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GARY CULLEN
Top 10 endagered animals The Truth about your furIs it fair?
WHY HE WENT VEGAN
Summer 2015 - Make A Difference - 24
WELCOME! Welcome to the first issue of Make A Diference. We aim to educate you on some of the worlds most inhumane animal practices.We hope we can inspire you to join us on a journey of reformed opinions and ethical awarness. Make A Difference keeps you up to date and informed on the most current animal welfare issues taking place in the world right now. We are hoping to do this through a combination of exlusive interviews, features and insights to other peoples experiences. M.A.D is the magazine that speaks up for the animals.
“Together we can make a difference.”
Contents
Summer Issue. 2015
Charaties
4
Dartmoor Zoo
Cruel Practices exposed
6
Fur’ious about Angora Production
8
Blood Dolphins
Insperational Characters
12
Meet Gary Cullen, The Vegan Surfer
14
Take a journey through Ric O’Barrys life
Heart Breaking Stories
18
The Real Free Willy
How you can help 20
Gap year experiences
Summer 2015 - Make A Difference - 3
Why Dartmoor Zoo’s Crowdfund Appeal Means More Than Money A
recent Crowdfund appeal to aid Devon’s Dartmoor Zoo transition from business to charity status, has snared media attention, throwing owner Benjamin Mee and his fight for survival into the limelight once more. This kind of attention is not new to the Mee family who have a strong international profile due to the blockbuster success of film, ‘We Bought a Zoo’ which centred loosely on their real experiences back in 2006. They’ve stared into the bleak face of adversity more than most, enduring heart-felt tragedy and more tests of faith than they dare count, but this time long-term viable solutions are being put together to ensure the future of the zoo is secure; hopefully allaying further uncertainties. Ben says, “Turning an existing business into a charity is really hard but with the last 3 years being some of the wettest, affecting visitor numbers through the gate dramatically and with costs rising quicker than we can keep up, it’s a necessary decision I’ve had to make for the sake of the animals here.” It raises big questions for Ben and his committed team who dedicate hours of back-breaking work into the continuing project which offers a masters/under-graduate research facility for local universities, including Plymouth, who conduct animal behaviour and intelligence studies, and an on-going rehabilitation and conservation programme which encompasses a vision of both community and eco-led longevity.
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Most zoos have a 2 year financial reserve so that they have time to fundraise and draw on other sources of revenue, but Dartmoor’s thirty three acres live very much on a month-by-month basis and, with increasing running costs due to an unsteady economy, a more stable, cost-effective strategy is seen as the savvy option when so much is a stake. The mounting pressure and struggle in complying with regulations signified the need for change and that is why Ben now shares the dynamics of Dartmoor’s only animal sanctuary with a board of trustees. Simon Almond – owner Devon Contract Waste, Shelly Monk – Director Surplus Rescue, and, John Wotton, Chairman and former
“The conservation of the zoo is really important because it helps rare animals to stay alive.”
trustee of Edinburgh Zoo each bring invaluable knowledge, resources and an equally green vision -- all creating an exciting outlook for the park’s sustainability. Ben and his children, Milo 13 and, Ella 11, live and breathe the care of over two hundred animals with a vigour and commitment which is enviable. While the zoo is primarily a business -- it is much more than that to them and often cuts into valuable family time, keeping them busy with duties ranging from visitor talks to mucking out the enclosures. The remarkable thing is how committed they are when it comes to the ethics of why they are there in the first place and Ben openly admits he hasn’t taken a wage since 2006, when he first took on the zoo; ploughing over a million pounds of his own money back into the pot. Fighting to keep the zoo running and continuing towards the Mee’s dream of releasing endangered species born in captivity into the wild, is hoped by all to be a seamless extension of the passion behind his original business strategy and it is not difficult to see why. Ben has insight, drive and a warriorlike fervency regarding contribution
to the global awakening which reveres the idealism of eco-friendly living. This means low waste and a cleaner recycling mentality in an attempt to get the zoo to ‘wash its own face’. This is something that his three newly appointed trustees are offering through their own waste management and recycling businesses. Ben says, “Surplus materials tend to be thrown away because the accounting process considers them waste and can’t put them back in the depo. Incredibly, building companies tend to over order by ten percent and simply chuck it away. It’s called waste but to us it’s a brand new pallet of bricks, it’s these same types of materials which enabled us to build the new Meerkat enclosure. What the trustees are bringing to the table means we don’t have to cut corners while responsibly sourcing materials other people don’t use.” Ben’s children are actively involved in raising awareness too, recently airing a BBC documentary called, My Life. It highlights their conservation attempts and why keeping the animals safe, healthy and happy also means evolving ideas and sourcing mates for existing animals with a view to help rare breeds from
disappearing.Milo then adds, “And it’s really important to keep animals around because a world without animals really isn’t worth living in, so we want to keep conservation going.”The global respect Ben and his family receive, including that of their supportive network of volunteers and dedicated staff is overwhelming and helps drive that ethos into the heart of Devon, giving back to the surrounding communities by offering their time, free-entry for locals and a comprehensive education all on a personal level – it’s what makes this zoo unique and special. This is why charitable status is vital and things are in place for it to be up and running as a charity from 1 Jan 2015. There’s already been a huge international response to the Crowdfund appeal which aims to raise £1,600,000 before Christmas 2014 and there have been some astoundingly generous donations.If you would like to be involved in the volunteer programme which is a fundamental part of the zoo’s survival, or donate through the Crowdfund appeal, all information can be found on Dartmoor Zoo’s website. By Danl Tetley Summer 2015 - Make A Difference- 5
FUR’IOUS about Angora production
Topshop, Monsoon and Zara are all well known, loved brands across the world, but each supporting a devastatingly disgraceful practice of Angora wool production.
