"A Fall From Freedom"

If you haven't seen the movie, "A Fall From Freedom", it is another MUST see. This movie is about the captive dolphin and whale industry- and is available free for you to view simply by clicking on the link below. "A Fall From Freedom" is produced by EarthView Productions, and you can also view, buy and learn more about the movie at http://afallfromfreedom.org/.

Make sure to share this link, and get the word out about this video. So vital for us to see- explains so much. If you are interested in the actual process of how dolphins and whales are captured, WHO is behind the captures, what captivity does to animals and more... it's imperative that you watch this film.


Until next time.....

Teaching about Captivity at 12 Months... Doesn't Your Baby Want an Aquarium?!

A while back, I was shopping at a toy store when I came across a captive dolphin play-set by the company Playmobil (please see my blog dated Sept. 16^th). This weekend, I was doing some shopping for a friend’s baby shower, and what I came across was even more disturbing. I came across yet another toy that encouraged children to learn about captivity from a VERY early age.... 12 MONTHS.

I believe I was even more disturbed this time, because I was in a BABY store, and this toy was in a bin of other toys called, “My First….” For example, “My First Doctor Kit” Or, “My First Purse”. I was looking through the bin thinking to myself, “hmmm, some of these are kind of clever”. Then, I found it. “MY FIRST AQUARIUM". I kid you not. There it was, for ages 12-18 months, by the company called, “Aurora Baby”. The Aquarium was a part of the company’s “Baby Talk” collection, and contained 4 animals tucked- wait, cramped inside this aquarium which looked like a circus tent with a see-through window. There was an orca, a dolphin, a seahorse, and a clown fish. I was SHOCKED. I knew this was something I had to get home and research about, get out to my fellow activists and most of all- contact this company about my concern about the selling of this toy right away.

 Here's the "My Aquaruium" set, after I took out all the animals that were crammed inside.

 The 4 animals that come with the set- an Orca, a Dolphin, a Clown Fish and a Sea Horse.

 An up-close shot of the Aquarium. Nice, eh?

 Front of the tag.

Inside of the tag.

According to an article on the company’s website from 2009, http://www.auroragift.com/xe/ “The company sells its products via a wide variety of retailers including major zoos (a fast growing market), department stores such as Mervyns and Neiman Marcus, high-end toy stores such as Learning Express, top gift chains such as Hallmark, Claire’s and Cracker Barrel, as well as hospital gift shops, fine florists, candy stores and gift/stationery stores worldwide”. You can find the entire article here.

What set off 2 red alarms for me is this: 1) It seems these toys are spreading like wildfire in zoos, and I am going to assume some Aquariums (although I know places like SeaWorld, it’s hard to find a product without the SeaWorld logo branded all over it). 2) I will be contacting the head of the chain store I was shopping at, where I saw the toy- to tell them my concerns that I saw the toy being sold there. However, these toys could be being sold all over. I would encourage anyone to not only contact the company- but also, anytime they see the product (the “My First Aquarium” toy), to also contact the stores as well. It doesn’t hurt to let the stores know about our concern about a product. That doesn’t mean that I am going to boycott said store- but letting them know of my concern about the toy may help if the store where it is being sold puts some pressure on the company about complaints they are receiving about the toy.

Please, I encourage you to contact this company and ask them to please stop the production of this toy. I see that they are selling other stuffed sea animals- such as dolphins, whales, sea turtles and many others. Why not let children play with these stuffed toys- and possiblilly even attaching educational facts about the animal on the tag that is attached (which contains the UPC code and whatnot). This way, our smallest minds can let their imaginations run wild with adventures of their new found friends- playing in a natural environment. Their toy is not in a cage, which holds their animals, which honestly is a perfect example of an Aquarium.

Yes. The company could lose profit from pulling that one toy from the shelves. But, think about the money that could be gained by adding more educational value to the toys they are already selling. Parents, educational institutions and caregivers would appreciate that it is more than just a toy- it’s also a tool that teaches.

Here is the contact information for Aurora World Inc.

The toy I am referring to through this blog is #20433, and called “My Aquarium”. It is a part of the “Baby Talk” Collection.

Aurora World Inc.

8820 Mercury Lane

Pico Rivera, CA 90660 US

Ph: 562-205-1222

Fax: 562-948-5567

Here are a listed of there other locations to contact, in other countires: click here! (Some countries include: Korea, UK, Hong Kong and China).

Also, if you go to their website, you can fill out a “product-related question” sheet here, and submit it right away. If you prefer to do that, please click HERE.

Here is the link to the toy directly on their site. You will notice under the toy, you can share your thoughts via Facebook, Twitter, Email, and other platforms. You can find that link HERE.. You can also find the company on Facebook under “Aurora World, Inc.”

I’m working hard on my next blog, should be a good one. Look for it soon- until then……….



What's a Blogger Without a Computer?

What's a blogger without her... computer?

Uh? Still very passionate about her cause... working on causes, but frustrated about not being able to update her blog. That's me.

Little story. My computer, it blew up. Literally. There was a beep. What appeared to be some smoke? And, yes, that oh so pleasant electrical burning smell. Yup. Fried.

Took the thing in, and.... toast. At least, the hard drive was saved, meaning all my pictures and documents that I had not yet put on external storage. Lesson learned? Back everything up immediately.

One of my new projects to add to the list? Saving for a new computer. : / It's amazing how much we rely on our computers for finding out about news when we are so passionate about a cause such as this. News articles, journals, other blogs, social networking, emailing, chatting... it's amazing what you take for granted when your computer is always at your fingertips... .and then it's g.....o.....n......e.

