The days without dolphins roll into double digits, as we are starting to become accustom to the boats being secured in Harbour 24/7. The 12th boat which has been dry docked is still sitting there- it seems as though it has been getting some work done to it.
Today, similar to the past few days here in Taiji, we have been checking in on the captive dolphins at Dolphin Base nearby Taiji Harbour… Today we were able to capture some sickening footage of a dolphin which is situated in a small tank at the Dolphin Hotel, separated from the others… There are upwards of about 30 dolphins in the Dolphin Hotel alone- and just over the barricade are the dolphins held captive from the slaughter in ocean pens, which are being trained up to be sold to dolphinariums worldwide… This particular dolphin was showing severe signs of stress and trauma- more serious than I have ever seen of a captive dolphin. The very little movement of the dolphin within its’ indescribably contaminated tank showed its’ very low mental and physical stimulation.
For such a social, interactive and highly intelligent animal to both be separated from all other dolphins, put into a miniscule confinement with absolutely nothing to stimulate its’ mind or body, is almost spelling certain death or at the very least immense mental complications for the dolphin. There is no doubt that this dolphins’ time is running out unless something is done to change its’ living conditions…
Who knows how long this dolphin has been trapped in this state- the question also remains unknown about exactly why this dolphin has been singled out and separated from all others… perhaps it was unwilling to obey the very same humans that witnessed the slaughter of its’ family.
We recently have come across some information on Japanese Laws regarding the welfare and treatment of animals- follow this link to take a look.
Following these laws, we are determined to take some kind of action in order to enable the situation at the Dolphin Hotel to become apparent to officials. For them to turn a blind eye to what is happening to this particular dolphin will simply be ignoring Japanese Law. Here in Taiji, we will be coming up with a few ideas in order to handle the situation appropriately, and will no doubtedly be calling upon everyone at home to help us create awareness about this issue. More research needs to be done into the Animal Protection Laws of Japan, so we can ensure that we have got the facts behind us before we act… If only these laws which ban ‘cruelty’ to animals would finally recognise the mass genocide of highly intelligent beings as illegal.
Here you can see the footage of the dolphin at the hotel that Cove Guardian Andy was able to take.
My new video blog is up now also, where I have been answering some of the very interesting and important questions many of you have been sending! Thanks for all the questions, comments and support guys, it is really appreciated!
Unfortunately when I decided to film my blog it was absolutely pouring outside, so I had to it in my hotel room… Tomorrow I will be filming my video blog from the Dolphin Hotel at Dolphin Base, to give you guys a better look at the area in which these dolphins are kept.
You can follow my videos here on this blogpage (which I will continue to update every day) as well as my Youtube Channel…
Also, don’t forget to add me as a friend on Facebook if you haven’t yet- for regular updates, photos, information and videos from the Cove.
Thankyou everyone for your continued support, and positive feedback!
On the path to protect,
Nicole.
Nicole McLachlan 
“Where there is a mind, there are feelings such as pain, pleasure, and joy. No sentient being wants pain: all wants happiness instead.” – Dalai Lama
“It all comes down to pain and suffering. Not intelligence, not strength, not social class or civil right. Pain and suffering are, in themselves, bad and should be prevented or minimized, irrespective of the race, sex, or species of the being that suffers.” – Joaquin Phoenix | quote from EARTHLINGS
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated” – Mahatma Gandhi
I sent a snippet of the Sea Shepherd Taiji daily report to my regular receivers of my emails today, especially the IMATA and got some ‘out of office’ emails with other other addresses to contact “if we need to contact someone”. So now I have more address to send my concerns to. Keep up the good work, the world is watching.