Stay tuned for the new 'A Whale Of A Week' TV show at S2e TV!
A black kitty starts a special friendship with an unusual friend from the ocean. a dolphin who comes onshore to meet the cat every time he comes to the waters. #kiss
We’ve just had some amazing news and I wanted to share it with you right away.
You might have read last weekend that Sea World Australia plans to expand into China, South-east Asia and Russia. It is likely the new parks would have been stocked with dolphins and whales stolen from the wild.
Well, not anymore.
Over the past week, thousands of dedicated AFD and Animals Australia supporters like you emailed Sea World and its parent company Village Roadshow, asking them not to buy into animal cruelty overseas.
And you can take it from me, they heard you loud and clear.
I have just received public confirmation from Sea World making the HUGE commitment never to buy dolphins and whales from the wild for any future marine park - including their current project in China.
This is a big win, and will save countless beautiful beluga whales and innocent wild dolphins from a lifetime of misery.
Thanks to the actions of caring animal welfare advocates like you, these animals will not be hunted down in the wild, viciously torn from their families, and thrown into tiny, chlorinated tanks.
It also means we are one step closer to shutting down terrible dolphin hunts like those in Taiji, and the violent beluga whale hunts in Russia.
With the help of our supporters, earlier this year AFD was able to launch legal action and shut down the aquarium market for dolphins in Japan. Now, you’ve helped take down the biggest remaining buyers of wild dolphins and whales in the world.
This is another incredible achievement. And it would not have been possible without the help of dolphin defenders like you.
It’s clear the captivity industry is running scared. Help us put the foot down on this evil trade, by becoming a member of AFD, or making a powerful one-off donation to stamp out dolphin cruelty.
It’s rare multi-million dollar corporations like Village Roadshow and Sea World listen to anything other than their bottom line. But today, you made them put animal welfare first.
Now that we have this pledge, you can be sure I intend to hold Sea World to its promise.
Together, we will win the fight against dolphin cruelty.
IFAW Minke Whale
Stop Cruel Commercial Whaling Industry.
Target: King Harald V of Norway
Petition: Click Here to help.
Goal: End the practice of commercial whaling.
The International Whaling Commission (IWC) introduced a ban on commercial whaling in 1986. However, Norway continues to practice whaling under protest of the ban. Norway broke the moratorium in 1993 and has killed nearly 6,900 minke whales since that time. Whale hunting is a cruel and inhumane process. Grenade harpoons are generally used to slaughter the animals. Also, the imprecise nature of hunting a moving animal from a moving ship causes the animal to endure a long, slow, and painful death. We must take action now to stop the whaling industry in Norway.
More than 2,000 whales are slaughtered every year by Norway, Iceland, and Japan. Despite an international ban, these three countries still trade in whale products. Before the ban, nearly 16,000 whales were killed annually in the Antarctic alone. The blue whale population has not recovered from this culling. There are only an estimated 3,000 blue whales remaining, down from 220,000 worldwide.
Whales have been hunted commercially for thousands of years. They were hunted for meat, blubber, and oil. Certain types of whales were butchered for ambergris, which is in high demand by perfume manufacturers. Whale populations have decreased significantly due to over-hunting and many species are on the endangered species list. Beluga whales have become endangered due to loss of habitat caused by humans.
The whaling industry is in decline with the demand for whale meat almost non-existent. Whale products are also used in cosmetics, health supplements, and whale meal feed. Historically, whale products have been used to make oil, transmission fluid, candles, corsets, tools, food, and cleaning products. As the whaling industry declined, the whale watching industry has boomed, becoming nearly a $1 billion industry employing thousands of workers.
Many whale species are currently endangered. They have been hunted nearly to the brink of extinction. When they are killed for commercial purposes, they suffer long, slow, and inhumane deaths. By signing this petition, you will urge King Harald V of Norway to prohibit commercial whaling. Please sign the petition and save the whales.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear King Harald,
Commercial whaling is an industry that is passed its prime. The demand for whale meat, blubber, and oil has decreased significantly as the outrage over whale slaughter has grown. Whales are gentle giants and many species are currently endangered.
The 1986 ban on commercial whaling by the International Whaling Commission seeks to save the whales and ensure that they do not become extinct. The grenade harpoons used to slaughter the whales cause them to suffer long, slow, and torturous deaths. It is cruel and inhumane for humans to profit over the suffering of these mighty creatures.
We, the undersigned, urge you to terminate Norway’s commercial whaling operations. The ocean ecosystems rely on these animals and they deserve to naturally live out their lives in peace. Please ban the murder of these magnificent creatures.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Michael Peak
Australian groups have been leading the charge against Japanese whaling ships’ misconduct for a long time. Sea Shepherd Australia successfully prevented their efforts to hunt whales in an Antarctic whale sanctuary on multiple occasions, saving almost 750 whales from slaughter in 2014 alone. And now, in a case brought forward by Humane Society International (HSI) Australia, an Australian federal court has found whaling company Kyodo Senpaku guilty of “wilful contempt of court” for failing to adhere to a court order to stop killing whales in the Antarctic sanctuary. The company now faces a fine of AUS $1million ($721,800).
