff, no one seems to know answers... or maybe, they just don't want to say. I finally found a staff person by the Beluga tank who was very open, honest, and nice with his answers. He told me upfront that the dolphins at the Shedd were caught (and I'm using his terms) off the coast of California. They were not brought to the Shedd because they were injured or sick... they were simply brought to the Shedd. This made me extremely angry, knowing that dolphins are very social animals... and were probably caught from a pod of hundreds. He said he was pretty sure they had been at the Shedd the whole time, but that some animals at the Shedd had moved from aquarium to aquarium. Some, had also been born in captivity. This is sad in it's own right... these animals will never even know what it's like to be out in the open ocean. While I left this man with a heavy heart, I was grateful for his honesty.

Crowds....

And crowds....

And crowds of people came to watch the dolphins....

Which makes me wonder... what do they watch and think of all day?