I now rely on my phone for most of my work, and get to a computer when I can. It hasn't stopped me from my work, researching daily to find out how our whales and dolphins are, especially those in Taiji, getting involved in various projects, and even coming up with an idea that will hopefully turn out to be really awesome... if I can get it to work out. ;) (details on that in the near future... when I have more of it hammered out!)

The trial starts back up next week, OSHA vs. SeaWorld- starting on November 15th. I will make it a point to update my blog along the way, as this trial is something I have followed from the very start. I hope a decision will come soon, and things swing in favor for poor Tilly, the whale who is still stuck in this whole mess.

I want to leave you with this. A woman who has become one of my best friends, is an amazing photographer. She lights up my life, because every once and a while, she will send me a text or an email saying, "I'm going out to look for whales/dolphins for you today!" Well, it's whale migrating season where she lives (California), and she went out looking this past weekend. No whales to be found, but she sent me 2 pics of dolphins. Makes me smile every single time- because that's one awesome friend. And, I have to mention, that I have never seen a dolphin or whale in the wild... which is why her pictures mean so much. So, if your out there reading this, LDF- you seriously rock. Oh, and your next letter is going to be a real riot. ;)
It's friends like Lindsey... that keep a blogger without her computer smilin'.... because I gets awesome pics like these. Dolphins in their natural home.... simple, pure, and amazing.

 Dolphins in Santa Cruz, California. Picture Copyright of Lindsey D. Fisher.

Dolphin spotted in Monterey Bay, California. Picture Copyright of Lindsey D. Fisher.

Until next time...............

Video From Save Japan Dolphin Day 2011, Detroit

Here's the video I took from Save Japan Dolphin Day Detroit.

September 1, 2011.

Enjoy!

Until Next Time....

Great Video From Save Japan Dolphin Day, 2011

Thanks to our friends at Save Misty the Dolphin! They have put together a great video showing pics from events all over the world held on September 1st for Save/Celebrate Japan Dolphin Day.
Detroit is represented in the first (yahoo!) pic, and also at about 3:15 (with the large red banner). Check it out!

You can also check out Save Misty the Dolphin's blog/webpage here! (they are on blogger!) You can also search for them if you are on Facebook, by putting "Save Misty the Dolphin" right into the search bar.

Until Next Time.....

And So It Starts......

This week starts the trial of SeaWorld vs. OSHA, resulting from the death of trainer Dawn Brancheau last year. After Brancheau's death, the park was issued 3 citations and fined $75,000. (Mike Schneider, www.bostonglobe.com). The trial is scheduled to last all week, with a ruling from the Judge to come about 10 days after the end of the trial. 

In addition, according to OSHA's website (www.osha.gov) it was stated that, "In addition to the history with this whale, the OSHA investigation revealed that SeaWorld trainers had an extensive history of unexpected and potentially dangerous incidents involving killer whales at its various facilities, including its location in Orlando. Despite this record, management failed to make meaningful changes to improve the safety of the work environment for its employees". You can find the full link to the article talking about OSHA's citations against SeaWorld, here. 
 
So many news articles are coming out about the trial this week, it's hard to keep up. Experts on news channels talking about whale behavior... people talking about pros and cons about captivity. In my own opinion, since this is my blog, this is how I feel.

Captivity kills. It's as simple as that. Captivity kills whales and dolphins, because research has shown that captive sea animals such as these large animals live a much shorter life span than their non-captive family and friends. Those whales and dolphins who are in the wild live a life that is double, if not MORE than that of one that is in captivity.
Captivity also kills humans. It's a sad fact that this is not the first time a human has been killed by a orca, or another wild, captive animal. And, even worse- it won't be the last. In fact, for Tilly, the whale that was involved in Brancheau's death- this was his 3rd death of a HUMAN that he was involved in. THIRD.

So, I guess what we really need to ask ourselves is this.... How many more dolphins, whales, and HUMANS need to die before we see the light that captivity isn't the answer?
My heart goes out to Dawn's family during this difficult time. I'm sure reliving the time of her tragic accident is not going to be easy for them.
SeaWorld, shame on you. Shame on you for not only holding animals captive, but for allowing yet another death to occur. This time, a human life was lost.

R.I.P. Dawn Brancheau

If you would like to see the copy of Brancheau's autopsy's report, please click here, thanks to autopsyfiles.org.


Until Next Time....

Playmobil Teaches Captivity to the Most Captive Audience

So, I'm walking through a well known toy store chain the other day, and I am looking through the "educational science section" and BAM... I see it on the shelves, and I almost fall over. I can't even believe what I'm seeing! It's actually a toy, where kids can play "captivity"! The set comes compete with 2 "happy" dolphins, a trainer and her hoop, and some dead plastic fish treats. Sick!

I stared at this thing for a good 15 minutes. Here's a closer pic of the trainer with her dead fish treats.

Not knowing what to do, and being alone in the store, I did the only thing I could think of at the time. I took the 3 boxes off the shelf, and hid them in the store, hoping some kid wouldn't find them. It just made me sick to my stomach. If I had a child with me, my actions would have been different. I would have discussed the toy with the child- but being alone, I just felt sickened.

Upon coming home, I did a little research on "Playmobil". I came to find out that although this particular store only carrier this one box, the maker actually has quite a few sets of dolphin/trainer/captivity toys. There's one with just a trainer/hoop/ and a dolphin... one that's a bit more elaborate, called a "dolphin zoo" that you can even fill with water. To see the images of these toys, I suggest going to either Amazon or Google Images, and just typing in the words "Playmobil dolphin" together. The toy images should pop up.

