Japan Dolphin Day and 6 Things You Can Do to Help Dolphins

Our thoughts continue to be with the people and animals affected by Japan's devastating earthquake and tsunami earlier this year. Sept. 1 is Japan Dolphin Day and the perfect opportunity to celebrate the triumphant spirit of this nation and its animals.

In light of recent films like The Cove and A Fall from Freedom, we wanted to share some easy, positive and powerful ways that you can all help dolphins around the world:

• Learn more about dolphins and why they should not be kept in captivity;

• Vow to never buy another ticket to a dolphin show or a “swim with the dolphins” facility;

• Sign petitions and support campaigns like Saddest Dolphins, which aims to free 25 wild-caught dolphins that will be used at Resorts World’s spa in Singapore;

• Spread the word: tell your friends and family about the plight of captive dolphins and encourage them to support humane wildlife-watching tours rather than captive dolphin programs;

• Write to travel companies, tourism boards and governments in countries with captive dolphins: explain why they should not keep dolphins and vow never to visit these facilities;

• Join an event in your city to celebrate Japan Dolphin Day or consider organizing an event (for more information on how to do this, check out Ric O’Barry’s blog post on SaveJapanDolphins.org).