To remain a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums (JAZA) announced that its members will stop buying live dolphins from Taiji, Wakayama, the town whose annual dolphin drive has been harshly criticized around the world. This move will have a significant impact on the major aquariums of in Kyushu since 31 of the 44 dolphins at Marine World (Fukuoka), Umitamago (Oita) and Iwo World (Kagoshima) were procured from Taiji. At Fukuoka’s Marine World, the largest dolphinarium in Western Japan, 11 of 21 dolphins came from Taiji. Purchasing dolphins for use in dolphin shows is cheaper than raising them, so some aquariums may find it difficult to continue their shows in the not too distant future. Koji Takada, the director of Marine World and the representative of JAZA’s Kyushu-Okinawa Block said, “Taiji’s dolphin hunting methods are recognized under Japanese law and are unique to Japanese culture. I do not think purchasing dolphins is an issue.” Nishinippon Shimbun 5/20
(photo for image purpose only)
