I walk this weird line of not wanting to be one of those whackos on the street holding activist signs, but at the same time feeling passionate about ending abuse towards any creatures.
I felt extremely irritated after Tillicum the whale killed a third person. Why do we act surprised to see Wild animals go wild? When I wrote up that post I learned a lot about whales and how they came to be captive and I decided that night I would never support another program that uses captive whales to receive revenue.
Therein began my inner struggle.
Do I support programs that use ANY captive animals to receive revenue? Does this mean no more zoo visits asks the former local Zoo Society MEMBER! If this is the stance I’m going to take, how then, do I feel about caged mice? domesticated horses? goldfish? Where do I draw the line?
I don’t want to see a cow killed for me, but how many cows are killed for me a year? I eat meat and fish, should I stop?
I just finished watching The Cove.
This is where Pat would start laughing at me because he knows when I watch powerful films like that I get all wound up. It’s why I won’t watch Supersize Me. I’d rather not know all the horrible things. I think.
Ric O’Barry is the lead guy in The Cove and apparently Japan can’t stand the guy. They knew he was trying to out them on the slaughtering of dolphins they’ve been hiding and that’s exactly what he did.
It was like watching a real life Oceans 11 with a cast of experts in different fields that combine all their expertise to set up cameras to capture the behind the scenes killing sprees of these animals.
It’s horrifying. It’s especially horrifying if you believe these animals are social, family oriented creatures. And I do. And it’s even more horrifying when you realize Japan is turning around and selling the dolphin meat in supermarkets to families and disguising it as “whale meat”. Because dolphins are filled with mercury. And mercury is bad. So the families can’t know that’s what they’re eating. And they don’t know.
Ironically enough, Ric O’Barry spent the first ten years of his life capturing and training a handful of dolphins. He starred on the show Flipper and actually lived with the five dolphins that were used for that show. He feels like he’s part of what started the “I want to swim with dolphins” craze that has seemed to spread worldwide.
The craze I used to be on because OH MY GOSH how fun would it be to swim with dolphins!?! Guess I’ll knock that off my list of 30 things to do before I’m 30. And it’s a good thing because I’m 31 now and that’s one less thing for me to feel guilty for not accomplishing.
I hereby declare myself an activist against things that upset me enough to blog about. Which is to say:
America’s Obsession With Skinny.
and Dolphin Killing.
The good news is that the movie is doing great things. Japanese citizens who clearly were not aware any of this was going on, demanded the film be released to them. So far a temporary ban has been called on dolphin killing in Japan. Who knows if the fishermen are actually abiding by it.
Go to Take Part to learn more.
Share the post "The Cove: Just Added Dolphin Killing To The List Of Things I’m Not A Fan Of"
KiKi says
Wow…that’s totally fascinating. I’m going to add The Cove to my netflix queue….I’ve heard a lot of people say similar things after watching it!
dysfunctional mom says
That first line of this post….I totally identify.
I want to see that movie.
trash says
How did I miss the Disney post??
Mama Kat says
You know there’s a lot about me you don’t know trash….all kinds of treasures back there in the archives. ;)
Mrs Lucia-Wright says
Your posts are really interesting and well written. It’s true what you say, where do you draw the line? I tried vegetarianism but failed miserably. Perhaps I’m weak or selfish but then, what’s the difference between me eating beef and somebody else eating dolphin? Interesting points raised.
Mama Kat says
I wonder if part of the problem is in the way they are killed? I’m not sure how cows are slaughtered, but maybe it’s less terrifying?? Less stressful for the animal? I don’t know…I suppose any kind of slaughter is terrifying and stressful.
Via says
I watched a big documentary on dolphin pouching a year or so again, and it’s horrid. I remember the waves of blood-filled water hitting the beaches in Japan, and it made me so pissed and so sad (flippperrrrr!!). But, the good thing about taking any stand on anything is that you are able to see what the issue is, and protect yourself from becoming a part of it. Whales in captivity…not so good. And maybe swimming with dolphins in captivity isn’t really a good thing either…but swimming with them in their natural environment is absolutely amazing, and 100% unharmful to anyone. Don’t want to eat that cow you imagine going through the shoot? Buy organic and local. Don’t want to support wars over diamond mines in Africa? Buy conflict-free. It’s being aware that helps. ;D
Mama Kat says
Cows go through a shoot??
