BEHIND THE DOLPHIN SMILE
Description:
Suppose you woke up one morning to realize that your life’s work was a cruel sham. That’s what happened to Richard O’Barry, who trained all of the dolphins who played Flipper in the original 1960s television series. Behind the Dolphin Smile is the story of his personal transformation from dolphin captor to dolphin liberator.
As Flipper’s trainer, O’Barry had money, flashy sports cars, pretty and bright women, and he was having lots of fun. He thought he was very clever because his dolphins did exactly what he wanted them to do. But when one of the Flipper-dolphins died in his arms, his worldview changed. He realized that these dolphins, whom he made perform tricks for treats, had just as much right to their lives as he did to his. Instead of feeling clever, he felt that he’d been callous. From that moment on, O’Barry dedicated his life to freeing dolphins that are held hostage around the world. Instead of working for the billion-dollar dolphin captivity industry, he now liberates exploited dolphins – he “un-trains” these intelligent marine mammals and returns them to their natural habitat.
Praise for Behind the Dolphin Smile:
“A love story between man and dolphin.” – Miami News
“An engaging memoira refreshing down-to-earth look at men (and) dolphins.” – Kirkus Review
'To call this book riveting would be an understatement; it is absolutely fascinating.” – Australia Times
“His story will have wide appeal.” – Publishers weekly
“Flipper’s ex-trainer wants his favorite mammals free to swim with the fishes.” – People Magazine
“This is thus a book for lovers of dolphins and will especially delight young readers.” – Virginia Quarterly Review
“Well-written and involving, BEHIND THE DOLPHIN SMILE is recommended for anyone who has ever been fascinated by the sight of dolphins in the wild.” – Sea
“A fascinating glimpse behind the perpetually grinning mask of the dolphin from someone who probably knows as much about dolphin behavior as anyone.” – Tampa Tribune
For a tax-deductible donation of $25, you will receive a signed copy of 'Behind the Dolphin Smile.'
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