Beyond the Cove
Ric O’Barry: The Dolphin Project
The Academy Award, that’s the Japanese government’s worst nightmare.
– Ric O’Barry
THE FACTS
Ric O’Barry, trainer of 1960s TV superstar dolphin Flipper, began his career happily training and working with marine mammals. However, after a life-changing moment watching one of these captive creatures die in his arms, he vowed to end the very practice in which he himself had been so involved.
This Green Hero has proven to be as good as his word. Most people know Ric O’Barry in the 2010 Academy Award winning documentary The Cove. But his journey to fame as an animal rights activist began in 1970 on the very first Earth Day. This is when he founded the original “Dolphin Project” and has since been an outspoken advocate for the rights of dolphins, especially their right to live freely.
The Cove saw Ric with a team from the Oceanic Preservation Society travel to Japan and plan underwater footage to record the slaughter of hundreds of dolphins on film. This footage brought this awful practice to international attention and has affected real change.
Credits:
• Photography courtesy of the Dolphin Project Archive
• The Cove film clips courtesy of the Oceanic Preservation Society
• Welcome to Taiji film clips courtesy of Ric O’Barry
• Music by Donna Britton
[feather_follow]TAKE ACTION
What You Can Do
- Donate and get involved: Ric O’Barry’s Dolphin Project
- Sign the petition and together, our names can make some noise
- Donate to Oceanic Preservation Society and help to make dolphins’ natural habitats a healthier and safer place
Other Resources
Spread the Word
Facebook: Ric O’Barry’s Dolphin Project
Join Green Heroes™ Academy
REMEMBER
A single act, done by many, makes a big difference. Join the Green Heroes™ Academy to discover green acts that are fun to do and that earn you points on your way to becoming a Green Hero too!