HSI had alleged that Kyodo had breached the court order several times since it was first introduced in 2008. Barrister Jeremy Kirk SC, speaking on behalf of HSI, told the court that Kyodo had committed “serious offences” by flouting the order and should be fined “at least six figures.”
Federal court judge Jayne Jagot found the company guilty of all the alleged breaches. In her ruling, she said, “It is unnecessary for me to do more than provide a brief outline of the reasons why I am satisfied … that Kyodo has committed contempt of court as identified in the statement of charge.” She further added that public interest in the 2008 injunction, the need to deter Kyodo and others from engaging in such actions in the future, and evidence that the company had “sought general commercial revenue” from their illegal whaling attempts, had all contributed to the AUS $1million penalty levelled against them.
The ruling represents the first finding of contempt against Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
HSI Australia’s director, Michael Kennedy, urged the Australian government to now put pressure on Japan to comply with the 2008 order. “If whaling in Antarctic waters does resume this year, as we fear it will, and Kyodo continues to ignore the injunction, we ask that the Australian government raises this with the Japanese government to ensure that Australian laws for the protection of whales are observed,” he said.
Japanese whaling companies are notorious for ignoring public disapproval of their activities – in spite of the fact that the Japanese public’s appetite for whale meat has been diminishing in recent years. However, this latest ruling will hopefully send a clear message that their attempts to continue with their illegal whaling activities will no longer be tolerated. Lead Image Source: John/Flickr
Orca fun fact: These iconic ocean animals are actually very large dolphins, not whales!
And these oversized black-and-white dolphins claim top spot on the food chain as apex predators. Only one creature poses a true threat to orcas – People like us.
Overfishing deprives orcas of the food their pods need. Dangerous offshore drilling and polluting degrade precious orca habitat and contaminate the waters in which they live. If unchecked, these threats could lead to orcas paying the price. But you can help.
Protect orcas from overfishing, habitat loss and offshore drilling by making an adoption today.
Your orca adoption will help fund our efforts to protect the world’s oceans and orcas, and you’ll receive an unforgettable gift!
Adopt an orca by December 15 for FREE shipping by Christmas! A plush orca makes a great gift for your lucky loved one, and the proceeds help protect this beloved species and our oceans >>
Just select an adoption package – your lucky loved one can receive a unique orca cookie cutter, an adorable plush orca or better yet, get both! Provide the lucky recipient’s name and we’ll print a personalized adoption certificate. For just $5 more, we’ll even wrap it for you!
Thanks to your support, Oceana made real progress around the world this year for orcas and our oceans. We helped stop further drilling in the U.S. Arctic Ocean, supported the creation of the largest marine park in the Americas, and advocated for implementing science-based fisheries management around the world.
So let’s keep this momentum going. By adopting an Orca today, you can help us keep winning new victories to restore our oceans and keep orcas full and happy.
This holiday season give your loved ones a great gift that also protects our oceans – Adopt an orca today!
What better way to protect our oceans and orcas than by inspiring a loved one with an orca plush adoption this holiday season!
IFAW Minke Whale
SeaWorld's New PR Strategy: 'Let's Just Pretend'
First, SeaWorld told us that it wanted to build new tanks. Now it's telling us that it will phase out the practice of forcing orcas to perform "circus-style" tricks. But don't be fooled—it's business as usual at SeaWorld, and these are just the company's latest deceptive attempts to save its dying image and its profits.
Target: King Harald V of Norway
Petition: Click Here to help.
Goal: End the practice of commercial whaling.
The International Whaling Commission (IWC) introduced a ban on commercial whaling in 1986. However, Norway continues to practice whaling under protest of the ban. Norway broke the moratorium in 1993 and has killed nearly 6,900 minke whales since that time. Whale hunting is a cruel and inhumane process. Grenade harpoons are generally used to slaughter the animals. Also, the imprecise nature of hunting a moving animal from a moving ship causes the animal to endure a long, slow, and painful death. We must take action now to stop the whaling industry in Norway.
More than 2,000 whales are slaughtered every year by Norway, Iceland, and Japan. Despite an international ban, these three countries still trade in whale products. Before the ban, nearly 16,000 whales were killed annually in the Antarctic alone. The blue whale population has not recovered from this culling. There are only an estimated 3,000 blue whales remaining, down from 220,000 worldwide.
Whales have been hunted commercially for thousands of years. They were hunted for meat, blubber, and oil. Certain types of whales were butchered for ambergris, which is in high demand by perfume manufacturers. Whale populations have decreased significantly due to over-hunting and many species are on the endangered species list. Beluga whales have become endangered due to loss of habitat caused by humans.
The whaling industry is in decline with the demand for whale meat almost non-existent. Whale products are also used in cosmetics, health supplements, and whale meal feed. Historically, whale products have been used to make oil, transmission fluid, candles, corsets, tools, food, and cleaning products. As the whaling industry declined, the whale watching industry has boomed, becoming nearly a $1 billion industry employing thousands of workers.
