In response to the beginning of the Taiji dolphin-hunting season yesterday, citizens across the world stood up and voiced their outcries over the annual dolphin slaughter at more than 40 Japanese embassies and consulates. Global protests were held in cities including Stockholm, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, The Hague, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, São Paulo, Manila, Melbourne, Auckland, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Denver.
September 1 marks the beginning of the dolphin hunt; the date also marks Dolphin Day. While Dolphin Day events are intended to put pressure on Japan, Ric O’ Barry adds that “the goal is to make this the biggest global event celebrating Japanese dolphins yet.” Moreover, the coverage of Dolphin Day will hopefully raise awareness about Taiji and spur more people into action to help diminish the hunters’ profits.
Although Dolphin Day calls for activism, the event also gives us time to reflect on dolphins and their beauty, intelligence, and right to exist. Check out the pictures and video from Dolphin Day 2011 below. — Global Animal
[quote style=”boxed”]Life is as dear to a mute creature as it is to man. Just as one wants happiness and fears pain, just as one wants to live and not die, so do other creatures. –His Holiness The Dalai Lama[/quote]
- Ric O’Barry leads a group in prayer at Taiji on Dolphin Day 2011. Photo Credit: Japan Dolphin Day
- Taiji protestors in Manila, Philippines
- Taiji protestors in London, England Photo Credit: Save Japan Dolphins
- Taiji prostetors in Melbourne, Australia Photo Credit: Save Japan Dolphins
- Taiji protestors in Auckland, New Zealand Photo Credit: Save Japan Dolphins
- Taiji protestors in Sweden Photo Credit: Save Japan Dolphins
- Taiji protestors in Atlanta, Georgia Photo Credit: Save Japan Dolphins
- Taiji protestors in Denver, Colorado Photo Credit: Save Japan Dolphins
Also on the Dam in Amsterdam and in The Hague people were protesting.