Taiji dolphins will not go to the Dominican Republic

Thank you to all Marine Connection supporters who contacted President Fernandez about the possible importation of 12 dolphins from the drive hunts in Taiji to Ocean World Adventure Park in the Dominican Republic and we are delighted to report that this transfer has now been stopped.

The Marine Connection would like to join our colleagues at SaveJapanDolphins in applauding President Leonel Fernandez decision to cancel the sale of dolphins destined for Ocean World in the Dominican Republic, but the threat of future imports is still an issue.

Ocean World’s plans for the future and where they are now going to source animals from is not currently known, however as the Solomon Islands have now lifted their ban on capture and trade in wild dolphins, and have already sent 28 animals to the Atlantis Palm in Dubai, the Dominican Republic could now be another possible destination for dolphins captured in the Solomons.

Take Action

Please email President Fernandez thanking him for his decision not to take dolphins from the drive hunts in Japan and ask him not allow importation of dolphins from the Solomon Islands should a permit be applied for. Also add that the DR is one of the worlds’ top destinations to see dolphins (and whales) in the wild, and therefore is vital to the future of the Dominican Republic to promote this to visitors rather than support the promotion of dolphins in captivity in this beautiful country.

Meanwhile tour operators TUI/Thomson who are partners in the Year of the Dolphin initiative founded to protect and conserve dolphins in the wild, continue to sell tickets to Ocean World. Please contact them voicing your opposition to them continuing to profit from promoting dolphins in captivity.

Click here for background details