Sometimes it’s nice to be ignorant about the happenings of the world. But you’re totally right, if you don’t support something that’s being done, make a personal choice to stop supporting it. A. Men.
Los says
I can’t watch this movie … it’s too depressing. I’d rather live in my naive world in which all animals are treated well, and hamburgers aren’t really made from cows.
Mama Kat says
My Mom and I had a long conversation about that too! How sometimes you just don’t want to know. If I can’t help than don’t tell me. And by “help” I mean “jump into the ocean and cut nets free so the dolphins can swim away”….not to be confused with “send a text that will contribute money to your cause”. Though I’ve done that too.
Amanda says
I totally agree that its hard to know where to draw the line. In a way zoo’s aren’t entirely bad if they are promoting the breeding of endangered animals like the Columbus Zoo does (plus Jack Hannah is the director and I totally have a sore spot for anything he does lol).
I think my becoming a vegetarian has also made me look at animals in a very different light – maybe seeing this movie would be good as well!
Jen says
I had no idea. This is terrible and has to be stopped. Thank you for the education.
Anne says
Woo hoo!!! I am so happy to hear that you watched the movie and it moved you so much! (And I can check you off my list of every single person on the planet who needs to watch this movie. J/K. That would be super weird. :p)
I’m a big animal rights person (going to grad school right now in dual programs for Nonprofit Management and Animal Policy and Advocacy) and I LOVE movies like this that reach out to wide audience and educate. Plus, dude, how awesome are those guys? They’re like dolphin special ops! I love them. I want to be them. LOL
Regarding zoos, I have a lot of thoughts that I won’t bore you with, but I think what it really comes down to is species. Every species is different. Some do really well in captivity, and some don’t. Like elephants. Sure, they’re amazing to see in person, but being kept in captivity makes them lose their minds (seriously). On the other hand, small monkeys are just hunky-dory in captivity (provided they have enough toys and things to keep them occupied). It’s a fine line, but overall I like responsible zoos. They do a lot of great research and without them a lot of species would be extinct.
Mama Kat says
Elephants are my favorite animals ever. I hate seeing them in zoos. They’re never happy.
And I had the same reaction to the impromptu rescue group on The Cove. They gave me goosebumps…so amazing how they were all able to come together like that!!
And I’m with you…I’ve spouted off this movie to several people and sent it home with my mom to watch over the weekend. It’s a must see!
Via says
Elephants are my favorite too! And, this is completely random, but have you seen the ridiculous amount of cute baby clothes with elephants on them that are suddenly everywhere? Want want want.
No. Neeed.
Joy says
first of all I have the same exact thoughts about disney movies and have for a long time, what is it about them and dead moms? Bratz dolls are true hookers and my daughter knows not to ask for one and my MIL was informed that we do not approve of them.
That movie looks great not sure if I can watch it though
Mama Kat says
I HATE that about Disney movies!!!! Not that that stops us from watching them. We went to see The Princess and the Frog and I just rolled my eyes as they predictable removed the sweet Dad from the movie (could she not have made him proud with the restaurant WHILE he lived? And then they killed off their sweet friend…complete with FUNERAL. Again. Unnecessary.
And for the record the movie is not super gory…well…there is just one part….but most of it is more educational. You won’t regret having watched it.
I don’t think.
Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect says
I’m totally not a fan of dolphin killing. But…I have to admit (or do I? Would you even know? Well, I might as well, since I started…) that I did the swim with the dolphins thing in Orlando last summer. I’ve added The Cove to my list of movies to see, so I imagine I’ll feel differently about that event soon enough.
