http://youtu.be/jAvUH6n221E?hd=1

Some video of the educational event on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011 outside the GA Aquarium entrance.  We reached a lot of people that day, and several said they would not be going into the aquarium after speaking with us about captivity issues.

Also, during the event, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) was holding it's annual conference hosted by the GA Aquarium and Atlanta Zoo.  Some of the attendees of the conference talked to us in private.  It was shocking to hear what they had to say.  Since I was not personally one of the people they spoke to, I want to clarify what was said before I post anything.  So stay tuned.  As soon as I speak with the people who talked to them personally, I'll be posting!

Thanks for following!
Becky Pugh
Free the Atlanta 11

Free the Atlanta 11 and the O.M.G. Org. Work Together to Hold Educational Event

On Saturday, September 17, 2011, the efforts of Free the Atlanta 11 (freetheatlanta11.org) and the O.M.G. Organization (onemoregeneration.org) were rewarded during an educational event held outside of the GA Aquarium in Atlanta, GA.  Within a two hour period of time, 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., the two groups set up games and spoke with many people in the area of the GA Aquarium about dolphins, whales, and whale sharks, educating them on specifics about each of the different spieces through their interactive games.  Children and adults of all ages joined in on the fun and learned about the differences of each spieces in the wild and in captivity. 

It's no secret that Free the Atlanta 11 has been a thorn in the side of the aquarium since they first started to exploit dolphins at their facility in April, 2011.  The direction of the group has always leaned toward education of the public on why cetaceans should not be held in captivity for any reason.  This was the third event held by the group outside the GA Aquarium.  The group has other ideas on how to reach out to the public and help them understand the truth that is hidden behind the captivity industry.  Be on the watch for them around the Atlanta area.  The group consists of people who's lives were changed by watching the award winning documentary "The Cove".  They have pledged to not stop fighting for those held captive until all are set free, starting with the 11 dolphins held at the GA Aquarium. 

The O.M.G. Organization is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of endangered species.  Their goal is to insure that all endangered species survives at least one more generation and beyond.  O.M.G. was started by two students from Fayetteville, GA in 2009 at the young ages of 7 and 9 years old.  With the help of their parents and many others, the two have been bringing awareness to the public about the plight of many animals, including the whale and dolphin captivity issue. 

It's great to see two like minded organizations come together for one common cause!  Think of what could be done if all organizations out there who care about the dolphins and whales came together to help save them!  Perhaps the job would get done?  Just a thought!

SeaWorld goes to court.....hope they lose this battle!

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/os-seaworld-osha-hearing-advance-20110916,0,5873065.story
A $75,000.00 fine from OSHA is nothing to the multi millions that Sea World brings in by exploiting dolphins and Orcas.  These are highly intelligent beings.  Sooner or later, if we continue to brutally murder their spieces and treat them with disrespect by penning them in small concrete tanks, more and more people are going to be injured.  In my opinion, not only should all cetacean shows stop immediately, but these wonderful creatures should be returned to the ocean, where they belong, even if it's to live out their natural life in a sea pen.  Perhaps they would at least have a chance to regain some of what humans have taken from them and eventually be able to live free as they were meant to do.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RGZnVrWUmY&feature=player_embedded

Pete Bethune of Earthrace Conservation Organization says, "get out from behind your computer" and I couldn't agree more.  The social media is a great tool for spreading the word about events, but there comes a time when you need to be pro-active and get out there making a difference.  Many times I have thought to myself, "if I didn't have to worry about all these e-mails, I'd get so much more done for the cause.  So, let's get out there and as Pete says, "MAKE SOME NOISE".  Join me and others outside the Japanese Consulate Building at 3500 Lenox Rd. in Atlanta on Thursday, Sept.1 starting at 12 noon to protest the killing of thousands of dolphins in Taiji Japan.  The killing starts on that day...won't you help tell the world (or at least the citizens of Atlanta) that this must stop!

650,000 sign petition, set the dolphins free!

http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2011/08/05/jvm.dolphin.hln?iref=allsearch

DEATH THREAT ON BRIAN BARNES LIFE

Brian Barnes who is with Save Japan Dolphins organization has received a death threat against his life on his business phone.  It was left as a message and it says, "STAY OUT OF JAPAN. YOU'RE DEATH HERE IS WAITING".  I wonder if others have rec'd the same threat??

