October 2006 

WSPA is proud to support the efforts of artist and activist, Peggy Oki, to create a curtain of 28,500 origami whales to highlight the number of whales killed since the 1986 moratorium on whaling took effect. Originally Oki aimed to collect 1,400 origami whales to represent the quotas set by Norway, Iceland and Japan in 2004. Since that time the quotas have been raised to over 2,285 whales a year.

When asked what inspired her to undertake such an ambitious project Oki replied, “ The “Curtain of 28,500 Origami Whales” is my answer to the urgent need to raise awareness about the global impact of commercial whaling. My intention is that this art project will increase visibility, inspire global participation, and support international protest against a resumption of commercial whaling as well as Japan's ‘scientific whaling'.”

Why origami?

A Japanese fable tells of wishes being granted if one demonstrates enough dedication through the creation of origami figures.  So children around the world are showing their hopes that whales will be protected for this generation and those to come through the creation of origami whales.  When the 28,500 origami whales have been assembled, they will create a curtain 4 feet high and over 200 feet long!

Take action

This is truly a global effort and the help of all children and adults is needed.

WSPA encourages participants to include their own personal notes, school mascot, country flag, etc on the origami whales. Children from the US, Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America are joining in to create an international expression of hope and concern. 

If you are interested in participating in the origami whale collection effort, please visit Peggy Oki's website at http://www.peggy-oki.com/cu_origami.html. If you'd like to learn more about WSPA's international activities to protect whales, please visit www.whalewatch.org.

To learn how to make your origami whales, please visit: http://www.geocities.com/rachel_katz/folding/whale.htm