I am urging you, and others who feel like you do, to please join me in contacting Playmobil. Please ask them to remove these toys from their shelves, as it teaches children from a very young age that captivity is okay... and even a happy thing. Take a close look at the toy... the trainers, the dolphins, and even the dolphin on the flag on have on that smile... the look that dolphins have, that makes them appear as though they are always happy. How about a playset for children with marine animals in their natural habitat? That would be a LOT more educational, could include more animals, and wouldn't be teaching our young ones that captivity is a happy place for dolphins to live.

Children are our most captive audience.
Their minds are like sea sponges, soaking up knowledge.
Let's teach them early about sea life captivity, and how in the end, the best homes for dolphins are in the ocean.

Contact info for Playmobile is:

Address:	Playmobil Malta Ltd. HF80, Industrial Estate, Hal Far, BBG 3000, Malta, EU.
Telephone:	(+356) 2224 2445
Email:	info@playmobilmalta.com

Until Next Time......

Save/Celebrate Japan Dolphin Day, 2011- Detroit.

Words can't describe my feelings after today.

Driven- my drive to continue this fight has only just begun.

Supported- the community of friends I have made in the dolphin community who share the same love I do is amazing. I can't thank these individuals enough. There was so much support from all the event coordinators all around the world in planning the events for today, it was amazing. Also, all the amazing organizations around the globe who are out there every single day offering us and the dolphins support-from the folks at Save Misty the Dolphin, Save Japan Dolphins, Earth Island Institute, Sea Shepherd and the World Animal Awareness Society (especially the WA2S-MI)- today would not have been possible.

Sad, yet more so Anger- I know today marked the first day of yet another hunting season for dolphins in Taiji, Japan.

Proud- Of every single person who stood up today in Detroit for the dolphins. And everyone who was with us in spirit, due to circumstances that prevented you from being at today's event. I got emails from people saying they were wearing their shirts at work, school or wherever they were today with pride- informing people of the Cove. YOU are our heroes. Continue to educate yourself. Continue to educate others. Our fight isn't over, and it won't be until the water in the Cove runs clear. But you, my dolphin loving friends... pat yourself on the backs. Awesome job. Look for some sweet links coming soon as pics/video/radio links start to filter in.

For the dolphins!

Until next time.... I will leave you with a few pics from today.

3 DAYS

WILL YOU BE THERE?

 LET'S

 DO

THIS.

SEPTEMBER 1, 2011.

CELEBRATE JAPAN DOLPHIN DAY.

ALL AROUND THE WORLD. ONE DAY. 

ARE YOU READY?

to find a location near you, click here.

Save/Celebrate Japan Dolphin Day- Detroit, Michigan 2011

As Promised, here are all the details for the Detroit, MI event for "Save/Celebrate Japan Dolphin Day" 2011. :)

September 1, 2011 is the start of the Taiji Dolphin Hunt. During the 2010-2011 drive hunt, the Taiji Fisheries Union killed 850 dolphins. An additional 171 were sold into captivity.

In keeping with city ordinances, we will meet-up at the MARINERS' CHURCH OF DETROIT & then march along the block in front of the Consulate of Japan (which is inside the Renaissance Center) from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. W...e will continue to walk along E.Jefferson Ave, in one big loop. Please look at the map below to see how how E. Jefferson runs in a loop. We will be sticking to sidewalks, and not walking in roadways (city ordinance). If you arrive after 11:00, please just walk along E. Jefferson, and I'm sure you will see the group with all the signs! We will stick close to the general area of the church and the Renaissance Center (400 Renaissance Center, Detroit MI- Right next door to the Church.) Please remember, although this is where the Consulate is, you MAY NOT be on this property. It is not city owned property, it is owned by General Motors.) Please, do NOT set up and wait for our group there! It is our Constitutional Right to rally, on City owned property. :)

The MARINERS’ CHURCH of DETROIT is located at:
170 E. Jefferson Ave.
Detroit, MI 48226
*PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN THE CHURCH PARKING LOT*
There is a parking garage located across the street from the Church, with entrance located off E. Jefferson. I believe it is a paid lot. As far as parking on the street, many streets will be closed, due to the Detroit Jazz Festival which starts the day after.

Please use this link for directions to the church, parking garage, and a great view of the overall E.Jefferson route. You can also see how close we will be to the Renaissance Center- even though we can't be on the property! :) (it's literally RIGHT next door!) 

We will then marching together around the block of the General Consulate of Japan. Our message is simple: JAPAN, LET THE DOLPHINS LIVE & BE FREE!!!

This will be a peaceful protest. Please bring signs, and wear any "Save/Celebrate Japan Dolphin" shirts. Other ideas include Sea Shepperd gear! EcoJoia has made shirts for this occasion- please look for the link below.
EcoJoia T-Shirts for Save Japan Dolphin Day! (Mens)  
EcoJoia T-Shirts for Save Japan Dolphin Day! (Womens)  

To R.S.V.P. for this event, please reply to this post, and I will hook you up! If you are looking for an event in a State or Country near you (because we will be having events ALL over the world, on the same day) please check out this link provided by Save Japan Dolphins! Google Interactive Map of All Save Japan Dolphin Day Events


Lastly, please check out this video, from Save Japan Dolphins- Leilani Munter shares the importance of supporting Save Japan Dolphins, Earth Island Institute, and what exactly the money goes towards. Well, hopefully I will see you out there on September 1st! Look for more updates before then! It's been a long road of planning, sign making, paperwork filing, advocating... but we are almost there. Let's do this for the dolphins!

Getting Ready to Make Signs! Save/Celebrate Japan Dolphin Day!