I know that in the documentary "The Cove", Ric O'Barry states that a person, and forgive me, I don't remember her name, lost her life there.  Ric believes she was murdered for the cause.  I don't know the details, but it must be true if it was reported in the documentary. 

Now this, a death threat made to Brian Barnes.  I can't begin to tell  you how sick inside this made me.  I've tried to post the recording but have been unsuccessful.  But I tell you, the above is word for word what was on the 3 second recording.  The only advice I can give to anyone going to Japan is that there is safety in numbers.  Make sure you room with someone if you can, make sure you are always with someone when going out, or go in a group.  Protect yourself at all times and don't let your guard down. 

Even though I never met Brian personally, we are friends on FB.  Our relationship had a rocky start, over a misunderstanding, but I have nothing but the highest regards for Brian and wish him all the luck and safety on his trip to Japan. 

http://youtu.be/zIM-ERhzq84
A must see and share!

June 18th GA Aquarium Educational Event w/ Free the Atlanta 11 and Pete Bethune

Video courtesey of David Enrique Duprat from Earthrace Conservation Organization.  Thanks David!
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB7CA331B751D2904

Missed Opportunity by Atlanta Press

Missed opportunity for the media to tell both sides of the cetacean captivity issue!

On Saturday, June 18, 2011 the group “Free the Atlanta 11”, Pete Bethune of Earthrace Conservation Organization, and many other concerned citizens of Atlanta, Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina joined in a worldwide protest against the captivity of all cetaceans (dolphins and whales).  The event was created on Facebook by the page “Save Misty the Dolphin” who called the event “Just Say No To The Dolphin Show” and invited anyone, anywhere around the world to protest the venues holding cetaceans in captivity on that day.  This would be the third event at the GA Aquarium held by the Free the Atlanta 11 group since the dolphin show opened in April 2011.

Group members started setting up the event outside the GA Aquarium entrance at about 9:00 a.m.  Once the large flat screen TV and generator were set up, security from the aquarium and the local police department started with their tactics to disrupt the educational event.  First, the aquarium had hired a DJ and had the music up so loud that it was difficult for the people in line for the aquarium to hear the person next to them.  Why was the music up so loud?  The aquarium obviously didn't want the people in line to hear our message.  Next, we were told we couldn’t run the generator until we had the Fire Marshal come out and inspect the generator.  Once that issue was solved, Pete Bethune spoke with one of the officials there and asked that they turn the music down.  They agreed to do so, if Pete promised that the group had no plans to “storm the entrance” of the aquarium.  Pete agreed and the music was turned off for approximately one hour.  During that time, Pete led the group in chants to help draw attention to the event.  With megaphone in hand, Pete would shout, “Come on Atlanta, whata ya say?” using his captivating New Zealand accent. The rest of the attendees responded with “Free the dolphins, free them today!”  Eventually security and aquarium employees lined the area in front of the group, ushering people past us as if to protect them.  Clearly there was no reason to do that except to keep the group from passing out their educational brochures and DVDs to those entering the aquarium.

Along with passing out our literature, the group came up with something that definitely caught the eye of those waiting in the long lines outside the aquarium, MESSAGE BOARDS!  The boards spelled out facts about dolphins in captivity and some little known facts about the pools where the dolphins are held during “off times” inside the aquarium.  Starting out with “DID YOU KNOW?” on the first set of boards and going on to tell about how two of the four pools are only 12 ft. deep.  You could see people in line straining to read what was coming up next on the message, waiting in anticipation for the next little bit of educational information they could read. At the beginning and end of the message line, information was posted about how dolphins swim 100 plus miles per day and dive to depths of 300 feet in the wild, which raises the question, “Is 12 ft., 14 ½ ft., or even 24 ft. (the aquarium pool depths) really enough for an animal that is used to diving up to 300 feet?”

Members of the group O.M.G., One More Generation, were also there to lend their support of the event. Several members of the group watched as they witnessed more than 20 people get out of line for the aquarium. 

Some information about PETE BETHUNE: 

New Zealand environmentalist, Pete Bethune, is the holder of the global circumnavigation speed record for a powerboat.  The record was broken in his boat, Earthrace, using 100% biofuel from sustainable sources to raise awareness of the use of renewable fuels.

