Just days ahead of the beginning of this year’s dolphin slaughter season in Taiji, Japan, tourists gather to swim with captives at the notorious killing cove.
Caught during previous year's brutal drive hunts, the dolphins bob and swim among a cluster of floating children, swimmers and people in kayaks. A small boat with a trainer lures the dolphins with squid around the netted-in portion of the Cove where the swimming takes place.
Despite knowing that humans are responsible for their suffering and confinement, these individuals refrain from harming the numerous children in the water, for reasons that remain unknown.
The children are totally unaware that the waters they swim in will soon be filled with the blood and anguish of the dolphins who bring them such joy.
The annual drive hunts are internationally recognized as being extremely cruel and inhumane. The captivity industry, including places like SeaWorld, are helping advance demand for these hunts. Last year ended with 652 dolphins being killed, 111 captured for a life of misery in captivity, and 121 driven back to sea after the traumatic capture process where they likely witnessed the slow and painful deaths of their families and friends.
Come September 1, the season begins again. Stay tuned for updates.
