Dolphins in captivity have all of their natural behaviors stripped away. They are often seen floating listlessly at the surface of the water when they are not working. Photo: Helene O'Barry

Dolphin exploitation is spreading in Japan, as WSPA has learned of plans to construct a large, captive dolphin "healing center" there. Park owners have already been experimenting with dolphins and conditions at the facility show little regard for the animals' welfare. Now, the park plans to expand its operation, using dolphins captured during the annual drive fisheries in Taiji. In cooperation with the Elsa Nature Conservancy in Japan, WSPA is calling upon its members to send letters of protest to the Mayor of Sanuki, the site proposed for this so-called dolphin healing center.

Sanuki lies to the southwest of Tokyo and, until recently, was not widely known. However, since plans to construct the dolphinarium have come to light, the eyes of the world are now watching this coastal town.

Apparently, several dolphins captured during Taiji's annual drive fishery have already been brought to live in shallow sea pens in Sanuki as a test to see if the animals can survive this harsh environment. Known for its extreme temperatures, the water in this region is among the hottest in the summer and the coldest in the winter. Furthering health concerns for the dolphins, the Sanuki coastline is frequently stricken with the devastating red tide. The facility has already experienced two dolphin deaths and it hasn't even received permission to begin construction yet.

Dolphin advocates believe that worldwide pressure is the key to stopping this project from moving forward and preventing more dolphins from ending up captive in Sanuki. Reportedly, city authorities are not as enthusiastic about this proposed facility as supporters had expected and hopes are high of keeping this dolphin healing center from being built. The city assembly begins its session around September 10th so letters protesting this facility are needed immediately.

The Mayor of Sanuki, the honorable Shinya Akazawa, has already expressed his misgivings about this project. Please send your letter, email or fax today thanking him for his support and urging him to use his authority to halt any plans to establish a captive dolphin healing center in his city.

Points to emphasize:

• There is no scientific evidence that dolphin-assisted therapy works
• Keeping dolphins in captivity is inherently cruel
  
  Mr. Shinya Akazawa, Mayor of Sanuki city, & Machidukuri-suishin-ka
  5385-8 Shido
  Sanuki-shi, Kagawa-ken 769-2195 Japan
  Fax: +81-87-894-4440
  E-mail:hisyo@m.sanuki.ne.jp

Please send a copy of your letter to Elsa Nature Conservancy in Japan to assist them in their efforts to protect dolphins.

E-mail: pah03724@nifty.ne.jp
Fax: 81-29-851-1637