taiji dolphin drives News

Sochi - As the Russian city of Sochi gears up for the 2014 Winter Olympics, two killer whales recently captured from the wild in the Russian Far East will debut in Sochi for the Olympic Games along with a dolphin torchbearer.

Chicago - The International Marine Animal Trainers Association (IMATA) annual conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, could have been the perfect opportunity for the organization to condemn the Taiji dolphin drives. Instead say critics, IMATA appeared to endorse them.

Doha - A new temporary lease dolphin show run by Ukrainian company NEMO or Nerum LLC, is opening in Qatar. According to the show, National Geographic is sponsoring their endeavors, despite NEMO's import of dolphins captured in the Taiji dolphin drives.

Taiji - In just a few hours, the Japanese dolphin drive season will officially begin in Taiji. The annual quota allocated by the Fisheries Union has also been established. It's set at more than 2,000 dolphins.

Buffalo - Buffalo, NY, will be highlighting the plight of Japanese dolphins on Sept. 1. The protest, timed to coincide with The Cove star Ric O'Barry and his trip to Taiji, will be hosted by two activists at Bidwell Park.

Tempe - She might be small but this former photo double and stunt driver for Catherine Zeta-Jones is a feisty activist. Leilani Münter, an ARCA Racing Series driver will be joining event hosts in Tempe, Arizona, for Japan Dolphins Day.

Sydney - Four hosts will be going to Sydney's busiest mall on August 31 to spread awareness for the upcoming Taiji dolphin drives. Set to commence on Sept. 1, the dolphin hunt season runs for six months.

A former Japanese dolphin hunter who won the respect of many when he turned his drive boat into an dolphin-watching vessel, needs urgent help to continue his mission.

Brussels - On June 28, in the European Union's de facto capital, cetacean advocates are planning a demonstration to request the complete ban of all dolphin shows in the EU. In attendance will be former dolphin trainer -- turned activist, Ric O'Barry.

Las Vegas - This September, the International Marine Animal Trainers Association (IMATA) will meet in Las Vegas for their annual conference. What won't be on their schedule -- but should be, is a discussion about one of the largest dolphin slaughters on the planet.