IMMP Joins Empty the Tanks
The International Marine Mammal Project (IMMP) of Earth Island Institute joined thousands of people in global demonstrations on Saturday, May 11th, for the annual Empty the Tanks Day.
Dolphins, belugas, and orcas that are now kept in small concrete tanks doing repetitive tricks for our entertainment would benefit from ending captivity and retiring the captives to seaside sanctuaries. Some might even be eligible for release back into the wild after evaluation and rehabilitation.
All captive whales and dolphins would benefit enormously from being removed from the stressful environment of being kept hungry all day (so they will do the tricks for dead fish). Boredom builds, and animals can be aggressive towards one another while confined in such woefully inadequate spaces.
By retiring these intelligent and social animals to seaside sanctuaries, they would have more room to roam, more natural conditions such as saltier and less-chlorinated water, necessary vet care, and no need to work for their food 24/7. Several such sanctuaries are now being planned in various locations around the world, including Iceland (which will soon receive two beluga whales currently in tanks in China), the Caribbean, British Columbia, and possibly Newfoundland.
Empty the Tanks demonstrations were held in front of the Miami Seaquarium, Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium, Dolphin Quest in Oahu, and the Mirage Hotel (which has dolphins in the desert!) in Las Vegas. Globally, many other cities and aquariums found themselves host to demonstrations against dolphin and whale captivity – The UK, Ireland, Australia, Malta, Canada, South Africa, Spain, Germany, Denmark, Mexico, and others.
Perhaps most impressive was activists demonstrating against captivity in Taiji Japan, where dolphins are slaughtered for meat and caught for global export for a lifetime sentence as captive performers. These brave conservationists risk considerable pressure from the Japanese government over their opposition to captivity and the Taiji hunts.
IMMP was present at the Empty the Tanks demonstration in front of the Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, California, represented by Mattie Naythons and Mark J. Palmer. Groups that were there and helped organize the event included Empty the Tanks, Advocates for Animals at Six Flags, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, and others, including many individual activists.
Mattie Naythons, IMMP’s new Social Media Coordinator, had this to say about the event:
“It was inspiring to see folks in front of Six Flags demonstrating against captivity. Cetaceans in captivity is a sad example of human impact on our planet. Easily exploited, these beautiful and intelligent creatures fall victim to corporate greed. I think most people don’t realize this issue. People entering the park looked surprised upon reading our signs. I’m pleased to have participated in a peaceful protest that educated individuals about the reality of captive animals in amusement parks.”
Thanks to all who participated in and organized the successful Empty the Tanks Day demonstrations around the world.
Someday, the tanks will be empty, and we can celebrate for the dolphins instead of demonstrate.
Photos of Vallejo's Empty the Tanks demonstration on 5/11/19, courtesy of Mark J. Palmer/Earth Island Institute.
The International Marine Mammal Project is working hard to end the captivity of dolphins, beluga whales, and orcas, using demonstrations, historic lawsuits, cooperation with marine mammal scientists, and cutting edge advocacy around the world. You are a key part of our work – with your donations, we make a huge difference together for the dolphins. Please make a tax-deductible donation to IMMP today.