Wanted to document the process as I go along.. gotta start with a clean slate!
Getting ready to make signs for our rally on September 1st, 2011 in Downtown Detroit for Save/Celebrate Japan Dolphin Day! This year, the focus in to stay positive, as the Japanese people have been through so much this year- but to still focus on the task at hand; which is to get information out to the public and to the Japanese Consulates around the world that we (the people) will not tolerate what is being done in Taiji, and other parts of the world. Captivity kills. Slaughter is not okay. And, we will not stop fighting till it ends.
I am the event coordinator for things happening here in Detroit. I will be posting the where, when, and what of the event here. But, I will also post links for those of you who want to participate in an event near you- because there are events happening all over the world, on the same day. We must stand together, and show that we are one voice, and be that voice for the dolphins. Enjoy the pics of my journey along the way.. and see you on September 1st.

 First, you need to gather all your materials!

 Paintbrushes of all different sizes work very well!

 I got black, red, and blue paint. I wanted black mainly for font, blue for water and whales/dolphins, and red for blood if needed. I can also use red for font too. I don't want to use too much blood. Too graphic.

This is a poster I made from last year. I used stenciled letters- but remember- letters don't have to be perfect! I have a kids poster, and I'll post a pic of it later. It's awesome, and I think it will get the point across GREAT. Make your signs SHORT, and TO THE POINT.

Until next time.... when I hopefully have some finished products to display!!!!

New Petition on Blog!

Please make sure and sign the new petition, located on the bottom left hand side of the blog (with the red top and bottom headers). This petition is vital, because it is one that was created by "Save Misty the Dolphin", and will be used when we all rally together on September 1st for Save/Celebrate Japan Dolphin Day. This petition may be used to be delivered to one central location,  but there has also been talk about making it available to all event coordinators- I am the event coordinator for Detroit, so I would be very happy to deliver a copy of the petition to the Japanese Consulate here. I will let you know the status on that once we here more. The important thing is, is that people sign, sign, sign it!!! Thanks everyone! And, you may be wondering just what is "Save/Celebrate Japan Dolphin Day?" Well? Stay tuned... the next post will have all that info for you... and specifics if you are coming for the Detroit event!

Until next time.....

How Does Sea Shepherd Help Out in Taiji, Japan? Check it Out!

People have recently been asking me if Sea Shepherd is involved with efforts in the Cove. Many people have seen the show, "Whale Wars", (you can find the link to their show HERE.) Additionally, Sea Shepherd, (Sea Shepherd Conservation Society) has had much involvement in helping to stop what is occurring in Taiji, Japan. Members act as "cove guardians" to help protect and watch over the cove. They have an awesome website setup, with all of their updates of whats going on in the Cove and their efforts- I encourage everyone to check it out. Here's a video from Captain Paul Watson, President of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. You can also check out their website: http://www.seashepherd.org/ 

Until Next Time.... Details about "Celebrate Japan Dolphin Day" to be posted next! Mark your calendars for this International event, occurring September 1, 2011!

Pretty Awesome Video, Check it Out!

I found this video to be pretty awesome. It's about what one of National Geographic's underwater photographers, Brian Skerry, has to say about his discoveries about the ocean. Check it out, his photos are amazing!


Until Next Time....

Shouka the Orca

This video was taken on 6-3-11 at Six Flags Theme park. It sickens me that this is a tank that a whale spends ANY amount of time in- and then fact that it could be an extended part of a whale's day is even worse.
You NEED to see the size of this tank. It doens't even look as if the whale could turn around?
This video was NOT taken by me, it was one that I came across while searching on you tube for videos.

Until Next Time....

Bob Barker Says....

Bob Barker Says.....

NO to $eaWorld! Check It Out!

Check out the website, here!


Until next time.....

"The Whale"

I was so excited to hear about a new movie that is coming out soon, called, "The Whale". It is a true story, from Executive Producers Ryan Reynolds and Scarlett Johansson, narrated by Ryan Reynolds. You can read about the movie below which is directly from the movie's website www.thewhalemovie.com. To learn more about the movie, see pictures, watch the trailer and to sign up for updates for when it will be playing in your area please click http://www.thewhalemovie.com/

AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE

THE WHALE tells the true story of a young, wild killer whale -- an orca -- nicknamed Luna, who lost contact with his family on the coast of British Columbia and turned up alone in a narrow stretch of sea between mountains, a place called Nootka Sound.

Orcas are social. They live with their families all their lives. An orca who gets separated usually just fades away and dies.

Luna was alone, but he didn’t fade away. There weren’t any familiar orcas in Nootka Sound, but there were people, in boats and on the shore. So he started trying to make contact. And people welcomed him. Most of them.

This contact did not turn out to be simple. It was as if we humans weren’t ready for him.

Inspired by myths, we look into the sky, not the depths, for others who might think and dream like us. We train radio telescopes on the stars, and listen for code in the static of space. But maybe we’re looking in the wrong place. So far, space just crackles, but the sea whistles back. And, in Nootka Sound, it sent us an open-hearted child.

This story is about what happened then.

For many years we have been curious about what it will be like when an extraterrestrial appears among us. Will things be chaotic? Will they be exciting? Will they be dangerous? Will there be controversy? How will we recognize this stranger? What will we share? Will this be joyful? Will it be sad? Will it be the best thing that ever happened?

Maybe it will be all those things. Maybe it will be just like what happened when a little lonely whale tried to make friends with us lonely humans in a place called Nootka Sound.

THE WHALE celebrates the life of a smart, friendly, determined, transcendent being from the other world of the sea who appeared among us like a promise out of the blue: that the greatest secrets in life are still to be discovered.

1 Year Ago Today.....

Today (4/20/11) marks the 1 year anniversary of the BP Oil Spill. My heart goes out to all our marine friends, who suffered, and are still suffering due to this tragic event. Also lost were several human lives. May their spirit live on through memory. Lost, but never forgotten. R.I.P. Let us remember them on this day- and always. ♥ 

 

Photo Credit: www.thechive.com

 Until Next Time...