A
ngora wool comes from the Angora rabbit, which is one of the oldest breeds of rabbits that were traditionally bred for the royals as pets due to their beautiful coats. Now they are over-bred and treated like living money -making machines, continuously being plucked and shaved using horrific methods.Rabbits are very social animals and when in their natural habitat live in huge groups and can live up to ten years of age. China is one of the biggest Angora wool producers in the world with 90% of production being exported from there. For the wool industry, which is supported by many leading brands, rabbits are kept in horrible conditions consisting of small metal cages no bigger than a meter in height and width, with little space to move or even sit up right. Rabbits naturally likes to sit up right on their hind legs to view their surroundings and will no space to do this many end up developing spinal deformations. The mesh flooring of the cages can cause sore hocks, which is a condition leading to open sores, infections and abscesses due to the excretion in the damp cages. The resulting poor health of these rabbits suffers from both physical and mental problems. People for the ethical treatment of animals (PETA) is a leading organisation fighting against the miss treatment of animals and recently investigating into the cruel treatment of Rabbits for the Angora wool industry in China. They visited 10 different Angora factories and in all 10 witnessed shocking abuse of these poor defenseless animals. What they found was surprising but surely there had to be some suspicion of what these rabbits where going through due to the amount of Angora being produced at such a vast rate; it couldn’t possibly be natural. The procedure is traumatising and causes so much pain to the animals. The rabbits have their delicate feet and 6- Make A Difference - Summer 2015
Photo Credit: Peta
“If you don’t
want to wear pain and fear be
”
label aware.
paws stretched and tied up so their bodies are stretched out, they are then shaved or plucked completely bold. During this traumatising experience the rabbits are desperately trying to escape resulting in cuts and grazes on the poor rabbits skin after their fur has just been ripped from the follicles. After this, their bleeding, hairless bodies are then put inside a small mesh cage which causes discomfort as the small mesh bars push into their burning flesh. These rabbits are treated like objects rather than living creatures -- they can feel pain and loneliness just like we can. After all these traumatic years of being treated like objects and shaking in their cages, if they have not already died from
WOULD YOU WEAR THIS?
Photo Credit: Peta
shock, their throats are slit, these poor animals finally get to rest in peace after struggling to survive for the last few years. Very few people know about this abuse taking place. Marie Hawker, sale assistant at Topshop, quotes,� I have worked in retail for over 4 years and I never knew where Angora came from let alone the terrible methods used to collect it.� People in charge of this practice has been keeping it as secret as possible maybe because they realise what they are doing is wrong and the condition these rabbits are kept in will not meet the requirements of animal welfare standards in many Countries that purchase Angora wool. H and M, a popular brand, has recently decided to stop selling Angora products until the health of these rabbits improve and French Connection has already banned the use of it in their company. So next time you think about buying an Angora jumper or a Angora beanie think about what these poor animals have been through and are still currently going through for you to get that luxury item. Angora may be a piece of luxury in your life but for these poor defensive creatures, they have been put through a living hell to give you it. By Paige Furzer
Photo Credit: Peta
Summer 2015 - Make A Difference - 7
BLOOD DOLPHINS The sickening truth about Japans Dolphins
D
olphins are well renowned for being one of the most intelligent creatures on the planet – having an equivalent thought process and family values as humans. There have been many cases when dolphins have helped humans in life threatening situations, saving drowning residents to surrounding sharks when a surfer is in danger. So why are we humans being so unfair back? Have you ever been to the lovely country of Japan? Amazing cuisine, possibly
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a trip with your family to the wonderful attraction of SeaWorld? Well, behind both of these places lies a horrible heartbreaking story that starts with a little town that’s hiding a sparingly big secret. September to May is an exciting time of the year for families all over the world; celebrating Christmas, sharing love on Valentines Day and partying all the way to the New Year. At this time of year, dolphins celebrate in their own way; passing through the quiet waters of Japan with their newly
born carves in search of a safe haven to raise them. Dolphins’ instincts are very similar to human mothers. They surround themselves with a close circle of friends for moral support and whilst growing up, the young are at the centre of it, with protection all around to help them have the best chance of survival from predators. Dolphins fear sharks. But in this little town sharks should be the least of their worries. What could be more dangerous then a shark to these dolphins? Us.
