Help Us End Dolphin Captivity!

On May 10th and 11th, people from across the world will join together at their local marine park or aquarium and peacefully advocate for an end to dolphin and whale captivity. The annual Empty the Tanks event is in its 13th year, founded by Dolphin Project’s own Rachel Carbary, whose initial goals were to educate on why cetaceans don’t belong in tanks, and how businesses can evolve to adopt more ethical practices.

Says Rachel, “In January 2013, I was in Taiji, Japan, witnessing the brutal dolphin captures and slaughters that take place there. I remember sitting in my hotel room after another pod of dolphins had been killed, reflecting on how I wanted to do more to help give dolphins and whales a voice. I had stood on the shores of the infamous Cove, giving witness to the dolphins who lost their lives and freedom there. I witnessed firsthand how closely linked the captivity trade is to dolphin hunts. Trainers and hunters work together to select some dolphins for life in captivity while leaving the others to die in the slaughter. As I was preparing to go home, I wanted to find a way to advocate for the captive dolphins and whales suffering in tanks around the world. It was at that moment that Empty the Tanks truly began.”

“Cetaceans and other marine animals are not here to entertain humans. They do not exist to give you a ‘fun’ selfie on vacation. They are sentient beings and they suffer in captivity. We must do everything we can to save them and their home in the ocean.” ~ Rachel Carbary. Credit: DolphinProject.com

Today, the messaging is geared to help paying patrons better understand why visiting dolphins in concrete tanks isn’t actually advancing the mammals’ cause. What can one possibly hope to learn, seeing a dolphin who has evolved for millions of years languishing in a manmade facility, completely dependent on its handlers? This isn’t education — and it isn’t entertaining.

Continues Rachel, “The event has become the largest global campaign against captivity in history. It unites people from around the world over a single weekend as they stand together in opposition to the exploitative and abusive captivity industry. At the time of this writing, there are over 47 events scheduled in 18 countries. From all across North America, down to South America and into Europe, Asia and Australia, passionate individuals come together to say it is time to Empty the Tanks. I am so proud of all this campaign has accomplished since it began 13 years ago. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this incredible event.”

The message is getting out, with several travel companies refusing to promote attractions that feature captive dolphins. With advancing artificial intelligence and virtual technologies, keeping a living, breathing animal in a cage will likely become as antiquated as a fax machine (thermal paper, anyone?)

Portugal says there is no beauty in captivity!

Spain says NO to dolphin and whale captivity!

Nearly six years ago, the Umah Lumba Rehabilitation, Release and Retirement Center in Banyuwedang Bay, West Bali, Indonesia was built, and it remains the first and only permanent dolphin rehabilitation, release and retirement facility for formerly performing dolphins. Dolphin Project is currently scouting locations in other parts of the world, so that this gold standard for dolphin care can be replicated to assist other dolphins in need. This is the kind of future we envision for dolphins incarcerated in tanks, and we need your voices to help make this a reality!

CLICK HERE to find an Empty the Tanks event near you.

LEARN MORE about Dolphin Project’s campaign to help end dolphin captivity.

Featured image: Performing bottlenose dolphins at Loro Parque in Tenerife, Spain. Credit: Helene O’Barry