New legislation introduced into Congress would phase out the captivity of orcas, beluga whales, pilot whales, and false killer whales, all species that do poorly in small concrete tanks. If passed the SWIMS Act would prohibit breeding in captivity, importing and exporting these species, with an exception for moving the animals to seaside sanctuaries.
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Yet another SeaWorld orca has died, this one a male only 20 years old. In the wild, males can live up to 50 years. Orcas do poorly in captivity.
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For 40 years, the International Marine Mammal Project has been working to protect whales, dolphins, and their ocean homes.
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Best-selling author Susan Orlean has a new book out, "On Animals", including a great chapter about Keiko, the orca star of "Free Willy", who really was set free.
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Wild orcas live far longer than captive ones on average. Captive Corky just keeps swimming.
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"Hidden Pacific," a new feature film in IMAX, opening this year in theaters around the world, features spectacular footage of three Marine National Monuments found in the vast Pacific Ocean. Immerse yourself in the rare riches of biological diversity captured magnificently by award-winning conservation photographer and filmmaker Ian Shive.
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On July 16, the Whale Sanctuary Project kicked off a series of public meetings across the Salish Sea region to discuss its concept for a home in the San Juan Islands for orcas who are retired from entertainment parks, and that can also serve as a rehab/rescue facility for the endangered Southern Resident orcas.
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Norway's Fisheries Ministry Has Determined That the "Spy" Whale, Believed to Be a Refugee of Russia's Military Use of Dolphins, Can Remain Free. But Hazards Remain in the Harbor, Such as Fishing Nets and Boat Propellers.
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IMMP staff and community members join the Empty the Tanks demonstration at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, CA. Groups in attendance included Empty the Tanks, Advocates for Animals at Six Flags, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, and many individual activists.
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The Annual Empty the Tanks Demonstration Day is May 11th -- Please Join a Local Demonstration Against the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins or Start a Demo of Your Own!
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