 

Awesome Benefit for Earth Island Institute/Save Japan Dolphins... and a chance to meet Ric O'Barry, Louie Psihoyos & Bob Weir

This is from www.savejapandolphins.org. I do not own this material, I am re-posting for informational purposes only. You can find a link a link to the article here.
  
An Evening with Ric O’Barry, Louie Psihoyos & Bob Weir
By Mark J. Palmer
Associate Director
International Marine Mammal Project
Earth Island Institute

SPECIAL EVENT/BENEFIT SCREENING for Earth Island/Save Japan Dolphins of Academy Award-winning film The Cove
When: JUNE 21^st  at the RAFAEL FILM CENTER, 1118 Fourth Street, San Rafael, CA. http://www.cafilm.org/rfc/films/1554.html
In Attendance - Ric O’Barry & Director Louis Psihoyos
Performance by Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir.

The California Film Institute and Steep Productions present a benefit screening of the Academy Award-winning documentary The Cove.  The film tells the amazing true story of how an elite team of activists, filmmakers and free divers embarked on a covert mission to penetrate a hidden cove in Japan, shining light on a dark and deadly secret.  The shocking discoveries they uncovered were only the tip of the iceberg.
Q&A with world-renowned Marine Mammal Specialist (Animal Planet’s Blood Dolphin$) Ric O'Barry and the Film’s Director Louie Psihoyos.

A benefit for the Earth Island Institute/Save Japan Dolphins. Funds from this event will support Earth Island Institute’s campaign to promote eco-tourism in Japan as an alternative to the killing of whales and dolphins.

Special performance following the screening with the Grateful Dead's Bob Weir.
Film 7pm.  Live performance 9pm.  Tickets: $40
For tickets: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/170347

Mass Gathering for Lolita April 3rd, 2011

From www.savelolita.com.... Reposting for them. Please see their site HERE

Mass Gathering for Lolita April 3rd

IT’S TIME FOR A MASS GATHERING!!
11am to 1pm Protest at Miami Seaqaurium!
ALL FOR AWARENESS ABOUT WORLDWIDE CAPTIVITY!!!!!
We Need To END IT NOW!!
RIC O’BARRY WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE TOO!
CAPTIVITY HAS TO STOP WITH LOLITA!!
LOCAL & INTERNATIONAL! LET US KNOW YOUR EVENT DETAILS!
_________________________________________
WORLDWIDE EVENTS APRIL 3rd
MAIN MASS GATHERING LOCATION
Miami – FL – USA
Contact Bob Timmons
ArtistfortheOcean@gmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=160505420671014

COME AND JOIN US! SUNDAY APRIL 3RD – 11 AM ! FOR LOLITA and All the Animals that reside in the walls of the Seaquarium!!
11am to 1pm Protest
1pm to 3pm Beach Vigil
4pm to Late Evening (below)

4 Bands Will Play For Us:
Sand Bar and Grill in Coconut Grove
3064 Grand Avenue
Miami, FL 33133

Bob Timmons
ArtistfortheOcean@gmail.com
BRING YOUR FLAG!! Country, State, Province!
Show HERTZ THE WORLD IS WATCHING!!

Other Locations:
Melbourne, Australia
Contact: Gwen Williams
Email: asuka.12@hotmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=170951436290697

Seattle, WA
Contact Audra Beavers
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=201434309886408

Toronto – Canada
Contact : Sarah Elizabeth, Brenda LaFleshe
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=169881803061713
Yerba Buena Island – The Bay Bridge
Contact: Lorrie Barton Morris
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=205916432756945

San Francisco, CA
Contact Robin Leigh Adams
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=199231783434401

San Diego, CA
Contact: James Madison, Alison Banks
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=197589253607242

MIAMI SQ. NEEDS TO SEE INTERNATIONAL GRASSROOTS ACTION IN FRONT OF THEIR BUSINESS!

BRING SIGNS! BRING NOISE! BRING SPEAKERS! BRING A BAND! BRING HORNS! BRING

LOUD YELLING VOICES! BRING FAMILY AND FRIENDS!
ITS TIME FOR A MASS GATHERING!!!

SPREAD THE WORD!!

LOLITA NEEDS TO TASTE THE OCEAN ONCE AGAIN BEFORE THE CAPTIVITY KILLS HER!!!

Day of Mailbox Suprises!!!!

What a great day of surprises!!!!

First, this WONDERFUL gift from a friend shows up on my doorstep! What a beautiful book! This is the companion book that goes along with the Disney movie, "Oceans". Such a wonderful, and beautiful documentary!

 I opened the book to this exact page! Of all the pictures in the book! :)

 And, finally! I have been waiting to read this book forever! I bought a used copy of Amazon recently, and it arrived today! The copy is a little loved, but you can't buy a new version of this on Amazon for less than a very pretty penny... so I got lucky! Sorry the picture is a little dark... but as you will see below, I was very happy with my "loved" copy of this book because...

It was autographed by the author, and one of my heroes, Ric O'Barry. Awesome.
What a great day of mailbox surprises!


Until Next Time.... (you'll find me reading....)

Tilly's Return to Performing....

The killer whale responsible for trainer Dawn Brancheau's death last February returns to the waters tomorrow... to start performing once again. Tilikum, otherwise known as, "Tilly", is scheduled to appear in an 11:30 a.m. showing of SeaWorld's "Believe" show- which is not the new show that they had originally planned to roll out starting this spring/summer. This will be Tilly's first performance since the death of Brancheau.

