Title: Exercising and emphasising compassion – The case for ending Cetacean captivity

Biography:

Dan Richardson is an actor, filmmaker and photographer. He is a Patron - Born Free Foundation, Voice for Asian Elephants Society, Nature Watch Foundation and Good Heart Sanctuary. He is an Ambassador - IAPWA, Remembering Wildlife.  He hosts and speaks regularly at public and charity events supporting causes and campaigns including the bid to secure the release of Lolita the Orca from Miami Seaquarium, the ongoing plight of iconic African wildlife and advocating veganism.

Abstract

Currently it is considered acceptable to hold dolphin, orca, beluga and other cetaceans in captivity for human entertainment. Clearly among the most emotionally and socially complex of all creatures, there is an urgent need to recognize and acknowledge the sentience of these beings. Moreover to rewrite global protocols and accepted norms in order to drive a systematic and comprehensive phasing out of this archaic, cruel practice. Cetaceans are to this day still being taken from the wild, with devastating consequences for those captured and family members left behind, in order to fulfill demand for hotels, waterparks and other facilities around the world. We must discuss and become the catalyst for an end to this.