Sea World Tie to the Annual Taiji Dolphin Slaughter - "Fall From Freedom" Video

The following excerpt  is taken verbatim from the Seattle PI News August 29th, 2011

Author: Candace Calloway Whiting

Candace Calloway Whiting has studied and trained dolphins, seals, and orca whales. She is currently a volunteer at the Center for Whale Research at Friday Harbor.

"Narrated by Mike Farrell (M*A*S*H, Providence), "A Fall From Freedom" digs deep into the history of the captive dolphin and whale industry. Topics covered in the film include:

 -Sea World representatives secretly promoted the Japanese dolphin drives where thousands of animals are driven to shore and brutally killed, in order to provide their parks with replacement animals, says Dr. John Hall, former Sea World biologist.

-There is no educational value to having whales or dolphins in a captive environment, states former Sea World biologist Dr. John Hall and former Sea World killer whale trainer Dr. John Jett.

 -Contrary to the claims of many marine parks and aquariums, captive killer whales die far more frequently and at a far earlier age than they do in the wild, says Dr. Naomi Rose, biologist for Humane Society International.

 -Sea World has been involved in illegal and unethical actions to assure their parks are well stocked with killer whales, states former Sea World biologist Dr. John Hall.

 -The Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums has worked tirelessly to reduce government oversight on the health and well-being of captive whales and dolphins, states Dr. Naomi Rose.

 -Sea World representatives have claimed that whales and dolphins are not highly intelligent, sophisticated, and social animals. Dr. Lori Marino, a leading expert on killer whale intelligence and social dynamics, asserts that their intelligence and social dependence is second only to humans.

 -Sea World and other marine parks claimed that the rehabilitation and release back to the wild of Keiko, star of the Free Willy movie, was a failure from the start. Dave Phillips of the Free Willy-Keiko Foundation argues that the project was a rousing success, which proved that these animals can be taken from captivity, rehabilitated and returned to the wild."

http://blog.seattlepi.com/candacewhiting/2011/08/18/seaworld-is-tied-to-the-annual-taiji-dolphin-slaughter-in-this-provocative-film-watch-it-for-free-then-share-with-your-community/

Fall From Freedom Video:  http://vimeo.com/26041965
Fall From Freedom Trailer: http://vimeo.com/26041965

"My Style of Activism: What I Believe"

This is what I Believe about My Personal Activism and the Cause:

People are People, and Cultures are Cultures.  One cannot blame a particular people or a single person for a particular culture.  Not All People who do “Bad Things” are “Bad”. Sometimes people are cruel or irresponsible because they do not understand. There are also some who do not care, and some people do not hear, see or feel what I do.  All are different.  Then there are those I refer to as the "Walking Dead"… There is no hope for them…

I also believe that others just honestly cannot see past their own beliefs. They have tunnel vision or perhaps they are afraid to step outside their own box in fear the lid might close behind them. Yet if reminded & educated, and enticed over and over, a seed offered may find fertile ground.  Education and reinforcement of the value of life is so very important if we are to survive.

I am what one might call a peaceful activist or perhaps even a Pacifistic Activist.  After almost 60 years on this Beloved Planet I have found out that "name calling" never gets one to change.  So, when I become angry over cruel and ignorant behavior, I do my best not to resort to "cussing them out", but try instead to respond reasonably and appropriately in getting my message across. I try not to judge and call people names who do not believe as I do, as I do not know what is truly in their heart and mind.   But, should they call me names, so be it… Laying the truth on the table for people to digest is what I try to do. One cannot digest truth if it is forced down their throat, and when the tone is threatening, one most likely withdraws or attacks. He/she simply and determinedly will not listen.  Yet, when one fights back with name calling and cruel comments, I do know that a nerve has been struck.  If a nerve is struck, that means at least they are listening.  They may not understand or agree, but they are listening.

I believe we must fight for what we believe in.  It is best done without destructive measures.  One dictionary definition of fight that seems appropriate here is "to exert oneself continuously, vigorously, or obtrusively to gain an end or engage in a crusade for a certain cause or person; be an advocate for."   I try my best to love people, and believe that hate is a cancer, and I am aware that not everyone will be a believer in the Cause.

Francois Hugo and Seal Alert / SA

Seal Alert SA:

"Seal Alert-SA was established in 1999, as a direct hands-on organization to address the imbalances, cruelty and abuse that has plagued this species (Fur Seals) for well over 600 years. Our primary roles are investigation, rescue and in the wild rehabilitation, free of all forms of confinement. Our ultimate goal is the re-establishment of the ecology path, this species has been diverted away from. We seek an effective and meaningful, protected natural balanced marine environment, that is not based on unnatural animal segregation or exclusion policies or over protection of one species to the detriment of another."  Francois Hugo

For More information about this Wonderful Cause and Francois Hugo, Founder and Champion of the Cause, please click on this link: 
http://sealalertsa.wordpress.com/about-us/