Monday, August 15, 2011

Who Do You Think You Are?

AP Photo of Taiji dolphin hunters and their prey
As the days leading to September 1 dwindle down to a mere handful, the thoughts of caring people the world over turn to a small coastal village in the southern portion of Japan.  Taiji, made famous by the Academy-award winning documentary, The Cove, is ground zero for the annual slaughter of hundreds to thousands of dolphins.  

The footage in the youtube video, Who Do You Think You Are? is straight from Taiji.

The numbers of the Taiji dolphin hunters are small -- less than 30.  Yet, armed with high-tech equipment, they are able to round-up and drive large pods of dolphins from their peaceful migration route in the Pacific Ocean into the shallow waters of the killing cove.  Most of the dolphins who are trapped in the cove will face a bloody death.  A small percentage will escape the spear only to face a lonely life as a performer in a dolphin show.  Dolphin trainers literally come into the Cove and hand pick dolphins to be trained.  From September 2010 to March 2011, 850 dolphins were killed in the Cove.  Another 171 were sold into slavery.
During the 2010-2011 hunt, activists were in Taiji throughout the season.  Their powerful videos and photos graphically depicted the shocking brutality of the Cove.  This year, the dolphin hunters will be supported by enhanced police and coast guard protection.
Now, more than ever, the dolphins of Taiji need YOUR support.  Please become a part of the international movement to stop the slaughter once and for all.  YOU can make a difference.  Here is how:
  1. Watch The Cove movie & share it with a friend.  Become a part of the world’s largest home screening of The Cove on September 1 by signing-up at:  
  2. Worldwide Screening of the Cove Movie on September 1, 2011
  3. Join in a peaceful protest or rally at Japanese Embassies & Consulates around the world on September 1 as part of the International Day of Awareness for the Dolphins of Taiji 
  4. Sign and share our Petition
  5. Call your Japanese Embassy and tell them to STOP the Taiji dolphin slaughter today:
In the United States call:  202-238-6700
In the United Kingdom call:  020-7465-6500
In Canada call: 613-241-8541
In Australia call: 61-2-6273-3244 
In France call: 01-48-88-62-00
In Germany call: 030-21094-0
In Italy call:  39-06-487-991
In Norway call: 47-22-99-16-00
In New Zealand call: 04-473-1540
Contact information for all other countries can be found here: 

Misty, as discovered in his filthy pool at Dolphin Base, Taiji, Japan
Save Misty the Dolphin is a social media campaign committed to ending the slaughter and captivity of vulnerable marine mammals in Taiji and worldwide.  Please visit our webpage: www.countdowntocove.com and follow us on facebook at Save Misty the Dolphin.  We will bring you all of the latest news and breaking developments in the fight to save the dolphins of Taiji.
It has been said that one person, giving all of their time to peace, makes news. Many people, giving some of their time, can make history.  Let’s make history together.  The water of the Taiji cove needs to stay blue - now and forever.  YOU can help make that happen.

6 comments:

  1. Another powerful piece and will share this on my blog as well #dolphinsloveus

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  2. Totally Heart Wrenching & Must Be Stopped !

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  3. Again fight against huge industry. I hope you will find right peaceful actions for this.

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  4. LOVE your blog, I am a new follower!

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  5. One of the things that impressed me the most about this film was the high quality animation/CG work, this is probably what made the movie special for me and my kids. Also, the story line was definitely different in a good way and I kind of like the message at the end. In all, a movie you and your kids will enjoy, mine did. Do not make the mistake of comparing this movie...

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  6. I have just discovered your blog, and I'm glad I did. As you can probably see from my profile picture, I love dolphins and often refer to them as my ocean friends. I saw The Cove a couple years ago and I changed. I made a blog all about dolphin and other toothed whale cruelty around the world, including the two places with the worst slaughters, Taiji and the Faroe Islands.

    theyneedavoice.blogspot.com

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