1. Taiji and the Tie to Captivity
DOLPHINS IN CAPTIVITY
Taiji and the Tie to Captivity

2. ABOUT DOLPHINS
Dolphins are air breathing, warm-blooded marine mammals like us 
There are over  40 different species  of dolphins, with bottlenose dolphins being the most common and well-known type of dolphin. Dolphins live in groups called pods, which can have over a thousand dolphins 
Dolphins have their own “signature whistle” similar to how we have names

3. WHY ARE DOLPHINS SPECIAL?
They are highly intelligent, using tools and abstract problem-solving skills; they even recognize themselves in a mirror 
Dolphins use a complex system of echolocation to navigate their surroundings and hunt their prey, which is like seeing with sound. They also have great eyesight  
They have elaborate social networks and form close bonds with family and friends

4. WHAT HAPPENS IN TAIJI? Taiji is a small fishing village in Japan
Each year, hunters spend 6 months of the year (September 1 through the end of February) searching for pods of wild dolphins
The dolphins are herded into a cove
Some will be chosen for captivity and sold
The rest may be killed, but are sometimes released
Some people eat dolphin meat, but it is toxic

5. TAIJI FROM ABOVE

6. BANGER BOATS LEAVING PORT

7. BANGER BOAT DETAIL VIEW

8. BANGER BOATS AUDIO

9. BOATS LOCATE POD

10. DOLPHINS HERDED INTO COVE

11. AERIAL VIEW OF COVE

12. TAKEN FOR CAPTIVITY (VIDEO)

13. LIFE IN CAPTIVITY

14. TRAINING THROUGH HUNGER

15. MEDICAL TREATMENT

16. TRANSFERRED INTO CAPTIVITY

17. TRANSPORTED IN TRUCKS

18. LIFE IN CAPTIVITY
Wild dolphins don’t wear funny hats, jump through hoops, or clap their fins 
In captivity they are deprived of food so they will perform these tricks 
They are separated from their families and live in small bare tanks with no stimulation
Most dolphins in captivity have to take medicine every day because of stress 
They may be aggressive and hurt each other or people

20. WHAT CAN YOU DO? THANK YOU!
Take the Pledge! Don’t visit marine parks with captive marine mammals or swim with dolphins
Tell others what you know and ask them not to support captivity
Protect the ocean and the environment so dolphins and other animals have a safe place to live
Learn more at
THANK YOU!