A Six-Pack To Go
It created an outcry among animal-rights organizations worldwide when, early in 1999, it became known that a Japanese amusement park delegation was planning the capture of six orcas, also known as killer whales, off the coast of Lofoton, Norway. The marine mammals were to be transported by airplane to Nagoya, Japan, where a new aquarium -- expected to be finished in the year 2001 -- is under construction. Here the captured orcas would spend the rest of their lives confined to a small concrete tank, performing circus tricks for a never-ending line of spectators demanding casual amusement.
This would be the first time in Norwegian history for orcas to be captured for the purpose of public display. Six more captives would have brought the total number in Japan to 18, second only to the United States, which holds the unflattering world record of 21 captive orcas.
When the Norwegian Oslo-based animals rights group NOAH learned about the planned capture, animal welfare groups all over the world were urged to send letters to the Norwegian authorities, strongly opposing the capture. NOAH also arranged for a protest to be held on March 15 in front of the Department of Fisheries in Oslo. Members of NOAH and The Dolphin Project -- sponsored by the French animal rights group Talis -- held up banners reading 'No Orca Captures' and 'Captivity Kills,' blocking the doorway as the Japanese amusement park delegation arrived for their first round of meetings.
That same afternoon, when confronted at the Oslo airport, the Japanese stated: 'We have changed our minds. There will be no capture of orcas in Norwegian waters for our aquarium.' According to the Norwegian press, the massive opposition against the capture caused the Japanese to abandon their initial plans.
The victory in Norway is an important reminder to us all that protesting the capture and exploitation of wildlife does work. It sends the message that this kind of animal abuse cannot stand the light of day. Thanks to all who spoke out against the capture, six Norwegian orcas remain free.
However, after the defeat in Norway, the Nagoya aquarium is probably looking for orcas elsewhere. The tanks are being built and live animals will be put in them for sure. Animal welfare organizations worldwide are monitoring the aquarium in order to prevent any captures.
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