Pete later took the boat, by then re-named Ady Gil, to the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary, where it aided in a campaign against the Japanese whaling fleet.  In a shocking twist that was reported around the world, the boat was rammed, and Bethune ended up being transported back to Japan to face charges including trespass, after he boarded the offending whaling vessel from a jet ski to demand recompense from the Captain. 

Returning to New Zealand with a two year sentence suspended for five years, Pete remained committed to the environment and marine conservation in particular.  He formed Earthrace Conservation to give everyone an opportunity to get involved and do something extraordinary to preserve and protect our oceans and all marine life. 

 www.facebook.com/earthrace

Contact: info@earthraceconservation.org

 In Conclusion:

Unfortunately, the press ignored our request for coverage of the event.  It’s quite obvious to those of us in attendance, that the press has no intention of telling both sides of this issue unless perhaps something drastic takes place.  Free the Atlanta 11 is determined to educate as many people about dolphin and whale captivity as possible and won’t rest until the dolphins and whales inside the GA Aquarium are rescued and given a chance to be rehabilitated and live in the wild as they were intended.

WHALE SHARK ALERT! 

On another note, we would like to make you aware that one of the whale sharks, Yushan, currently being held captive at the GA Aquarium, is on a 24/7 watch due to complications.  This information was given to us by sources inside the GA Aquarium.  Whale Sharks and Beluga Whales seem to have a high mortality rate within those walls!  Will it be the dolphins next?  Is that what it will take to wake up the press and the public?  Certainly everyone loves dolphins and whales and has a desire to view them, but at what cost to the cetaceans? We are loving them to death! 

Free the Atlanta 11

www.freetheatlanta11.org                                         

Becky Pugh

becky@freetheatlanta11.org
David Drolet
david@freetheatlanta11.org
Sara McKay

sara@freetheatlanta11.org

Rob Garvey
rob@freetheatlanta11.org

Martha Brock

martha@freetheatlanta11.org

Marine Mammals In Captivity

"look at it from their point of view!"; "look at it through their eyes!" "and realize, you get to go home at night" "they don't", "that is now their home!"
The home of a dolphin and orca is the ocean and not in a concrete tank where the principals and motivations are not always about rehabilitation, rendering sick and injured animals back to health or conservation.
But solely about the selfish interests of making money and exploiting these innocent beautiful and captivating animals for show in the name of tourist dollars.
The ocean is where they were, where they belong and where they should and ultimately forever should be.
Please do not patronize the marine parks, their orca shows and their captive swim with the dolphin programs. Which are only in the interest of the individual and the money they can make.
It's incredibly cruel and heartbreaking how they came to be there in the first place and very sad to see them from the free life they once had to the now un-free one in which they live.

This was the write up that went with the video, posted by SealAngel.  Please visit their blog!

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FaOjxWI&h=adefc

So....if scientific evidence is proving that dolphins are highly intelligent, why are we enslaving them in small concrete pools? When is the public going to understand that doing this to dolphins and whales is equivalent to putting humans in prison? Why is it so difficult to see the comparison? Why can't we just let them be free? The sad part about this video....most people who see it will agree with the reporter....they appear happy. What you don't see is the time they are not being played with, or trained. Dolphins are very social animals who crave that interaction!  With all the attention they are getting in this video, of course they look happy, not to mention the fact that they have to "smile", their facial composition won't allow them to frown.

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FaOjxWI&h=adefc

Sorry I've been off here for so long. Many things are going on within the Free the Atlanta 11 organization. Gearing up for a huge educational rally on June 18th at the Georgia Aquarium from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. We will be trying a couple of different ways to educate the public on why cetaceans should not be held in captivity. If you are in or around the Atlanta area, consider joining us for an educational, peaceful rally against cetacean captivity!

Let the Dolphins Free

Gonna send a message by playing this as loud as we can at the next protest!

http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php

http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php

THEY ARE SO SMART! WHY CAN'T WE JUST LEAVE THEM BE? WHY CAN'T WE JUST LET THEM BE FREE? IT'S THEIR RIGHT! LET'S GIVE IT TO THEM! WE ARE THEIR ONLY HOPE!
JOIN THE FREE THE ATLANTA 11 AND HELP US GET THE WORD OUT ABOUT CESTATEAN CAPTIVITY AND WHY IT'S WRONG!

