Franciscana and bottlenose dolphins off Northern Patagonia
Whale and Dolphin Conservation are supporting efforts by local NGO, Fundacion Cethus, to carry out vital research and protect two rare species of dolphin off Northern Patagonia in Argentina.
In July 2020, Whale and Dolphin Conservation joined forces with WTA and ATP players to celebrate Whale and Dolphin Day (July 23rd).
We were delighted that Julia Goerges, Donna Vekic, Lucie Safarova and Kevin Anderson helped us raise awareness of our vital work to protect these magnificent creatures – sharing important messages on the threats that whales and dolphins face, and the vital role whales play in keeping our oceans healthy and fighting the climate crisis.
This photo of Rambo and Johnny swimming amidst several live fish in the waters of the Bali Dolphin Rehabilitation and Release Center might appear a little alien. After all, we have been conditioned to see dolphins in tanks, devoid of any stimulation, or anything resembling nature. That’s because dolphins recruited for captivity are trained to look up — in fact, their survival depends on it. Everything in a dolphin’s captive existence is unnatural, and tanks are deliberately left barren. Compare this to the healing waters of the Bali Dolphin Rehabilitation and Release Center, the world’s only permanent dolphin rehabilitation and release center for formerly captive dolphins, where our three rescued dolphins continue to heal, thrive and re-learn some of the skills suppressed during their time spent as entertainers in the pools at the Melka Excelsior Hotel.
While COVID-19 ravages the planet, our team has taken no risks. We have stayed together caring for Rocky, Rambo and Johnny, spending much time observing them and introducing live fish. We work on the dolphins’ schedules, not ours, and it wasn’t until several weeks ago that our team of veterinarians and caregivers felt the dolphins were ready for live fish introduction as they continued to regain their health.
Rocky catching and eating live fish, Bali Dolphin Rehabilitation and Release Center
It’s amazing to watch their progress as they play and interact with one another, spending long periods of time deep in the sea, exploring the entire seapen. And, with time and patience, we are introducing them to their natural diet. Rambo is a sensitive male who needs time to adapt to new changes. Rocky, on the other hand, eagerly jumps into his next adventure, always willing to explore new things. Johnny? Well, he’s practically fearless, always open to trying new things and exploring his surroundings.
We are also pleased to share that our team has been upgrading our skills, with three caretakers now certified divers. Besides observing the dolphins on the surface of the water, our team spends much time inside the water. Maintenance of the seapen is an ongoing task. As well, observations from inside the water helps us to better document and understand the behaviors of Rambo, Rocky, and Johnny.
Our team learning essential diving skills, Bali, Indonesia
Upgrading our diving skills, Bali, Indonesia
Bali Dolphin Rehabilitation and Release Center, Bali, Indonesia
Despite the uncertainly of the world, thanks to your ongoing support, we are continuing to care for our rescued dolphins 24/7 while keeping the Bali Dolphin Rehabilitation and Release Center running seamlessly. Please consider making a gift of regular support toensure we can provide the quality care needed for the health and welfare of the rescued dolphins in our stewardship. It’s fast, simple and offers immediate benefits for the dolphins.
For over 50 years, Dolphin Project has prided ourselves on the strength of our supporters. Today, more than ever, I’m asking that we mobilize our forces and come together on behalf of the dolphins.
As the world continues to struggle amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, our team in Bali, Indonesia continues our 24/7 care of Rocky, Rambo and Johnny, our three rescued dolphins currently residing at the Bali Dolphin Sanctuary. As most of you are aware, last year, Dolphin Project, in partnership with the Central Jakarta Forestry Department, established the world’s only permanent dolphin retirement sanctuary for formerly captive dolphins.
Immediately upon the dolphins’ arrival, their diet was changed to fresh, whole fish. (In captivity, dolphins are fed pieces of fish throughout the day to keep them motivated and hungry to perform). Our initial concerns were getting the dolphins back to a healthy weight and building their strength. We are pleased to report that regular check-ups by our veterinary team clearly show that the dolphins’ health and condition have been steadily improving.
As such, we are beginning to introduce live fish feedings to the dolphins in preparation for a possible release into their home range. The process of being able to catch live fish is part of their journey to full independence. While we are only at the very start of this process, we are elated it has begun!
At first, Rocky would lose the fish and that was that. But after a couple of weeks, we saw him improve, putting a real effort into grabbing the live fish, and then if he lost it, chasing the fish to catch it again. Now, he seems to enjoy this process, eager to play, chase and grab live fish – a great precursor to him catching and eating live fish on his own.
Almost from the start, Johnny accepted hand-fed live fish, and he also puts an effort into chasing them. Catching them however, is near impossible, as he has no teeth left and is unable to grasp the fish. For Johnny, chasing live fish is part of play and since he is being fed live fish, that’s perfectly fine for us.
During the first, few feedings of live fish to Rambo, he would get very nervous as soon as a fish would move in his mouth. He would let go of it and put no effort into chasing it. However, two weeks later, Rambo accepted the live fish and put more effort into eating it. We hope to soon see him chasing and eating live fish.
Bali Dolphin Sanctuary, Bali, Indonesia
The dolphins receive 24/7 round-the-clock care. We have a full-time staff veterinarian, security guards and caregivers. Ours is a true sanctuary, and our team is committed to making the dolphins’ lives as natural and independent as possible. In March 2020, Dolphin Project, in anticipation of the arrival of additional confiscated dolphins (due to the COVID-19 pandemic) tripled the size of our sanctuary. Now, more than ever, your help is urgently needed.
Dolphin Project has also been actively scouting locations for the first permanent dolphin sanctuary in Europe and are pleased to share we’ve found a location in Italy. Be sure to follow our social media and become a Supporter on our Facebook page for more details and behind-the-scenes videos!
By making a gift of regular support, you’ll ensure we can provide the quality care needed for the health and welfare of the rescued dolphins in our stewardship. It’s fast, simple and offers immediate benefits for the dolphins.
For over 50 years, Dolphin Project has prided ourselves on the strength of our supporters. Today, more than ever, I’m asking that we mobilize our forces and come together on behalf of the dolphins.
Ric O’Barry, Founder/Director of Dolphin Project... Dedicated to the welfare of dolphins worldwide since Earth Day 1970
Shop for a cause and be a voice for the voiceless! As a gift to you, any purchase made via our online shop will be discounted by 15%!
Each year from approximately September 1 to March 1, a large-scale hunt of dolphins takes place in the small village of Taiji, Japan, as made famous by the 2010 Academy Award-winning documentary “The Cove.”
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Our commitment extends to helping local communities, fostering better educational systems, supporting the arts and culture, helping disadvantaged youth, protecting and improving the environment, animal welfare, wildlife issues and encouraging employee volunteerism.
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