Annually 20,000 dolphins every year are slaughtered in Tajij, a small little village in Japan. Whilst these mammals are making there way pass the coast of Tajij a small group of Fishermen round them up by the hundreds using sounds to disorientate the pods out of their migration routes and draw them into small shallow lagoons. They use a technique known as drive fishing; motorised boats create a “wall of sound� between the dolphins and the ocean by banging metal poles in the water. The dolphins, which rely on sonar to navigate, are terrified and swim frantically towards shore to escape the noise. Then they get trapped in shallow lagoons and sectioned of using nets. The innocent dolphins have no idea of the pain and torture they are going to be enduring within the next few days. Many dolphins including Bottlenose, Common and Risso dolphins are all species that are selected either for meat or for entertainment at theme parks. Their docile nature and huge amount of intellect means that these dolphins are perfect for performing. You’ll be surprised to know that the people who are meant to love these creatures the
most, trainers and veterinarian have been spotted taking part in this events by illegally paying for these dolphins and taking them for entertainment. Bottle nose dolphins, the ones that look like Flipper, are pre-selected by trainers and sold off for a huge amount $200,000 to marine parks around the world, where they will remain in captivity performing as circus acts and being separated from their family. Whales and dolphins have a special bond with their young just like humans. Konya, a killer whale that has been in captivity for many years mothered a calf in 2005, which died due to being kept in awful conditions; her body was left in the cage with her for over four days. A few years later she was impregnated again and her baby was sold to a theme park when she was just five years old; Kanya stayed in the corner of her tank for a week crying out for her baby to come back. After the trainers have left with their prize the remaining dolphins are contained ready to be killed the following day in what can only be described as a massacre. The remaining dolphins are left there over night -- their cries of help can be heard from over a mile away. There
are over one hundred dolphins in this small cramped space resulting in some dolphins either drowning from lack of air or getting crushed by the panicking dolphins above. There is know doubt that these mammals are terrified to what could be their fate in the next few hours, either butchered for meat or sentenced to a lonely, life in prison. Which one is worse? The sun has risen and everyone is getting on with the hussle and bussle of the crowded streets and going on with their daily routines. Little do the people of Japan know that in this secluded cove over hundreds of innocent well-loved mammals are about to be murdered in the most barbaric way possible. Dolphins can hear the boat engines turning on and they are reminded of the noise that put them in this horrible situation in the first place, as the boat comes closer the first few are selected. One by one Fishermen drag still-living mammals onto boats with hooks and harpoons or tie them to boats by their tails, forcing their air holes under water. The boats heard the dolphins together and continuously beats the dolphins with crow bars, knives and fish hooks resulting in them being hacked to Summer 2015 - Make A Difference - 9
Photo Credits: David Cole
death. Some can take up to 8 minutes to die others are waiting for their fait for up to two hours whilst laying in their family’s blood. After hours of screeching, laughter from the fisherman and cries of pain comes Silence. No flapping in the water or ripples from the boat just a flat calm Red lagoon and the silence of many lives that have struggled so hard to survive. Police and the Japanese government patrol the whole area 24/7 and if anyone was to try and help these dolphins there will be major consequences. This was the case of Richard O Barry a huge animal activist who is fighting for Marine 10- Make A Difference - Summer 2015
Mammals rights who recently starred in his awarding winning documentary The Cove. When his team of workers secretly broke in to release these dolphins his wife was assaulted and he was threatened by strangulation with a belt. If these people have nothing to hide then why are they trying to prevent the public of Japan knowing about this? Many say it’s a tradition, others say the purpose of all this is food. Either way this does not justified what is happening. The meat is too poisonous and contains a harmful amount of mercury and the public have been advised not to consume any dolphin meat. So what has
all this been for? Adding to the danger, much of the toxic dolphin meat is mislabelled forcing people to eat it without even knowing. While the Japanese government defends dolphin hunting as part of their cultural heritage, this tradition has serious health effects on its own people. By Paige Furzer
.