The Loneliest Whale in the World

Sorry for the family of Tilikum's trainer, but how else could he get his message across to humans. He understood what they wanted from him, but they didn't understand what he wants from them......his FREEDOM. Freedom to roam the ocean and be an Orca as he was meant to be. His message was quite clearly misunderstood, for instead of freedom, he now has isolation and depression in a small tank barely large enough to turn around in. Anyone who blames Tilikum for what he did should think twice about blame and where it really lays....with SeaWorld and all the other organizations and facilities that hold whales and dolphins in captivity. Some have said they should be given rights as humans due to their intelligence. Think of how you would react if you were ripped from your home, your family, your food source, and everything else that is natural to you and placed in a small man-made concrete tank (prison) and starved of food and interaction with family. Some may think this sounds harsh, but I would do far worse, way sooner than Tilikum did.
Please don't support these facilities who hold whales and dolphins in captivity! The least you can do is "NOT BUY THE TICKET"

Report from Taiji: May 6 - Sea Shepherd

Report from Taiji: May 6 - Sea Shepherd

A well written account of today's events in The Cove. When will this stop? PEOPLE, SPEAK OUT! WE ARE THEIR ONLY HOPE!

Facebook (1)

Facebook (1): http://marietta.patch.com/articles/patch-picks-mothers-day-weekend

Why on earth would I want to spend my Mother's Day at the GA Aquarium when all I would be thinking about is how awful if was when those poor dolphins and whales were snatched from their mothers and families to be placed in artificial man-made prisons (aquariums) for the purpose of "entertainment" (Profit). What kind of a mother would that make me? It all starts with us....one day my granddaughters will know why we don't go to the aquarium anymore and they will hopefully pass it on to their children and their grandchildren. Even better, all of this stops before they have children or grandchildren!

WATCH "THE COVE"

If you haven't already done so, and you want to know where to start to get involved, watch the award winning documentary with Ric O'Barry, (former dolphin trainer of world famous "Flipper", now dolphin activist), "THE COVE".

An Opinion With Many Good Points

THIS WAS PRINTED ON SUNDAY, MAY 1ST IN THE AJC OPINION SECTION
It seems others share our opinion!  Thank-you to all of you who speak out and tell the truth about what is going on at the aquariums and marine parks around the world. 
WE ARE THEIR ONLY HOPE!

AQUARIUM

Children needn’t see an animal to care about it

Thank you for running “Does the Georgia Aquarium’s dolphin show serve learning?” (Opinion, April 26). The argument that children only care about what they see is nonsense. Kids are fascinated by dinosaurs, but they have never laid eyes on one. Boys don’t need to see a “real life” soldier to fight sword “battles,” and nearly every girl loves wearing a tutu — even if she’s never been to the ballet.

Children learn through play and imagination. Their values are instilled by their parents and grandparents. Learning about how dolphins, orcas and fish really live in their ocean homes is a more meaningful lesson then watching them through tempered glass. The whole “educational” refrain has grown indefensible, given all that we know about how miserable marine animals are in captivity. The Georgia Aquarium, SeaWorld and similar facilities are about entertainment and profit. Parents take children to these parks because they are an “easy” outing — not to groom their children to become marine biologists.

It’s unimaginably arrogant for industry shills to suggest that aquariums can come close to replicating the fascinating, complex ocean world where these animals belong.
Anna J. Ware, Atlanta

http://bit.ly/eCuoZh

http://bit.ly/eCuoZh

F R E E D O M ! !

Just when will people see,
They need to be Free.
They are not our toys,
Although they bring us joy.
At what cost,
Are their lives lost?
Maybe if enough of them die,
Then people will see the horrible lie!
These people don't care about dolphins and whales,
They are just......
MONEY GRABBING, GREEDY, ENTREPRENEURS
WHO COULD USE THEIR MONEY RATHER THAN YOUR'S.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

DON'T SUPPORT FACILITIES THAT HOLD CETACEANS IN CAPTIVITY FOR ANY REASON!

