Ric O’Barry, who founded Dolphin Project after quitting dolphin training, is the subject of the new documentary “Freeing Flipper” people.com/in-the-1960s-he-t…

Ric O’Barry, who founded Dolphin Project after quitting dolphin training, is the subject of the new documentary “Freeing Flipper” people.com/in-the-1960s-he-t…

Taiji: September 5, 2026. Thank you to all the Japanese Activists who showed up in Taiji to protest these hunts. Today is a Blue Cove day!

Every year, dolphins are driven into Taiji’s Cove. Families are torn apart. Some are taken for captivity. Others are killed.⁠ ⁠ We have been fighting to end this for decades, and we will not stop.⁠ ⁠ Add your voice. Sign the petition and act now. ⁠ dolphin.fyi/HelpJapanDolphin… ⁠ #DolphinProject #Dolphins #Taiji #Japan #EndTheHunts⁠

Taiji: While wild and free dolphins around Taiji were safe today, tragedy unfolded in the harbor pens. A captive dolphin passed away. Its body was wrapped up in a tarp and taken to the butcher house. Another victim of captivity. Sep 3, 2026 Photos by Rikako @xx_rkf_xx #dolphinproject #emptythetanks #lifeinvestigationagency

The 2026-27 Taiji dolphin drive hunt season has begun. Already, a dolphin drive has taken place, with bottlenose dolphins driven into the Cove and 11 taken for captivity. As @dolphin_project documented over the years, bottlenose dolphins are among the most commercially valuable species targeted during these drives, sought after by the captivity industry and sold to dolphin facilities. Since 2003, @dolphin_project has maintained a presence on the ground in Taiji, documenting what happens here and bringing global attention to the hunts. More than two decades later, that work remains as important as ever.

Taiji: On the first day of the dolphin drive hunts, a large pod of bottlenose dolphins has been driven into the Cove. It is unknown if selection will start today or if the dolphins will be held overnight. Video @ Rikako Sep 1, 2026 #dolphinproject #emptythetanks #lifeinvestigationagency

TAIJI September 1, 2026: Today marks the beginning of another dolphin drive hunt season in Taiji, Japan.  Japanese activists from all over Japan arrived to protest these hunts. Nine species of dolphins are on this season’s quota list. Up to 1,814 dolphins can be taken—for slaughter or captivity. But these are not just numbers. They are mothers, Babies, Families. They belong together in the ocean—not separated, confined, or killed. Please don’t look away. Raise your voice for the dolphins today—and every day. Speak out. Share. Take action. The world is watching. Learn more and find ways to help: dolphinproject.org/take.../s…

BTS Freeing Flipper 🐬🎸 #documentary #RicOBarry #Slash

We’re thrilled to announce that Appian Way, the production company founded by Academy Award winner @LeoDiCaprio, has joined FREEING FLIPPER as Executive Producer. Directed by Barney Douglas (McEnroe, Warriors), the film tells the remarkable true story of Ric O'Barry - once the world’s highest-paid dolphin trainer and the man behind the dolphins of Flipper, whose extraordinary change of course would ultimately make him the central figure in Academy Award-winning documentary The Cove. Now 86, Ric looks back on more than five decades of an extraordinary life shaped by dolphins, the triumphs, sacrifices, relationships and personal cost of a mission he could never walk away from. Featuring Fisher Stevens, Maisie Williams, Stephen Stills and Lincoln O'Barry, alongside one of Dr. Jane Goodall’s final on-screen appearances, #FreeingFlipper combines never-before-seen family archive with immersive dolphin-POV cinematography to tell a story of freedom, legacy, family and redemption. Dogwoof launches international sales at TIFF: The Market this September. Read the exclusive in @DEADLINE. deadline.com/2026/08/freeing…

Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way Boards ‘Freeing Flipper’ Ahead Of TIFF Market, Story Of Dolphin Trainer Turned Activist Ric O’Barry deadline.com/2026/08/freeing…

Pilot whales are highly social animals with strong family bonds and unique forms of communication passed through generations. Yet in some parts of the world, they still face threats from hunts and captivity. These intelligent beings belong in the open ocean, not confined tanks or driven into slaughter. At Dolphin Project, we’re working to protect dolphins and whales through education, advocacy, and action helping create a future where they can remain wild and free. Thanks to collaborations like @waterhaul_co we’re able to continue our mission to protect dolphins worldwide! dolphinproject.org Footage taken on @insta360 by @alexinwaterlust #PilotWhales #DolphinProject #EmptyTheTanks #ProtectOurOceans #Cetaceans #WildAndFree

Fourteen years ago, Empty the Tanks began as a peaceful movement to be a voice for dolphins and whales in captivity. Today, that movement continues to grow because of every single person who showed up, spoke out, shared our message, and stood for change. We are so grateful to everyone who participated in this year’s events around the world and helped raise awareness for the dolphins. Change takes persistence, compassion, and momentum and together, we are making progress. Thank you for standing with us and helping push for a future where no dolphin is exploited for entertainment. Read more: dolphinproject.org/blog/empt…

BREAKING: After years in captivity, their future should not be another concrete pool. Wikie and Keijo are the last two orcas left at Marineland Antibes.⁠ ⁠ They do not need a new venue.⁠ They need a real plan for a life beyond performance.⁠ ⁠ 👉 Read the full blog: “Wikie and Keijo May be Sent to Loro Parque” ⁠ Read more: dolphinproject.org/blog/wiki… ⁠ #DolphinProject #Orcas #Dolphins #Blog #Captivity

Thank you so much to ALL showing up and advocating for an end to dolphin and whale captivity this weekend for the 2026 #EmptyTheTanksWorldwide event!⁠ Please tag us, or message us with your event photos if you would like them to be shared!⁠ #EmptyTheTanks #DolphinProject #dolphin #animals #takeaction #thanksbutnotanks

What’s next for Umah Lumba dolphin sanctuary? Our sanctuary has already rehabilitated and released dolphins, proving that change is possible. Now, after continued progress and years of dedication, we stand ready to accept dolphins once again. Our team has always continued to maintain and care for the sanctuary every day, ensuring it is prepared for the next chapter. This mission has always been driven by perseverance, compassion, and the belief that dolphins deserve a life beyond captivity. We’re proud of how far Umah Lumba has come and determined for what comes next. Thank you for all of your support, you make these achievements possible! Learn more about Umah Lumba here: umahlumba.org #dolphins #dolphinproject #umahlumba

“Empty the Tanks” has never meant releasing dolphins overnight. It means working toward a long term phase out of captivity by stopping breeding, capture, trade, and exploitation.⁠ ⁠ This movement is about refusing to accept tanks as a permanent future for dolphins, while pushing for real solutions like improved welfare, responsible transitions, and sanctuary development.⁠ ⁠ 👉 Read the full blog: “Empty the Tanks: What It Means and Why It Matters” ⁠ dolphinproject.org/blog/empt… ⁠ #DolphinProject #Animals #Dolphins #Blog #EmptyTheTanks

Empty the Tanks 2026 has more locations added.⁠ ⁠ From the U.S. to Mexico, Europe, Australia, Africa, and Japan, advocates will gather outside marine parks, aquariums, zoos, and dolphinariums to speak up for dolphins and whales exploited in captivity.⁠ ⁠ Find your nearest location on the event map and join the movement.⁠ 👉 Visit emptythetanks.org/worldwidee… ⁠ ⁠ #EmptyTheTanks #DolphinProject #Dolphins #CaptivityKills #Animals