Summer 2015 - Make A Difference - 11
The Vegan Surfer
If you love cruelty-free food, the Irish coastline and a gorgeous
smile on a handsome face read on, but be warned- this story will make you happy
V
egan Surfer Gary Cullen grew up in a small town in Ireland surrounded by forest, fields and rivers -- moving from the rural side of Ireland through to the little surfer’s hamlet of Bundoreum. Fitness fanatic Gary has spent his years hiking, surfing and promoting veganism around Ireland and now further afield. Gary’s first experiences of surfing were on the southwest coast of Ireland on the dingle peninsula -- a beautiful part of Ireland where the unique experiences of the waves started off his passion. Following this he opened a café when he was just 22 and not long after he had his son. Gary has always enjoyed the outdoors and being amongst nature and through surfing it’s helped open his eyes to the immense power that nature holds. Today, Gary spends his time running a hostel in Donegal, Ireland where many surfers and those with an adventurous spirit stop off to get involved. It offers a friendly family atmosphere and indulges both established surfers and beginners in the popular sports culture. In his younger years Gary trained as a Beach Lifeguard and Surf Instructor with the Donegal Adventure Centre, he was a resident in the hostel and grew to love the building -- recognising the potential it had. “I viewed the hostel how I view health on some level, to maintain a high level and always strive to improve.” Although Gary enjoys adrenalin-related sports such as snowboarding and surfing 12- Make A Difference - Summer 2015
he is also trained in Jiu Jitsu -- the gentler form of martial arts. When isn’t getting lost in the Irish waves he also enjoys practicing Chi Gung and Tai Chi. So we now know where the Surfer part of the nickname Vegan Surfer comes from - what about the vegan part? Gary is passionate about his health and also cares for the animals and world we share with nature. Gary feels strongly about one thing -- to reduce suffering in the world. ‘Food production is ingrained into our lives and happens on such a massive scale that it is hard for some people to regard it as violent when they see it as a normal part of life. We should be striving to create a compassionate environment for all the beings of this planet’. For Gary the vegan life style is an appropriate way to extend the massive gratitude he feels for the amazing life he has and all of nature’s wonders that continues to fill his days. Veganism is a way of saying thank you to all beings, both animals and plants. From there it became quickly evident that the vegan path impacts positively on many aspects of our existence, planetary and human.
The vegan lifestyles give him the ability to create new tastes and combinations using a huge variety of naturally delicious ingredients without the unnecessary extra of exploitation and cruelty. “Yes, I feel that in many ways all other beings are a reflection of our own self, and to hurt others is to also hurt yourself. Are we all connected? Gary says yes. All things, all beings are connected at a fundamental level. He believes that how we interact with this world is a reflection on how we feel towards ourselves. We should be compassionate towards ourselves and the other species of this world. When you’re vegan you don’t eat “just vegetables” as some may tease. Gary’s nailed it, spending a lot of time researching nutrition he managed to understand our basic nutritional needs as well as how to source all ingredients through a plant based diet -- crueltyfree being the basis. Although at first he found it hard to source foods without animal products he discovered that keeping it varied was key, and, from having an enormous passion for cooking
All photos credits: Gary Cullen
it made creating delicious, balanced dishes much easier. “Experimentation always brings great results.” For him it all starts with the mind and perception and once he had made the decision to go vegan his positivity and passion contributed to a consistent feeling of happiness and contentment. Vegans are frequently misunderstood as plant eaters with a passion for animal rights. While many vegans do feel passionately about animals, its time for others to see that a vegan diet and lifestyle go way beyond animal rights. Following a healthy, balanced vegan diet ensures a number of positive benefits too; an increase in energy, a general feeling of well being, quicker recovery
from sports, and better digestion are just a few of the beneficial outcomes which Gary has noticed since his lifestyle changed. People believe that as a vegan it can help us to learn quicker, giving clarity and improving creativity, and with increased researches into new foods helps it is enabling us to understand food more openly and with conscience. Gary runs Vegan Surf weekends from his home-turf. These popular events involve activities such as surfing whilst promoting the vegan lifestyle in the hope that he can show people why leaving meat and dairy behind can actually give you a nutritional advantage. He is currently working on a recipe book in the hope that people will enjoy creating
tasty, clean and healthy foods and hopefully encourage people to join him on his own journey of discovery. His hard work and love for the environment has definitely paid off, he has recently introduced some vegan health foods to local gyms and jiu jitsu clubs, MUNKI Protein Balls and Chocolate Tofu Fudge have been a great hit and include a huge amount of nutritional value. He also won the ‘Save Our Planet’ award in 2014.Gary makes going vegan look easy… and it can be with the help of other passionate vegans just like Gary offering help and guidance where needed. Go Vegan Written
By
Paige
Furzer
Summer 2015 - Make A Difference - 13
Ric O’barry Dolphins are fun, loveable, intelligent creatures that have stolen the heart of many countries around the world since Flipper was first filmed in 1960 – they stole my heart too. Richard Barry O’Feldman, also known as Ric’O Barry, grew up in Florida and was first recognised in the 1960s for capturing and training the five dolphins that were used in the TV series Flipper. He has worked within both sides of the dolphin world: the first 10 years with the dolphin captivity industry, the past 48 against it. His own passion matches my desire to improve the quality of life for captive animals especially those used for media entertainment.