IF THEY REALLY CARED ABOUT THESE MAMMALS, THEY WOULDN'T BE HOLDING THEM IN CONCRETE PRISONS AND TELLING PEOPLE THE LIE THAT THEY ARE DOING IT FOR THE PURPOSE OF EDUCATION AND CONSERVATION!

I'VE SEARCHED AND SEARCHED TO SEE THEIR SIDE, BUT HAVE FOUND NO SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH THAT SUPPORTS THEIR LIES.

PLEASE, DON'T BUY THE TICKET!

"The Cove" hits OPRAH

The word about Taiji, Japan and the captivity of dolphins and whales around the world is getting out.  It's only a matter of time before these facilities engaging in captivity are pressured by the public to do what's right.....Rehabilitate and Release your captives!  We will settle for nothing less!

http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Filmmakers-Reveal-Dolphin-Slaughter-in-The-Cove/3

Could This Be The Future of the Zoo? We Can Only Hope!

I've found through my posts on Facebook that some of my friends back home in Ohio share the same concerns as I do about captive dolphins, whales, and other animals. Teresa Ellingen is a friend I recently reconnected with at our 35th high school reunion.  I found her thoughts on a "virtual zoo" very interesting and wanted to share them with you.  She has given me permission to do that.  Let me know what you think!

Teresa Ellingen March 19 at 11:09am

I had this wild dream last night, and no I was not drinking before I went to bed:) I was in a big modern building with people surrounding this pool of sorts. A child was beside me and he/she was dipping their hand in the pool to pet a dolphin, but the dolphin was not really there, more like a filmy vision of a dolphin. I woke up thinking that this could be the future of zoos, when people decide to stop playing the part of God and letting $$ drive them. With all of our technological knowledge, combined with visionists, and artists from Disney types and the theatre, we could build zoos where no " real " animals reside. I picture big 15' walls or screens where " real time " video plays from cameras hidden and set up in animal habitats all over the world. One area might be monkeys so the screen would be showing real time action from anywhere in the world that the cameras were activated by the monkeys movement through their habitat area, floor level in the building would be " real " monkeys created by the artists and visionists so the kids could touch, feel, explore, and interact with these "faux" shall we call them monkeys, and there could be interactive boxes set up with touch screens so the kids could scroll through either pictures or past footage of real time behavior from the actual habitats. The possibilities are endless when you think about how Disney has set up so many of their interactive sections of their parks. I think what started me thinking about this was that the teacher I work with said that there was a site on You tube where you could watch sunrise sequences from anywhere in the world at any given time. I probably had this on my subconscious and that's where this dream came from. When we go to a zoo we only stand there and stare at the animals and observe them, we could do the same with seemingly realistic animals. We have the technology and knowledge to make forms feel real, and to move in a real way, or project movement. People could still be involved in the teaching, and there would still be $$ to be made. Sometimes I am ashamed to be part of the human race because we really do have a hard time sharing our world with the most innocent of creatures. I could go on and on, but I just wanted you to know that I can picture a different way to be able to get up close and personal with animals and I hope someday no animal will have to be taken away from it's natural habitat, and family, for the purpose of human greed.

WOULD THEY DO IT FOR A PAT ON THE HEAD?