I feel you on the animal in captivity thing. I don’t like the zoo at all. But does that mean I won’t take my daughter there next summer? To be honest, I don’t know…
Mama Kat says
Well I’m just as guilty for supporting Sea World years ago…I don’t think I’ll take my kids there.
And I’m at the same crossroads with the zoo…that’s one of our go-to summer spots!
Roxane says
I know I’ve already told you this because we tweeted but I really can’t wait to see it. I had the mister add it to his Netflix cue and I’m sure it will disturb us when we take the time to watch it.
3 years ago while I was on a cruise I realized my life long dream of “swimming with dolphins”. I put it in quotes because, looking back at my experience it was more like stand around, feel up the dolphin and then let the dolphin drag me 30 yards while I hung on to her fins. While we were in the water our dolphin stopped “co-operating” and began to swim quickly back and forth in the tank. The trainer had to get in the water, play games and calm the dolphin down. That was my wake up call. Captivity sucks, yet I still want to see an orca in person. Makes me feel like a hypocrite. Maybe one day I can just go on a whale watching trip and see them in the wild.
Ashley says
I’m afraid to watch this film as I know I’ll cry and get really upset. Every year, since NatGeo started showing Whales Wars – I’ve watched and cry. Have you ever heard of it? It’s about how the Japanese kill whales for “research” but the rule is that the meat cannot go unused, so they MUST sell the whale meat in their markets. Disgusting. I’ve decided that as a family, we will never go to Japan and if at all possible, never buy anything Japan-related. Tvs, automobiles, toys, etc. I refuse to support a country/gov’t that doesn’t see what they’re doing to our oceans and the wildlife in it as a BIG problem.
Trudy says
I share your disgust for this practice Kat! A couple weeks ago my 12-yr old stepdaughter was over and she got me sucked into a show called ‘Whale Wars’. Same deal, there was a group of people out hunting whales to butcher and send the meat to Japan and another group of people trying to stop them in their tracks. Of course, the good guys never won and we had to watch the whales getting harpooned, God awful stuff!
But you’re right…where can you draw the line. I have trouble with zoos and yet love the opportunity to see the animals and expose children to them, etc…however, I almost think with the dawn of the internet and all of the nature shows, it’s better to leave them in the wild where they belong and we can utilize those sources to see them in their natural habitats!
Megan (Best of Fates) says
I had no idea about this issue before people started tweeting about it a couple of days ago, and I think that’s why it’s so important to take a stand.
If nobody stood on streetcorners, most people would remain unaware of most of the world’s problems.
Thanks for keeping me informed.
Leslee Horner says
I actually have a blog post inspired by The Cove up on my site today. I titled it “Complacency.” I have the same reaction so often after seeing eye-opening documentaries where I want to change, but it’s just too hard. I know after seeing this movie I will not go to Sea World and am glad we hadn’t yet taken our girls there. I struggle a bit though, b/c I LOVE Disneyworld and we live close so we visit a lot. In Epcot they have “The Living Seas” and of course a couple of performing dolphins. And then Animal Kingdom is our favorite park. Sure Disney is the five-star when it comes to care, but the question is supporting any organization that keeps animals in captivity that shouldn’t be.
And as far as meat goes, if you see “Food Inc” and read “Skinny Bitch” you will get a real jolt about how animals are treated before going to slaughter. But at least with “Food Inc” they offer alternatives other than going vegetarian or vegan. I personally stopped eating beef after I watched “Fast Food Nation” and gave up all meat about a year after that. After seeing The Cove and hearing about the mercury levels, I’d stop eating fish if I hadn’t already.
I’ll stop rambling now. Thank you for writing about this topic! Loved your post so much that I put a link to it in my post.
Erin says
I am too chicken to watch it.
I did watch Food Inc, which changed my mind about how we eat.
Kathy says
I totally missed the Disney post too but what you said was true. I didn’t see The Cove and don’t want to see it but I’m totally shocked that people are killing dolphins and then selling them as something else so that people eat them unknowingly. It’s sad.