R
ic O’Barry is a well-known animal activist and is the leading man for many campaigns against the capturing and training of marine mammals worldwide. There is a lot of controversy surrounding him– although nowadays he will go to extreme lengths to help marine animals, some argue that he is just undoing a part of the billion-dollar captive-animal industry he created through Flipper. Ric O’Barry started off as a dolphin trainer where his love for marine mammals thrived. He is known as one of the best trainers on record and was the first man ever to produce a film containing five wild dolphins. He trained five bottlenose dolphins which are known as the most valued sea mammals in the world. Following the huge success of Flipper everyone wanted to train dolphins and from this a huge frenzy broke out for capturing dolphins. I think this fact probably upsets me the most, especially with all the recent controversy surrounding Sea World Resort at Disney Land, USA. Thirty six dolphinairums opened in the 60s and 70s – all captured illegally in cruel conditions – when animal welfare regulations were low. At the time nobody knew how much effort, time and money went into O’ Barry training the five dolphins and many people tried to compete but failed due to neglect. Ric O’Barry loved sea animals and produced Flipper for all the right reasons rather than the wrong ones. Working for most of the 1960s for Miami Seaquarium, he would spend more time in the tanks with the dolphins than he did on land. 14 - Make A Difference - Summer 2015
However, some people believe Ric O’ Barry is the
one t o blame as he was responsible for training the first ever dolphin and for 69 years after has fought campaigns, raised money, been in jail over 16 times for trying to free dolphins from parks and successfully freed over 30 dolphins. Why? O’Barry claims that one of the greatest loves of his life, Cathy, a dolphin that played the part of Flipper, supposedly committed suicide. “She was really depressed. I could feel it. I could see it. She committed suicide in my arms. That’s a very strong word, suicide. But you have to understand dolphins and other whales are not automatic air breathers, like we are. Every breath they take is a conscious effort. And so they can end their life whenever life becomes too unbearable by not taking the next
breath.” When Cathy gave up and died in his arms, OʼBarry realised that capturing dolphins and sentencing them to a life imprisonment is simply wrong. It was around this time (2010) that I really began to wonder how I could help. It was the only thing I could think about for months and it started a five year journey of pen and paper that guided me on my own, animal activism path. From this moment, O’Barry knew what he must do. Five years later he travelled around America to find out what had happened to the five dolphins he was responsible for. In greatest sympathy three had sadly passed due to appalling neglect. After this he travelled to the Bahamas, where the last of his five dolphins, Charlie Brown, was found in an experimental lab. Charlie was blind in one eye and was held prisoner, all alone in a shallow sea pen. O’Barry wanted to show the world that he was serious about changing his past and on the first Earth Day in 1970 he broke into Charlie’s pen using mesh cutters to set him free. Ric frantically tried to help Charlie Brown to freedom. He failed. Charlie just kept swimming around the small area he had been solitary confined to for most of his miserable life. O’Barry was caught, charged and sent home. Even though his plan had failed, headlines about his attempt to release Charlie hit many newspapers across America, showing and rasising awarness for dolphins in captivity. After this devastating event he founded the Dolphin Project, an organisation dedicated to freeing captive dolphins and educating people about the welfare of captive dolphins. Following this O’Barry changed his life forever and was to become one of the biggest animal activist known. O’Barry stopped dolphin training and is now the leader of the world’s biggest anti- captivity campaign. Over the next 50 years O’Barry produced two award-winning documentaries, The Cove and Blood Dolphins, wrote a number of articles and produced two
would repeatdly smash his head against the sides of his concrete tank at Miami In 1989 he wrote Behind the Dolphins Sea-aquarium. Sadly after all this poor Smile, an autobiography based around whale had endured he died when he his experiences training dolphins burst a blood vessel in his brain. O’Barry through to his 69 years trying to free believes his new home caused him them. Following this, in 2000 his second to become suicidal and this was the book was published by Renaissance moment when he realised that whales Books, To Free a Dolphin, where he did not belong in captivity. Years after in passionately recounts the dramatic story 1993 the film Free Willy was released, a of his heart-breaking campaign to release heart wrenching story about a Orca that captive dolphins, once was a star “I wanted people to at a local theme including the five he was realise that it was wrong park but when responsible for forgotten was capturing. He to own dolphins, and even subjected to a focused