By Rebecca Regenery
For the first time, marine research and public display experts have joined forces to attempt to halt Japanese drive hunts. On July 19, leading marine scientists and zoo and aquarium professionals, including representatives from the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums, held a press conference to present a statement on the cruelty involved in the drive hunts.
As many as 20,000 dolphins and small whales are killed using violent methods in hunts in Japan, including the horrific drive hunt.* A select few are captured alive during drive hunts and sold to aquariums. The scientists presented evidence that in a drive fishery setting, there is no humane way to kill these highly intelligent animals. They condemned the hunts as unethical and inhumane.
|
A coalition of scientists and zoo professionals strongly oppose the hunt for the following reasons:
 Driving groups of dolphins into shallow bays disrupts their complex social relationships and cultures, also causing harm to the dolphins that escape capture.
The hunts threaten the conservation status of wild dolphin populations.
The capture of live dolphins violates the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) code of ethics.
HSI hopes the opposition to the hunt from top whale and dolphin biologists may turn the tide for the dolphins, since the Japanese have always criticized opponents for using "emotion" vs. "sound science". |
Because the bulk of the income the fishermen now earn from these hunts comes from aquariums that purchase live dolphins, it is especially important for the zoo and aquarium industry to voice their opposition: "We believe it is a violation of the code of professional ethics concerning collection from the wild for any zoo, aquarium or public display facility to be associated with these hunts in any way," read the statement.
What You Can Do
1. Please join HSUS/HSI, the U.S. Senate, and other concerned citizens in condemning these slaughters by signing the petition.
2. Learn more about drive hunts and write to Japanese media outlets.
*Updated Nov. 20, 2006