According to an article by the Orlando Sentinel online, (3/29/11, it was stated that "Tilikum, an adult male who has sired more than a dozen calves over the years, is by far the largest of the roughly two-dozen killer whales in SeaWorld's corporate collection. He had been involved in two human deaths before Brancheau's, including a trainer at a British Columbia aquarium in 1991 and a homeless man who snuck into SeaWorld Orlando's killer-whale complex after hours in 1999."

Hearings are set to begin April 25th, branching from which the article states, " a U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration citation issued last summer. The federal agency accused SeaWorld of willfully exposing its killer-whale trainers to danger without adequate protection, and it recommended that trainers never again be exposed to Tilikum."

To read the article in full, please click here.


Until Next Time....

$ea World, San Diego- Dolphin Exhibits Part 1

Sea World, San Diego. 
As I was looking through my posts, I realized that I never posted about the dolphin habitats I experienced while at Sea World, San Diego (Sept., 2010). If you want to see more about the Orca exhibits, please refer to later posts- complete with pictures.
First, I want to go over the exhibit that was BEHIND the dolphin stage area. I want to make it clear that I boycott all dolphin/whale shows- so, I in this particular park, I was not able to see the size of the tank the dolphins were housed in during the show. However, I am going to show you tanks that dolphins were in WHILE a show was going on. I was saddened at how small these tanks were- and these guys seemed to swim around and around and around. Well, what more could they do.

(PS- You can CLICK on a picture if you want to see it bigger on your computer) 

In this pic, you can see a dolphin swimming towards me. It's hard to tell from the shadows, but I counted about 3 dolphins in this pool, and there didn't seem to be an exit or entrance to the other pools you see in the pic. The all seemed to be gated off. It was only about 9:45 am, and it was getting HOT- I wonder what they do for shade for these guys. I mean, I understand they are in water- but that has to be a concern. Also, the pools are VERY close to the public, meaning, that I could see ANYTHING getting thrown in there. Just some concerns I had.

 Here, you can actually see 3 dolphins. 1 closest to the front, 1 with the dorsal fin out of the water, and there is actually one by the gate in the background. I watched these guys for a good half hour.

 In this one, this gives you a good example of how close you can get to them. I was using only a point and shoot digital cam- the zoom on it was really not of good quality. There is a fence around the pools, but it was one of those wooden type, with the 3 slots that even a small child could easily fit through. Scary!

 Here is the backdrop to the show- and you can see the crowd watching the show as well. If you look close, the tank is holding...I believe it was 4 dolphins. I see 1 on the right and left, and I believe there are 2 in the back playing by the gate.

 Better view of the backdrop to the show, some other dolphin pools, and the crowd that the show gathered. That stadium sure does look full. Yuck.

 In this pic- there are 4 dolphins for SURE in this tank. One on the left, one straight back by the rocks, one by the gate, and one mid-right (kinda hard to see). It just seemed like a lot of dolphins to be in one tank while the show was going on- When you see the space when I zoom out with my camera, I think it shows how much smaller it actually was. And, to have 4 dolphins in it- just seemed cramped.

For example, here's a good picture of the same tank- zoomed out- with the same 4 dolphins I have been showing you. The tank APPEARED to be closed off, gated closed to any other tanks. And, like I said- this was early a.m. hours, where it was getting hot. There was not a shaded area for these dolphins if they would be in this tank in the p.m. hours- and the access to them by the public was VERY easy. I would hate for some foreign object to get tossed in their tank- (food, etc).

Again, this blog is for me to show you what I am seeing at the parks- I am not claiming to be an expert, but I am giving you my opinion. In my opinion, overall, these animals should not be in captivity, so their homes in captivity are always going to be less adequate than their natural dwellings. I do not feel that they should be housed in "theme parks".

So, that's the condition of the tanks behind the dolphin stage that I saw. In the next post, I'm will post the pics from the "Dolphin Discovery/Encounter" area.


Until Next Time......

"The Cove" being released on Blu-Ray!

"The Cove" will be available on Blu-Ray, starting April 5, 2011. Reserve your copy! The film won an Academy Award for Best Documentary, and is what jump started my efforts to start this blog.

Until Next Time.......

Porpoise Rescued After Japan Tsunami

Who are the unsung heros after the tragic disasters which have struck in Japan?

One is this man, Ryo Taira, who rescued a tiny baby porpoise who was stuck in the shallow rice field water. After trying to make a make-shift stretcher, Taira went out and picked up the animal (which was very small indeed) and carried the animal to be released himself. The animal was released into the Pacific Ocean. To read more about the story, and to see a pic of the little guy/gal being rescued click here for an article. You can also Google about this- and many stories pop up about this subject! I would suggest just putting Taira's name in the Google (or whatever search engine you use) bar, and there you go! 


Until Next Time....

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

Shout out to blog member Coleen, who went to visit the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society this past weekend. Too cool. I also wanted to pass along this awesome website Coleen shared with me, that she learned about while there, set up by the SSCS. You can find the link here, called: "For The Oceans".

Sea Shepherd's link through Animal Planet, can be found here, giving all the information about how SS works, who they are, and the incredible work they do. There are interviews, and a link to download full episodes of Whale Wars on iTunes.

Thanks Coleen for being an advocate to our ocean friends, and sharing such awesome info!

Photo copyright of Coleen Sootsman, 2011.

Until Next Time....

Thoughts Go Out to Those in Japan Tonight...

My thoughts go out to all those effected by the earthquake/tsunami in Japan this evening. What a horrific natural disaster, and my deepest condolences to all those involved.

For updates on the where abouts of those who were watching the safety the Cove at the time the earthquake struck- as well as members of the Sea Shepherd volunteers, and Ric & Lincoln O'Barry along with the Blood Dolphin$ Team, please click here to go to the savejapandolpins.com blog.