Hannah says
I believe animals were created for our enjoyment. At the zoo we are able to appreciate and learn about animals that many of us would never get to see otherwise. In this way they are fulfilling their purpose. I also think that there is a natural, good instinct not to want to see or inflict suffering, even in animals. It is tricky when people begin making laws that protect animals. Who can judge whether one type of animal should have more rights than another? I don’t think it is wrong to kill animals unless A) it is done in a torturous way or B) it is wiping out a species (because this would take away the ability for others to appreciate and enjoy this animal).
I haven’t seen The Cove but it sounds interesting!
SeaD says
Even though I am afraid to watch this (because I might turn into the crazy lady on the corner with a sign) I will definitely have to check it out. FOOD INC. is a must see as well, and has changed the way I eat and purchase food. I do eat animals, but now they must come from a local farm. Everyone should see it, just because we deserve to know where our food comes from.
Catherine @ Evolving Mommy says
I love movies that make you want to change the way your think, live or act. My husband, Luke, always worries before we watch any sort of documentary because of how I might change our way of living based on what I see in the show.
It’s good to be passionate. It’s good to care.
cheri says
there were stranded dolphins on the coast of palawan (a coastal province in the philippines) today, as reported in the news. some of them are too weak to swim that the vets had to held them or they’ll drown. sea creatures drowning in water, now that’s new.
i’m not sure if i’m ready to see The Cove. i dunno if my son would understand why mommy is crying over the fishies. i’ll have to prepare myself.
Messy Mommy says
Supersize Me is DISTURBING! It’s definitely better not to know! And if ya want, I host Movie Monday if ya ever wanna link up! Thanks!
Katie (aka Kekibird) says
It’s hard to define down to the most details points, what you stand for and how you plan to work your belief’s into your life. I understand. There are so many things to stand up against but then it filters into other areas and then you are left wondering “Am I a bad person for promoting this while I do/eat/use this?” Yeah….I get it.
{Not Quite} Susie Homemaker says
I’ll have to check out that movie. I watched Food, Inc. over the weekend and the same thing happened to me- I got all wound up about animal rights & how the “farming industry” (aka corporations..) treat them. But poor dolphins! I can’t imagine eating dolphin. That’s too sad.
&I agree completely that we shouldn’t have been surprised at all by the Sea World death. It’s sad, yes, but not surprising. Like when Roy Horn got bit by that tiger.
Sadie at heyMamas says
Your list seems full so I certainly don’t want to add to it, but watch the Academy Award nominated, Food Inc and you will be horrified and mad as hell at our government and the shit they are having us feed our children.
Sadie at heyMamas
J.R. Reed says
The Cove looks rad, as does your blog!!!
Aleta says
Japan kills dophins? OMG… that’s awful! I love those creatures. They are beautiful and sweet and yes, social and family oriented.
Cripes… really, though, what you wrote.. it’s enough to make me want to become a Vegan, but I know I won’t…
I don’t like animals in captivity, so I’ll only visit the zoo every blue moon. I try to think, “These are animals that were hurt and needed help to recover and then go used to the capitivity” – it’s the way I stomach going to the zoo. OH, and I can’t go to Petsmart on Saturday, you know .. when they have cats in cages for adoption. I don’t like to see animals in cages and I’ll end up adopting all of them!!
lizgizzy says
I don’t like animals in captivity either, but drawing the line is equally difficult for me. I have to be honest I swam with whale sharks and a manta ray in Atlanta. I justified it to myself by saying all of these animals were destined to be exotic dinners before they were rescued. By doing this I supported their care, and further study into their behavior and physiology. But I wasn’t comfortable with the justification- I felt guilty, still do.
This is as close to drawing the line as I can come right now. I personally abhor the slaughter of whales and dolphins for food. We don’t know how sentient they are. I also think that whales and dolphins shouldn’t be captured for zoos. Maybe have them on display during rehab? If we are causing them to suffer the type of pain that we would feel when a family member is lost or when when someone close to us dies, then we should be ashamed.