I've long wondered if the dolphins and whales kept in captivity would do the stupid tricks their trainers ask of them if there were no reward of food?  It's one of the questions our group, FREE THE ATLANTA 11, has been wanting to ask the GA Aquarium. 
At the rally yesterday, I asked one of the aquarium volunteers, who will remain nameless for their own protection, that very question!  The following was the volunteers reply.  "The trainers told me that if one of the dolphins refused to perform, they just ignored it.  They said they would still give the dolphin their food reward.  They also told me that they do the tricks because they have a special bond with their dolphin and give them lots of love".   Our group finds this very hard to believe, especially after viewing the attached interview.
The volunteer also stated that they are "told what words to use when addressing the public about the dolphins."  The volunteer gave the example of not being allowed to say "tricks", they must say "behaviors".  I would agree that the trainers use some of the dolphins natural "behaviors" and strengths to perform some of these TRICKS, but for the most part, you are NOT going to see dolphins doing these tricks/behaviors in the wild.  It is not a natural behavior for dolphins to tail walk or jump straight up out of the water to grab a scrap of dead fish.  Are they able to do this?  Obviously yes, they can be taught to do this for the right reward.  I guarantee it wouldn't be for a pat on the head, a kiss on the cheek, or even a hug from their trainer.  What drives them to do the trick is one thing only, FOOD!  If you have ever seen a dolphin or whale show, you'll notice that the first thing the dolphin/whale does after performing a trick is go straight to his or her trainer who immediately gives the performer a mouthful of dead fish. (which by the way, dead fish is not something dolphins and whales eat in the wild, they are carnivores, not scavengers)  Even if the dolphin doesn't do the trick correctly, the first thing they do is go straight back to the trainer for their food reward.  And being someone who has seen several of these shows in the past, I've also seen the trainers refuse the reward if the trick is not performed to their satisfaction forcing the dolphin to repeat the trick in order to get the food reward. 
After viewing the link below, and using our common sense, we believe our question has been answered.
You'll have to watch through the interview, which is very interesting about dolphin meat and it's toxicity levels, but toward the end you will hear the answer to our question.......from someone who knows a thing or two about dolphin training and how it works, Mr. Ric O'Barry.

FORMER DOLPHIN TRAINER, NOW ACTIVIST, RIC O'BARRY, INTERVIEW WITH "ARTIST FOR THE OCEAN" 2011.
youtube.com/watch?v=IQ0UTV…

IMATA Education

We Love Them Enough To Give Them Freedom - CNN iReport

We Love Them Enough To Give Them Freedom - CNN iReport TODAY....VICTORY! SMALL THOUGH IT MAY BE, WE'LL TAKE IT! THE ULTIMATE VICTORY? FREEDOM FOR ALL CAPTIVE CETACEANS!

GA Aquarium Protest

PROTEST THE CAPTIVITY OF DOLPHINS AND WHALES AT THE GA AQUARIUM, SATURDAY, APRIL 16TH, 11 A.M. - 2 P.M. LOCATED AT
225 BAKER STREET NW, ATLANTA, GA

WHY?
http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages&tid=1838428954018#!/event.php?eid=127523237319642

follow this link!

SaveSolomonDolphins.org - Exposing the deadly dolphin trade of the Solomon Islands

This is a wonderful article to consider if you are thinking of joining our cause to Free the Atlanta 11!! SaveSolomonDolphins.org - Exposing the deadly dolphin trade of the Solomon Islands Never give up, never loose sight of our goal and never forget, WE ARE THEIR ONLY HOPE!

Ex-dolphin trainer: I CAN’T BARE TO EARN MONEY FROM SUCH A JOB! | YUNUSLARA ÖZGÜRLÜK!

Ex-dolphin trainer: I CAN’T BARE TO EARN MONEY FROM SUCH A JOB! YUNUSLARA ÖZGÜRLÜK!

Click on the link above for an amazing first hand account of dolphin trainers and what dolphins go through in captivity!!  We need to stand up and take a stand against this!  Join me for a protest of the GA Aquarium on April 2 and April 16, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. EST. 
!

Sign the Petition!! YOU ARE THEIR ONLY HOPE!!

www.thepetitionsite.com/1/tell-the-georgia-aquarium-to-stop-exploiting-the-intelligence-of-dolphins-for-a-profit/

Our goal is 10,000 signatures, but we would love to go way over that!  Let's make it happen!!

TWO DATES TO MARK ON YOUR CALENDARS IF YOU WANT TO HELP

THE FOLLOWING ARE DATES OF TWO GA AQUARIUM PROTESTS ALREADY IN THE PLANNING STAGES!  WE NEED AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE TO HELP AT THE RALLY'S.....WE WANT THESE TO BE POSITIVE RALLY'S!  BRING YOUR SIGN(S) AND HELP US INFORM OTHERS OF THE SECRETS THE AQUARIUM DOESN'T WANT YOU TO KNOW.  THERE WILL DVD'S AVAILABLE TO PASS OUT AND FLYERS.  ALSO POSTERS TO TAKE BACK TO YOUR NEIGHBORHOODS TO POST AND GET THE WORD OUT.  AGAIN....MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND JOIN US! 

YOU ARE THE DOLPHINS ONLY HOPE!

SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2011.....11 A.M. - ??
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT BECKY AT DOLPHINHELP.INFO@YAHOO.COM
This is the opening day of the dolphinarium in the GA Aquarium

SATURDAY, APRIL 16TH......11 A.M. - ??
This rally is being organized by a group in Florida
There will be plenty for everyone to do, so bring your sign(s) and help us get the word out.

I plan to attend both rallies and hope to see you there too!

My Friend Is PSA: THE COVE: On DVD & Digital Download Now: MAPLE PICTURES

Dolphin Secret--Dolphin Smile

I'm in good company!

It appears I am in good company when it comes to my passion of not supporting dolphins and whales in captivity.  Listen carefully to the words of Jean-Michel Cousteau. 

Time for the brutal truth.....

Supporting aquariums, dolphinariums, and all other facilities who hold dolphins and whales in captivity, is supporting the brutal masacre of thousands of the dolphins you claim to love....can you LOVE THEM ENOUGH TO GIVE THEM UP? 

DON'T BUY THE TICKET!

Taiji Why? -- Follow the Money...time you saw the brutal truth!

Cetacean Encephalization Level

Wow, that's a mouthful!  For those of you like me, no college education, these are fancy words for "brain to body mass ratio".  Did you know that out of all the animals on this earth, cetaceans (dolphins and whales) are second to only humans in their Encephalization Level.  Highly intelligent mammals who in some ways are even smarter than us.  Here are a few more eye opening facts for you to think about.....

1. They understand us, but we don't understand them.  They do what we ask them to do once we teach them what we want, but what do they want from us?
2. They are proven to be self-aware.  They recognize themselves in a mirror....not that they see a dolphin looking back at them, they recognize themselves.  Flipper's trainer, Ric O'Barry from the award winning documentary, "The Cove", (you should watch it if you haven't already), states that the dolphins he trained (there were three of them who played flipper) would look at the TV he would plug in for them at the end of the pier and knew if it was them or not in that particular episode.
3. They have families who are close knit called pods.  I've seen videos on youtube about dolphins who have been separated from others in their pod and mothers separated from their babies (calves) and could have left them behind, escaped sure death from Japanese fisherman in Taiji, Japan, but stayed to try and help the one or more trapped.  They care for each others well being. I don't know about you, but I've never seen a FISH do that.  They scatter!  Run for your life!  Every man or fish I should say, for themselves!
4. They grieve!  It has been documented on video several times seeing a mother dolphin carrying her dead calf on her nose for weeks.  THEY GRIEVE!

Today, I grieve for them!  Everyday more and more are captured, slaughtered, or die in captivity.  On April 2nd, 2011 the GA Aquarium will bring shame to Atlanta by opening their dolphin exhibit and exploiting dolphins for human entertainment and greed.  Yes, let's not forget the greed!  There is money to be made in the dolphin slavery industry.  Lots and lots of money!  I have vowed to not spend one red cent ever again to support the facilities that hold captive the mammals I so dearly love and admire!  Won't you join me and others who feel the same in a protest against putting dolphins and whales in captivity?  For more info on how you can help, contact me at dolphinhelp.info@yahoo.com 

Check back for more info on dolphins and whales coming soon!

...more facts and statistics on dolphins and whales held in captivity!

1. Many of the tanks these wonderful mammals are held in are loaded with chemicals and bacteria that can cause several different problems for the dolphins and whales concerning their health and quality of life.  Blindness is only one among many.
2. They can breed in captivity, it's instinct just like every other creature on earth.  We allow our prisoners conjugal visits from time to time!  When a baby dolphin or orca is born, it is kept quiet until they see if it survives or not...more times than not, it doesn't....but you'll never know unless the calf does.
3. Imagine having hundreds of miles of ocean to swim and roam in.  Surf this morning, play with the pod this afternoon, lunch on the reef............and all of a sudden, you are snatched away from the only family and surroundings you have known your whole life.  Violently captured and placed in a bathtub of water.  Sounds like prison to me!  Exaggeration you might say?  Think again, hundreds of miles of free range ocean....or.....a pool approximately 55 x 55.  Sounds like a bathtub in comparison to me! 
4. In many cases, hunger is used for training purposes, rewarding with food when tricks are performed correctly.  Jumping through hoops, tail walking, tossing balls, gathering rings and such are learned behaviors from trainers and don't occur in the wild.
5. Boredom results in self abuse.  Dolphins and whales have been witnessed banging their heads against cement walls in captivity.  Nothing can compare to being free!