This blog also provides links at the bottom for tips on charitys that are helping out with what is going on is Japan, and how to locate a loved one in Japan- or if you have information on someone in Japan (for someone else who is trying to locate their loved one).

This picture from www.savejapandolphins.org is allowed to be used royalty free.

Ric & Lincoln...(Lincoln in the front, Ric in the hat) you're in our thoughts... as is the whole "Cove" crew and all of Japan.


Until Next Time.....

New Petition Added....

Check out the bottom of the blog....right hand side. There is a link for a new petition to retire Lolita from the Miami Seaquarium to her native waters, where her original pod awaits her. Before you sign, read the petition, because the plans aren't just to dump her back into the sea. This is a thought out plan of action... and there is a plan if in the worse case scenario, her pod does not accept her, (or, she does not accept her pod). The plans to retire Lolita are obviously more extensive than can fit on this petition, but at least you can get the idea... and a protected sea pen is a LOT better than the illegal size tank she is living in now.

As for her health, reports from sources watching inside the park say that they have been able to hear Lolita breathing and blowing through her air-hole the last few days. There is still a lot of security apparently in the park, especially around her tank- and no shows that I have heard of have been rescheduled. I read today on Orca Network via Facebook, (which has done a great job of keeping everyone up to date as best they can on her health via people that volunteer their time to go and watch Lolita and the atmosphere in and around the Miami Seaquarium), that Lolita was seen today jumping for trainers and that the steps around her tank were being painted.

Any more info that I find out, I will be sure to pass on... but for now, it seems that Lolita is holding on.


Until Next Time....
Keep holding on Lolita... We're looking out for you......

Hang on Lolita....

Over the last few days, there have been conflicting reports coming out of the Miami Seaquarium regarding the health Lolita. Lights on late at night. Cars in the parking lot at late hours. A helicopter flown in, with 4 people with backpacks rushing to Lolita's tank area. When trying to contact the press and/or the park, concerned people were given the run around, told everything from nothing was going on to an unconfirmed report of 3 drownings in the park (which is false to my knowledge).

Finally, someone got ahold of a photo of the helicopter being flown into the park, to prove to the press that there really was something going on within the park- whatever it was. All of Lolita's shows have been recently been canceled, and something strange was just going on.

Photo taken by: Sherri Ocaso

Finally, CBS Miami.com released this article. This article states, "The star attraction at the Miami Seaquarium is “being treated for a tooth infection, a recurrence of a dental issue she had in 1994,” according to a statement from the popular marine theme park. “The whale stadium at Miami Seaquarium is temporarily closed. Although she is not performing shows, she is eating normally and being treated with antibiotics,” said the statement."

Tooth infections are no small feat for a whale. There is no "whale Novocaine", and I pray that her infection does not go septic. Hang in there Lolita. And, let's hope that we can start getting some real answers from the MSQ without having to provide them with proof that we know something is going on first. Enough hiding, this whale has been through enough.


Until  Next Time.....

So, WHERE else can you get THE COVE????

SO, Where can you go to see "The COVE" if you haven't already, and can't watch the previously mentioned version due to it being in Japanese? I have provided a list of ideas below... and don't forget- most local LIBRARIES do carry a copy of THE COVE. And, if they DON'T you CAN REQUEST that they PURCHASE a copy! :)  

-Netflix (you can watch it "streaming" to your TV, computer, Wii, Playstation, or order the DVD)

-Rent the DVD from local Rental Video Store (Blockbuster, Red Box, local chains)

-Buy movie either in store, or online. I have seen it MANY places ( Amazon, Borders.com, Best Buy, Target, Meijer, just to name a few)

-iTunes

If I find more sources, I'll be sure to post them. 

 

Until Next Time...

 

Good News, 1, 2, 3!!!

1) Copies of the 2010 Oscar-winning film "The Cove" has been delivered free to the residents of the town of Taiji (where the film takes place), compliments of the director, Louie Psihoyos. According to an article by The Huffington Post, Psihoyos stated that, "the film dubbed in Japanese was delivered via regular mail over the weekend to all households, with the help of a local group called People Concerned for the Ocean".
The full article can be found here.

2) According to "Cove" monitors (those who watch over The Cove, and what happens during this difficult time) it appears that the slaughter season may be over in Taiji, Japan. Usually, the season runs from September 1st- the end of March. The demand for dolphin and whale meat has declined 30%. The word is getting out. However, the trafficking of dolphins and whales for captivity has gone up in Taiji- (selling dolphins for a life in captivity). Please refer to Rick O'Barry's blog for more info on this matter. You can read his blog here. 

  Here I am, Ready to Go!

3) "The Cove" is now also available to watch dubbed in Japanese through the movie's main webpage, FOR FREE. What an exciting opportunity. To watch "The Cove" (in Japanese) please click HERE!

アメリカのウェブサイトにて：『ザ・コーヴ』 の日本語吹き替え版 無料で視聴できます。 

Until Next Time.... 

Great Video! Check It Out!

Check out this video, about our friend Lolita! Brings a whole new meaning to the word, "Activist"! Love it!

You can watch it in full, HERE.
movie created by " SWhitcra" on Xtranormal. Pretty awesome website!

Sometimes Life Throws You a Curve Ball...

Sometimes, things are out of our control and we just have to accept them.
I was looking forward to this trip more than anything.
Then, the FLU hit, and I was given the "no can travel" by my doctor... So, my Sarasota trip is off. :(
So, I'm stranded here, in my bed, sick... surrounded by the remains of a snow/ice storm no less.

Shout out to Al Cane from the blog, for sending this to cheer me up a few weeks ago- He spotted it around the corner from his local hangout, and realized he travels this road everyday! Thanks for the pic!