Many whale species are currently endangered. They have been hunted nearly to the brink of extinction. When they are killed for commercial purposes, they suffer long, slow, and inhumane deaths. By signing this petition, you will urge King Harald V of Norway to prohibit commercial whaling. Please sign the petition and save the whales.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear King Harald,
Commercial whaling is an industry that is passed its prime. The demand for whale meat, blubber, and oil has decreased significantly as the outrage over whale slaughter has grown. Whales are gentle giants and many species are currently endangered.
The 1986 ban on commercial whaling by the International Whaling Commission seeks to save the whales and ensure that they do not become extinct. The grenade harpoons used to slaughter the whales cause them to suffer long, slow, and torturous deaths. It is cruel and inhumane for humans to profit over the suffering of these mighty creatures.
We, the undersigned, urge you to terminate Norway’s commercial whaling operations. The ocean ecosystems rely on these animals and they deserve to naturally live out their lives in peace. Please ban the murder of these magnificent creatures.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Michael Peak
Japanese Whalers Who Think It’s OK to Keep Killing Whales Just Got Slapped With a HUGE Fine.
Despite widespread public opposition to the brutal business of whaling – which kills 16,000 whales every year, and has driven the Blue Whale to the brink of extinction – countries such as Japan, Norway, and Iceland have continued to engage in it. Japanese whalers carry out their hunts under the guise of “scientific research,” despite the fact that no scientific papers have ever been published as a result of their expeditions. In 2014, the International Court of Justice in The Hague ruled that Japan was banned from hunting whales in Antarctic waters … but a number of Japanese whaling companies have chosen to continue their operations in this area regardless.
Australian groups have been leading the charge against Japanese whaling ships’ misconduct for a long time. Sea Shepherd Australia successfully prevented their efforts to hunt whales in an Antarctic whale sanctuary on multiple occasions, saving almost 750 whales from slaughter in 2014 alone. And now, in a case brought forward by Humane Society International (HSI) Australia, an Australian federal court has found whaling company Kyodo Senpaku guilty of “wilful contempt of court” for failing to adhere to a court order to stop killing whales in the Antarctic sanctuary. The company now faces a fine of AUS $1million ($721,800).
HSI had alleged that Kyodo had breached the court order several times since it was first introduced in 2008. Barrister Jeremy Kirk SC, speaking on behalf of HSI, told the court that Kyodo had committed “serious offences” by flouting the order and should be fined “at least six figures.”
Federal court judge Jayne Jagot found the company guilty of all the alleged breaches. In her ruling, she said, “It is unnecessary for me to do more than provide a brief outline of the reasons why I am satisfied … that Kyodo has committed contempt of court as identified in the statement of charge.” She further added that public interest in the 2008 injunction, the need to deter Kyodo and others from engaging in such actions in the future, and evidence that the company had “sought general commercial revenue” from their illegal whaling attempts, had all contributed to the AUS $1million penalty levelled against them.
The ruling represents the first finding of contempt against Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
Japanese whaling companies are notorious for ignoring public disapproval of their activities – in spite of the fact that the Japanese public’s appetite for whale meat has been diminishing in recent years. However, this latest ruling will hopefully send a clear message that their attempts to continue with their illegal whaling activities will no longer be tolerated. Lead Image Source: John/Flickr
Orca fun fact: These iconic ocean animals are actually very large dolphins, not whales!
And these oversized black-and-white dolphins claim top spot on the food chain as apex predators. Only one creature poses a true threat to orcas – People like us.
Overfishing deprives orcas of the food their pods need. Dangerous offshore drilling and polluting degrade precious orca habitat and contaminate the waters in which they live. If unchecked, these threats could lead to orcas paying the price. But you can help.
Protect orcas from overfishing, habitat loss and offshore drilling by making an adoption today.
Your orca adoption will help fund our efforts to protect the world’s oceans and orcas, and you’ll receive an unforgettable gift!
Adopt an orca by December 15 for FREE shipping by Christmas! A plush orca makes a great gift for your lucky loved one, and the proceeds help protect this beloved species and our oceans >>
Just select an adoption package – your lucky loved one can receive a unique orca cookie cutter, an adorable plush orca or better yet, get both! Provide the lucky recipient’s name and we’ll print a personalized adoption certificate. For just $5 more, we’ll even wrap it for you!
Thanks to your support, Oceana made real progress around the world this year for orcas and our oceans. We helped stop further drilling in the U.S. Arctic Ocean, supported the creation of the largest marine park in the Americas, and advocated for implementing science-based fisheries management around the world.
So let’s keep this momentum going. By adopting an Orca today, you can help us keep winning new victories to restore our oceans and keep orcas full and happy.
This holiday season give your loved ones a great gift that also protects our oceans – Adopt an orca today!
What better way to protect our oceans and orcas than by inspiring a loved one with an orca plush adoption this holiday season!