Once again, I urge you to NOT BUY A TICKET to see any dolphin or whale in captivity!  You are only supporting death and cruelty of these mammals we so dearly love.  LOVE THEM ENOUGH TO GIVE THEM UP, GIVE THEM FREEDOM AND LIFE WHERE THEY BELONG....IN THE OCEAN!

Statistics and Facts of Dolphin Captivity

1. In the United States alone, according to figures from the US National Marine Fisheries Service, over 2300 bottle-nosed dolphins were captured for display purposes between 1972 and 1994 in the USA.
2. 53% of those dolphins who survive the violent capture die within 90 days.
3. The average lifespan of a dolphin in the wild is 45 years.
4. Half of ALL captured dolphins die within the first two years of captivity.
5. The other half live an average of only 5 years.
6. Every 7 years half of all dolphins in captivity die from capture shock, pneumonia, intestinal disease, ulcers, chlorine poisoning, and other stress related illnesses.  The captive dolphin industry accepts these losses as routine operating expenses.  Which is why supporting places like the GA Aquarium, other aquariums who house cetaceans and parks like Sea World only helps those out to make money from their display of these mammals. 
7. Dolphinariums want you to believe that their mission is to protect dolphins in the wild through "research" and "public education".  When in fact the only research going on is how can they keep these mammals alive longer so they can make more money!
8. The GA Aquarium is getting ready to launch the opening of their dolphinarium on April 2, 2011.  They have chose to ignore the facts of dolphin captivity and in doing so, chose murder of the mammals we so dearly love and enjoy. 

If you truly love dolphins and whales, you will give up watching them in captivity.  DON'T BUY A TICKET TO ANY OF THESE PLACES!  BUYING A TICKET ONLY HELPS THOSE WHO ARE ALREADY SWIMMING IN THEIR FILTHY MONEY!

More FACTS and STATISTICS later!

Why I've Created This BLOG

The GA Aquarium is getting ready to open their long awaited dolphin exhibit under the misconception that they are helping to educate the public on conservation and preservation of some of the most intelligent mammals on our planet, dolphins!  Why, then if not for conservation and preservation?  $$$MONEY$$$  Pure and simple, money is the driving motivation for the aquariums and other facilities like it.  The aquarium officials will tell you that the dolphins they are about to display are "born in captivity".  That may be true, I don't know.  But what I do know is that there has never been a dolphin cloned, therefore somewhere down the line dolphins had to have been captured from the wild.  Taken from their pod, their lifetime family, and sold into slavery for the sole purpose of our entertainment.

Let me be clear on a couple of things....I am not a vegetarian and in no way am I associated with PETA or any other animal rights activist groups.  I'm just someone who loves dolphins and whales and have had a connection within me my whole life for these incredibly intelligent mammals.  I had season passes to the aquarium for three years and went to many SeaWorld and other such shows for most of my life.  It wasn't until last summer when I watch the much publicized documentary "The Cove" with Ric O'Barry (Flipper's trainer), that I realized why I know it is wrong to place cetaceans in captivity for our enjoyment.  It hurts to know what I know, it means I will probably never again see a dolphin unless I have a chance to see them in the wild or pictures in books, but I love them enough to give them up!  Through this BLOG, my hope is that you too will come to the realization that captivity of all cetaceans is wrong and that you will be educated by the material that I post on this site. 

I'm new to this BLOG stuff, so bare with me as I learn and post.

To start, I would suggest that you watch the documentary "The Cove".

Next, go to http://www.youtube.com/ and put in a search for "Taiji Why? Follow the Money" 

And after that, if you feel led to help out with my fight against captivation of cetaceans, write a letter to the GA Aquarium and let them know how you feel about their new money making adventure.  You can contact them at www.georgiaaquarium.org/contact.aspx

There are also several protests being organized.  If you live in or near the Atlanta area, and want to get involved in a peaceful way, let me know and I will get the information to you!  Join me in not supporting these facilities with one more red cent!