Imagine going to your favorite local aquarium and instead of seeing dolphins jumping through hoops and dancing joyfully, you see them being slaughtered right in front of you. You probably can't even imagine it. That's because they would never show that to the general public. I just watched the documentary
The Cove, and realized with astonishment that something very fishy is going on. While the dolphins in aquariums are well cared for by their trainers and adored by spectators, there is a mass slaughter going on behind the scenes. Every year in Taiji, Japan thousands of wild dolphins are trapped and sold to aquariums and other dolphin experience establishments (for a whopping $150,000 each). Unfortunatley the dolphins and porpoises that don't measure up for public display are brutally killed by the fisherman in Taiji. 23,000 dolphins are killed every year in this section of Japan. Until
The Cove documentary came out exposing this practice it was hidden from the public. Hard to believe right?
So many of these intellectual mammals are being killed each year, and for what? Meat! They are selling dolphin meat to the people of Japan (who don't even really know what they are eating/ being "mislabeled" as whale meat). Dolphin meat is loaded with mercury, and is completely unsafe to consume. Anything to make a buck right? These fisherman also consider their killing practices as a form of pest control. How dare those wild dolphins eat the fish in the sea!
The hero of the film is
Ric O'Barry, a world renowned dolphin trainer (the Trainer of Flipper). He regrets turning dolphins into a commercial attraction through the beloved television show Flipper and is on a mission to change the minds of people all over the world. It is through his determination and love for the dolphins that this film has come alive, and shed light on such a dark issue.
Do the world a favor, see the film. It is beautifully made (it was even nominated for an Oscar) and I guarantee it will make an impact on you. If you want to help save the dolphins you can text the word "dolphin" to 44144 or visit
http://www.takepart.com/thecove or
http://www.savejapandolphins.org/.
You can also sign a petition to urge government officials to do something about the dolphin slaughter. Just visit
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/724210624.
Carrying around so much weight really takes a toll on your feet. Gay the elephant knew all about that burden. I posted a story about her awhile back, and I thought it was awesome that the zookeepers cared for her so much to have custom made slippers for her sore feet. Apparently, the slippers didn't help that much. Gay was put down recently due to the uncontrollable absesses that developed on her feet. After trying everything from consulting experts, seeking treatments and making her special shoes, the staff at the Paignton Zoo decided to end Gay's suffering. Elephants are such beautiful creatures and I feel for the people and the animals that loved Gay for so many years. Rest in Peace sweetie! (photo courtesy of BBC)
So many of these intellectual mammals are being killed each year, and for what? Meat! They are selling dolphin meat to the people of Japan (who don't even really know what they are eating/ being "mislabeled" as whale meat). Dolphin meat is loaded with mercury, and is completely unsafe to consume. Anything to make a buck right? These fisherman also consider their killing practices as a form of pest control. How dare those wild dolphins eat the fish in the sea! 
Watch the video that made me try a Vegan diet. I don't eat meat, but after watching this video I felt like I had to do something more. I tried giving up dairy and eggs, but it was just too difficult for me since I am such a picky eater to begin with. My alternative is to buy local farm fresh dairy as much as possible. It feels good supporting the local farmers too, especially since most of them care for their animals, unlike the factory farmers who make me sick! If you are interested in trying a vegetarian diet visit http://www.goveg.com/ for a starter kit and many good tips. I hope this video makes you think twice about the food you are eating, and what the poor animals are going through just to feed you a drive through hamburger. 