Well, I'm off to bed... until next time...

So Very Excited....

One week from today, I will be in Sarasota, Florida.

One week from today, will be my first chance, ever, to see a dolphin... in the wild. This could be my chance to see marine life- in their natural habitat... something I have NEVER witnessed before.

I have waited my entire life for this day.

I am so excited for the opportunities that lay before me in T-minus 7 days (almost 6 now! 15 minutes, although the time stamps on these blogs are always wrong for some reason).

You better believe I will be documenting my journey in photos, and sharing them here- on the blog.

Look out world...... one of dreams, (and bucket list items) is about to come true. Keep your fingers crossed for me everyone!

 Photo credit to Diver/videographer Steve "Finz" Finzelber

'Till next time... where I will hopefully be blogging from sunny Sarasota!

New SeaWorld Show to Open; "One Ocean"

I'm not quite what sure what to classify this under....  good news or bad news.
$eaWorld is starting a new show this year, but it's planning to keep the trainers out of the water.
As you'll see in my previous post, the death of a trainer at $eaWorld last year brought a lot of attention. So much infact, that the park was not allowed to have trainers in the water with the orcas.

One thing I do know, is that according to an article by Barbara Liston, for Reuters.com, it was reported that the new show "will dazzle with colored lights, panoramic LED screens displaying video of sea life, and surround sound, all with an underlying thrust of educating guests about environmental conservation". This was reported by a SeaWorld employee. 


Lovely. Just what we need. Dazzling lights! LED screens! Surround sound! Because I'm sure that's EXACTLY what these whales are used to in their natural habitats, not to mention the many other unnatural stimuli they receive each day. I believe the worst part about that reported piece is there seems to be this theme that they SEEM to believe they are educating guests on environmental conservation. How the heck is their pony parade environmental conservation? How is taking animals from the wild, conservation? And, explain to me how breeding with a violent whale, to produce more whales that will never be released to the wild- but are only being used as profit... how is this environmental conservation?

Originally, I had heard that they were going to have a ROCK BAND performing in front of the whales. Yes, because I can see how that noise wouldn't be frightening to them. In more recent articles, including this one, there is no mention of a rock band... so that remains yet to be seen. 


Oh, and FYI- Tilikum, or "Tilly", the whale involved in the death of the trainer last year.... IS in rehearsals for this new "production". Great. First, performer. Then, labeled "killer". Then, used to spawn more whales.... now, performer yet again. Poor thing.

You can find the full Reuters.com article about the new show, HERE.


Until Next Time...

$ea World to Reopen "Dine With Shamu"

$eaworld plans to reopen it's "Dine With Shamu" program this spring, starting with the first park being in San Antonio, Texas on February 26th. The program has been closed for about a year following the death of trainer Dawn Brancheau, by a killer whale named Tilikum. "Tilly", as he is called, is a 12,000-pound whale that pulled Brancheau underwater during one of $eaworld's "Dine With Shamu" programs... as visitors were present.

According to an article by CNN.com, written on 1/14/11, "after Brancheau's death, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration fined SeaWorld $75,000 for three safety violations, including one classified as willful". You can read the article in it's entirety, HERE.

"Dine With Shamu" programs at Seaworld San Diego, California, and Orlando, Florida will open later this spring. "Tilly", will not be used in the program... initially. He resides in a seclusion tank, since the incident. $eaworld has, however, used his sperm for artificial insemination with other whales in the park...

This piece of info just enrages me.
According to an article by CBS News.com, it stated that, "on The Early Show Saturday Edition," a former SeaWorld trainer who worked with Tilikum for seven years said letting [him]  out to sea isn't possible, and observed that there's "no better place for Tilikum than SeaWorld.  Jeff Ventre, who's now a physician in New Orleans." The article also said the following, "SeaWorld is said to have Tilikum insured for as much as $5 million, and Ventre said, "He's worth millions, and he represents the future of the breeding program for SeaWorld. He has impregnated - he's produced 13 calves, I believe. I think ten are still alive. I haven't been in the game for a long time. That's a guess, but those are the numbers that I think are accurate." 
You can read the article in it's entirety, HERE.

This makes me sick. First of all, Tilly has been involved in not 1, but 3 human deaths. We CAN not, and SHOULD not blame a wild animal in these deaths, because he is just that. A WILD animal, who should not be held in captivity in the first place. So, if we already know that Tilly MAY be an aggressive whale, (I say "may" be, because WHO knows- if he was actually allowed to be in his natural environment, maybe his actions would be different). I don't know how he relates with other animals. That research is yet to be done- on my part, and I need to see if that research even exists. Anyway, if we know he is an aggressive animal, WHY use him to mate with other whales? Is aggression a desirable trait we want to pass on to future generations of whales?

And here's an idea? Why don't we STOP keeping animals in captivity in the first place? There is argument  that by breeding in captivity, they (Seaworld and other marine parks) are not taking whales from the wild. Well, I can see the big picture here. YES, we are not taking whales from the wild, but I have an idea... work with me here... let's LEAVE those whales in the wild... and NOT breed additional whales as well! WILD animals DO NOT belong in CAPTIVITY. Look at the size of these creatures. Look at the deaths, both of the animals- and now human lives? When is enough ENOUGH? You read the quote above... "He's worth millions" (talking about Tilly). Is this about "education" as this parks claim? Doesn't sound like it there, does it? Sounds like big dollar signs to me.

I don't know... eating lunch next to a whale who is stuck in a bathtub, eating dead fish, doing mundane tricks? I don't know about you... but that just made ME loose my appetite.

Check out Tilly's home. Nice 'eh? Ugh.

Until next time....