This is where things get muddy for me. I’m not a vegetarian, but I’m not a huge fan of meat. My grandmother had cows, and I listend to a new mom cow scream all night when her babies were sold. It was terrible, I’ll never forget it. But then again, where do you draw the line? How sentient is a chicken? And who are we to decide? Whoops I’m ranting.
On the flip side, taking my son to the zoo to see animals up close has taught him to love then much more than watching them TV ever could. I want him to grow up wanting to protect the future of all wild creatures.
Kudos Kat for brining the issue up and for watching The Cove. I’ve seen stills from the movie, and I just can’t do it. You are much braver than me.
Lucy says
I have heard about THE COVE and not sure if I could handle it. I too am one of those people that get all carried away. Not, sure we could ever give up meat, my goodness, we live in the Mid West, I swear we thrive on Meat and potatoes, my husband would die.
I have not read your post on the Disney movies yet and I plan on checking it out but I am wondering since you have problems with Disney will you not take your kids to Disney World? Or is that one of those things you mean by having trouble with DRAWING LINES. Where do you draw a line to support a cause, must you go ALL IN?? I have the same problem with line drawing. I like to call it shades of grey when I head into murky areas.
Kelly Deneen says
Augh! I SO know how you feel (and feel like the crazy lady spouting stuff on the street corner inside of my head). I really need to watch this film.
Jen says
I have “The Cove” in my living room waiting to be watched! Now I can’t wait to check it out!
helsbells says
I will definately try to watch this documentary. I always buy Dolphin friendly Tuna!!
I totally agree with you about the Bratz dolls. Everything about them just screams sex. Children do not need o be exposed to this so oung. Like you say, it plants seeds. It’s really sad and makes me very cross, someone needs to take responsibility.
shaka says
I used to work at PETA for a couple years, you wouldn’t believe things I’ve seen or heard about, so many things that people don’t know! It’s sad!
dusty earth mother says
I hadn’t heard about this film, so I’m excited to see it now. I did see Supersize Me and it is utterly fascinating. Have you ever read Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver? That’s the book that made me decide never to purchase commercially produced beef again. It’s been almost a year and I’ve stuck to it! Which is good, because I tend to get worked up about things and then lose my verve.
And by the way, I just wrote a post about Disney’s Bambi. Think you would enjoy it :-)
Lourie says
I love love dolphins! I hate hate that people are doing this. I have never seen the movie, but I have heard about it.
Wendyurd1 says
You needed this movie to know that?! I have known this because I am absolutely infatuated and in love with dolphins. They are the smartest mammals (yup they ARE mammals) and so sweet tempered and amazing. I spend hours at Sea World just trying to get a stroke of one, I even touch dead fish for them, I get to pet under their chin a lot that way.
*Real information: Do not pet a dolphins nose, they are extremely sensitive there, so ty petting under their chins and near their dorsal fin.
Wendyurd1 says
You needed this movie to know that?! I have known this because I am absolutely infatuated and in love with dolphins. They are the smartest mammals (yup they ARE mammals) and so sweet tempered and amazing. I spend hours at Sea World just trying to get a stroke of one, I even touch dead fish for them, I get to pet under their chin a lot that way.
*Real information: Do not pet a dolphins nose, they are extremely sensitive there, so try petting under their chins and near their dorsal fin.
Rachael says
I think the issue of where to draw the line is so hard. As humans, I do feel that we were made to eat meat. We don’t HAVE to do it to survive, we’ve evolved far enough that we have supplements and can manufacture food so we don’t have to if we choose not to. I choose to, but try to be somewhat conscious of where it comes from. The whole zoo issue is a big one… I try to consider what the zoo is doing for conservation, the types of enclosures they have etc.
I was unhappy about the whale thing because I know that the trainer who got killed accepted the risks of working with a wild animal, and I’m positive that she would not have wanted anything bad to happen to him because he acted in a natural way.
This sounds like a really interesting movie, and I think that it’s great that films like this are able to show people things they didn’t know so they can at least make their own decisions in an informed way!
Kelly Lininger says
I never knew – wow.. thanks bring attention to this..
Kelly