Dolphin Project: 55 Years and Beyond Defending Dolphins

For 55 years, Dolphin Project’s mantra has been “Let’s Protect Dolphins Together.” And for over five decades, we have done just that. From the protection and rehabilitation of dolphins worldwide, to offering critical medical care to a variety of other species in need, to educating our youth, our work has just expanded. With your trust and support, we look forward to many more years of creating positive and lasting change.

When Kathy, one of five dolphins who played Flipper in the TV series of the same name died in my arms, I made a commitment then and there to fight the multi-billion dollar dolphin captivity industry. On the first Earth Day in 1970, Dolphin Project was born. Now, 55 years later, we are still going strong, advocating for dolphins and other species worldwide.” ~ Ric O’Barry, Founder/Director of Dolphin Project

Ric O’Barry during the early days of Dolphin Project, wearing our original logo t-shirt.

Our Return to Taiji

Dolphin Project returned to Taiji, Japan – ground zero for the captive dolphin industry – during the 2024/25 drive hunt season. Our purpose was to collect documentation for use in legal actions to defend dolphins, which we feel will be our greatest chance to end the hunts. Together with Japanese NGO Life Investigation Agency, we have several cases in litigation in Japanese courts. To-date, we have won all lawsuits filed against the dolphin hunting and captivity industry.

Bottlenose dolphin transferred to an unknown destination. Credit: DolphinProject.com

Medical Aid and Rehabilitation for Multiple Species

Protecting dolphins worldwide will always be our primary focus. However, we are proud that the Umah Lumba Center in West Bali, Indonesia – the world’s first and only permanent dolphin rehabilitation, release and retirement facility for formerly performing dolphins – has both the capacity and expertise to serve a number of species, including: turtle rescue and rehabilitation, veterinary care for companion animals and primate rescue and rehabilitation. Our team is also committed to supporting the environment, with over 37,000 mangrove seedlings planted since 2020. In addition, our free school serves as an empowering, fun and supportive space, where children learn core subjects, and the importance of marine conservation.

Rescued sea turtle is released into our sea pen at the Umah Lumba Center, West Bali, Indonesia after surgery. Credit: DolphinProject.com

Education at the Umah Lumba Center, West Bali, Indonesia. Credit: DolphinProject.com

Dolphins are not our Entertainment

For 13 years, activists across the world have participated in the Empty the Tanks event, where participants peacefully protest against the use of dolphins for entertainment in front of their local aquarium or marine park. It’s a great way to say NO to dolphin captivity, while helping to educate why dolphins and other whales do not belong in tanks. This May 10 and 11, please consider joining an Empty the Tanks event near you, or create one in your area.

55 Years and Beyond

While Dolphin Project’s reach has expanded into a 55-year strong international movement, we have never forgotten our humble roots. To every person who has ever stood alongside us – both in-person and virtually – THANK YOU. It’s because of YOU that we do what we do. Here’s to another 55 years of protecting dolphins and other species together!

The original Dolphin Project readaptation center in the Florida Keys, circa 1971. Photo: David Kent

Your support matters! Please consider making a donation to help us continue our groundbreaking work to protect dolphins and other species worldwide.