on the worse, if possible, to make life of loneliness hard work behind and neglect until r e h a b i l i t a t i n g them do silly tricks. With the a young boy dolphins that death of Cathy, the dolphin I releases him back are emotionally in to the wild. So scarred from most dearly loved, I was on what happened years of captivity. a pilgrimage to try to undo to the real life His two books whale that have opened up at least in part some of the played Free Willy, the eyes of such a mess I had made of things.” Keiko, who was naïve nation who captured then have supported forgotten after his the treatment of filming days were captive mammals without even realising over? He was sent to an aquarium in it for far to long. In 1991, due to his Mexico where he would spend his lonely outstanding efforts towards his Save the days with little interactions and close to Dolphin campaign, O’Barry received an death. Keiko was severely underweight, environmental agencies award on behalf covered in skin diseases, a failing of the Earth Island Institute digestive system and weak muscles. In 1995, the Earth Day organisation and their members, including Ric’O Ric O’Barry also trained the first orca, Barry, founded the Free Willy - Keiko Hugo, held in captivity on the East Foundation, a campaign to attempt the Coast in 1968. The young orca was first release of an orca whale back into violently captured and separated from the ocean. This created a huge following his family. Ric’O Barry claims that Hugo books.
from the public and Warner Brother studio donated twenty million dollars to support and help towards the release and rehabilitation of Keiko. After a tough and painful journey Keiko was released in 2003, but the nation was devastated when 18 months later Keiko sadly died. In O’Barrys recent article SeaWorld’s Captive and psychotic Orcas he quotes “My voice for captive dolphins and orcas has been blowing in the wind for 43 years, too often falling on deaf ears. Finally I feel I’m not alone anymore.” In 2009 O’Barry was involved in the production of the award winning documentary The Cove, which follows his journey and a team of animal activists as they go undercover to expose the annual dolphin hunt and the illegal exportation of marine mammals in Taiji, Japan. This was one of his biggest challenges yet to let the world known what was going on in this quiet town. Over 23,000 dolphins are killed in Japan annually and O’Barry went on a challenge to expose these hunts by letting the public know about them. By using covert identities, under water microphones and hidden cameras the world was exposed to this secretive and inhumane practice that has been going on since 2006. The Cove went on to win 20 awards at the annual Sundance Film Festival including Best Documentary Feature Film and Outstanding Achievement in Nonfiction Feature Film making. Ric O’Barrys son, Lincoln O’Barry, has followed in his Dad’s footsteps to expose the cruel practices of the dolphin
All Photos Credited to Miami Seaquarium
industry. In 2010 he assisted his father For me, he is setting the standards for and produced Blood Dolphins, a three our next generation of animal lovers part series on Animal Planet, about the by teaching them that although we O’Barry’s efforts to protect dolphins may make mistakes, being consciously from harm. Ric O ‘Barry was voted aware of our actions and their effect, at Most Influential Green Game Changer any given time -- is where true respect in 2010 by Huffington’s for our planet and all “Together we can in it lies. O’Barry has Post newspaper for his successful release and stop the trafficking encouraged many rehabilitations of over 30 ordinary people to dolphins. Following this in live dolphins to use there individual he received the Bambi theme and to all parks and voices award in 2011 for his come together to recognised contributions swim-with-dolphins raise awareness and for raising awareness programs, and speak campaign against throughout international the enslavement against the of animals. Beau media and television for out such an important cause. captivity industry.”- Spivey, 17 quotes “If he hadn’t of risked Ric O’Barry Ric O’Barry has been on a his own life to go roller coaster ride for most undercover to expose of his life with many ups and downs the barbaric practices of the Sea animal along the way. From his first 10 years industry then we would not of known capturing dolphins all the way through to anything about it and nothing would the rest of his life releasing them. He has have changed” There is change in the successfully raised awareness around way people view the dolphin industry the world by exposing the public to the with a decline of 5% admissions to brutality of the dolphin industry and SeaWorld in the past year. It is my educating them on some of the world’s intention to honour this wonderful man biggest lies. He is a very inspirational by raising awareness my own way and, character to animal lovers all over the by doing what I can to help to others world and people admire him for being know the truth about animal slavery. the voices for these mammals and giving I just hope I do Ric’s legacy justice. these poor animals a second chance to By Paige Furzer get there lives back.
