World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) declares dolphin drive hunts a violation of its Code of Ethics
WDCS is continuing its work to end the dolphin drive hunts in Japan. Click here to view WDCS's recent press release - Driven By Demand. Our recent report highlights the involvement of the zoo and aquarium industry in sourcing live dolphins from these brutal hunts, thereby providing a deadly and lucrative incentive to continue.
WDCS is encouraged by the recent letter sent by the President of WAZA to association members not only acknowledging and condemning the cruelty of the dolphin drive hunts, but requiring members to cease all association and collections from these hunts. The letter confirms that collection of dolphins from the drive hunts for zoos and aquariums is a direct violation of WAZA’s Code of Ethics which condemns the acquisition of animals from the wild through cruel and nonselective methods.
WDCS has been working to encourage accountability from all zoo and aquarium associations in acknowledging and condemning the dolphin drive hunts and requiring member institutions to cease all associations and involvement with these hunts as a source of live dolphins for their programs. [link AZA and WAZA Taipei statements] WAZA has taken a necessary next step by contacting and informing its membership, and requiring all members to severe their connections with these inhumane hunts.
