News Archives

April, 2004

Dolphin healing centers resurface in Japan

Just months after he rejected a proposal to open a dolphin healing center in Sanuki City, Japan, the Mayor has reversed his position and approved an even larger facility.

WSPA members cheered when the Mayor of Sanuki City, Japan, responded to their letters and emails and rejected a proposal to open a dolphin "healing center" in his city.

When announcing his decision, Mayor Shinya Akazawa stated that his decision was based on the fact that he had received such an outpouring of concern, as well as his recognition that the site wasn't suitable for dolphins and that captivity is stressful and unnatural for the animals involved. Yet despite these acknowledgements, the Mayor has inexplicably leased the same site to the Japan Dolphin Assisted Therapy Association for an extensive captive program. One dolphin is already being held at the facility; a 4-5 year-old male that was obtained from the exceedingly cruel drive fisheries and more are sure to follow.