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Summer 2015 - Make A Difference - 24
The Whale that couldn’t be F r e e d
I’m sure you have heard the fictional story of Free Willy - a heart wrenching tale about an Orca that once was a star at a local amusement park but when forgotten was subjected to a life of loneliness and neglect. From a calf he was taken away, separated from those he loved most and was sentenced to a life in captivity. But what happened to real life whale, Keiko, who played the part of free Willy after his filming days were over. Exactly that.
Keiko was captured off the coast off Iceland in the Atlantic Ocean in 1979 when he was just three years old. From this point little did he know that he was heading for a life in enslavement -- preforming silly tricks for the advantage of others. He was separated from his pod by a large net and a group of fishermen. They dropped the net to separate him from the rest of the pod and this was when their life change forever. Keiko lost his family and Keiko’s mum lost her baby, who she had nurtured and carried for 17 long months. In 1970 around 90 orcas were captured, using cruel methods and sold into the entertainment trade. Speedboats, explosives and nets were used to separate Keiko from his family who were desperately trying to get to him through the barrier. Before long the fisherman succeeded, Keiko had lost his family 18 - Make A Difference - Summer 2015
and was drawn into shallow water where he was greeted with a group of people who transported him too a marine park. Before long Reino Aventura, an amusement park in Mexico City brought Keiko for $350,000. This 4-ton animal had been taken from his family in his natural habitat and dumped into an unnatural environment when every stage of his life is controlled. Studies show that many young orcas will spend a majority of their time in their tanks calling their mum. Whales are sociable creatures and live in pods up too 30 individual whales. Mothers have an emotional bond with their calf just like humans and they feel pain and heartache just like we do. Keiko is trained over the next few years to perform silly tricks and entertain thousands of visitors on a day-today basis. He gets punished and
starved of food if he doesn’t perform to a high enough standards.In 1993 Warner Brothers started filming the movie ‘Free Willy’ in Mexico City, which involves a young boy fighting to free a lonely whale after he is forgotten about and is left isolated in a shallow pen. Free Willy took the world by storm; it is the first film ever containing a killer whale. After this Keiko becomes a star he stars in another 3 Free Willy films and is getting thousands of visitors every day to his home in Mexico aquarium. Before long the novelty wears off and the real like Keiko is forgotten just like Willy in the film. A few months later concerns were raised after Keiko’s living conditions and health seemed to be deteriorating. Keiko was weak had a failing digestive system, is severely underweight and covered
in skin diseases. In 1995, the Earth Day organisation and their members founded the Free Willy - Keiko Foundation, a campaign to attempt the first release and rehibilitation of an orca back into the ocean. Warner Brothers studio donated ten million dollars along with some help from the public and anomous doners to help Keiko in his first steps to freedom. The next few years was going to need a lot of hard work and dedication from both Keiko and the training team responsbile for nursing him back to health. Keiko’s first stage was to improve his health enough to be able moved him to a seven million dollar rehabilitation facility at the Oregon Coast Aquarium. In 1996 Keiko was air lifted to his new sea aquarium where he experienced natural seawater for the first time since his capture. Here, Keiko has gained nearly 1,000 pounds and is gradually reaching a healthy weight for a male orca. The staff looking after Keiko gradually introduced him to live fish in the hope that Keiko will learn how to hunt for him. It was a slow process but he eventually learned to catch his own food and along with this Keiko is reaching a normal weight of wild orcas. Keiko started to make fantastic progress and head vetinarian, Dr. Lanny Cornell, determines that he is in good health and replicating the normal behaviour of killer whales in the wild. In 1996 he is flown over to Iceland, Klettsvik Bay, where he is introduced to a sea pen where he will be expected to catch live fish and spend hours underneath the surface exploring and interacting with the ocean. In 2002 Keiko is exposed to the ocean during his ‘sea walks’ where is fitted with a tracking device so a team of specialist can follow him and check his progress. Now he is beginning to interact with wild orcas, after being alone
for years in the comfort of his tank. As he is becoming more confident and returning back to the old orca he used to be before the captive industry got ahold of him, he starts to spend several days away from his sea pen and having less contact with humans. In 2002 he leaves the area of netted ocean and begins a life-changing journey covering nearly 100 miles across the ocean towards Norway accompanied by other whales and the team of orca scientist. Keiko is in an area where he can come and go as he pleases. Keiko is officially wild and the release had been a success. As the months pass Keiko is seen less and the scientist are gradually backing away and letting Keiko explore the ocean himself. A few months later Keiko is observed in Norway where he is in exceptional condition and being able to fend for himself. A year later Keiko’s condition has decreased he has been witnessed begging for food from passing boats and had been experiencing an irregular respiratory rate, which is common for animals in captivity. After his painful and emotional journey Keiko has finally made his way back to freedom. After all he had surprisingly managed to get through, the nation was deverstated when a few months later in 2013 Keiko beached himself and sadly died after being released back to his home waters, where he belonged, in the Pacific Ocean with his family. By Paige Furzer
“The Film Free Willy was supposed to be fictional but it couldn’t have been more
”
true.
Summer 2015 - Make A Difference - 19
Above: Ko Samui beach
In 2012, Caroline Fargher plucked up the courage to leave her small town in the UK to embark on a two week adventure in Thailand.
Thailand, tears and a huge sense of achievement
T
hree years ago I packed up my belongings and headed to Thailand on a 2-week conservation course to learn how to scuba dive and save the ocean. At the age of 16 going to Thailand on my own was a very daunting experience so I got in contact with someone else flying out and we arranged our seats to get to know each other, giving us both a sense of comfort.
After getting use to the time difference our first few days were all about learning to scuba dive. That first time you dive down and see the underwater world was incredible. The colour of the coral and the fish swimming all around you was scary at first all you could think about was not kicking them. But having a shark sucker attached to my friend and me was really weird. Whilst in Thailand we had a few days where we were able to clean up the beach. The point of the conservation course was to help clean up the beach20 - Make A Difference - Summer 2015
es, save the ocean and help the local schools. The beach clean up gave me such a good feeling that I was helping save the beach. I didn’t realise just how much rubbish washed up that we went through dozens of bin bags. Some of the days when I went out scuba diving we were assigned the job to count how many fish of a certain species we could find in certain areas. This would help the researchers understand what fishes are dying out or what ones are thriving. My most exciting day was when we found a massive net with a crate there to catch fish. Getting out our scissors and freeing what was trapped inside seeing them swim away gave a sense of achievement -- we were able to do some good whilst out there swimming.
The next day included going to the local school and grabbing some hacking tools
to create a path through the woods so that the kids had a safe place to play
when having a break. It was at the heat of the day so we all really struggled but after they gave us a gorgeous lunch we were back to work and with 30 of us working at it after four hours the kids had a safe place to play. As a thank you they invited us to play a few games with them, which included throwing a ball around that had to end in a basket held by a member of the team standing on a chair. Sounds bizarre but a whole load of fun after a busy day just what we needed. This was followed by another few days of diving where we were lucky enough to see turtles swimming in their own habitat and sharks just a few feet away. This was just the start to the excitement of the next few days. We were put on a bus off to the turtle rehabilitation centre. We had no idea what we were going to be doing or anything. The anticipation took over everyone no one could concentrate. As we arrived the first thing we see is hundred of tiny turtles that could fit
into the palm of your hand something that everyone was staring at and taking hundreds of photos. As the water washed in from the sides, seeing them swimming around and scrambling on top of each other was utterly adorable. But it was a sad moment when we walked over to a bigger tank to see massive turtles with missing shells or a leg that had been cut off my a boat propeller. Seeing those turtles made us all sad but knowing we were going to be able to help them made it all better. We had to clean the turtle’s shells and sweep the floor of their tank so that they had a habitable home for their recovery. Half the group got assigned this job whilst others were cleaning the smaller rehabilitation tanks.
As we cleaned some of the turtle’s leaked some blood so we had to be extra careful when moving them around. Being able to help injured animals was the best part of the trip, knowing what you were doing was going to help them get back out into the ocean. In the same building down just a few stairs was the most distressing thing for me personally because I am massive dolphin lover. In a tank held up by a harness was a dolphin that had been rescued off the beach. The harness that was holding up the dolphin was to help it use its tail again and get it moving so that in a month it could be let out into the tank to swim for itself. We weren’t allowed too close to the dolphin because of the stress it may cause so the cause of its injuries were unknown. Knowing they were helping the dolphin recover and getting it back into the wild showed how much effort they had to save the animals of their ocean. Being out in Thailand was an incredible experience. I learnt a lot about myself
“It was the most
incredile experience in my life. I loved knowing I was helping out the wildlife above and below the surface.
”
and the thrill I had of helping to save the animals and clean up the ocean because I didn’t realise how much danger lived below the water surface. Knowing I had done some good and cleaned the turtle’s tank and saved some of the fish in the ocean was a job well done. At some point I would love to go back see what they have done and find other ways of helping save our planet and the animals we love.
Written by Caroline Fargher
Summer 2015 - Make A Difference - 21
24 - Make A Difference - Summer 2015
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