Stand Up, Make Change 2019

https://paytonminzenmayer.com/blog/yrwh5y3cemyff8b8hk9rl7wegla4ez

     What is your passion? Find a cause below and use the link to stand up for what you believe in, change will only happen if we push it. 

Plastic Straws: 

• Urge McDonalds to replace plastic straws -- https://www.change.org/p/mcdonald-s-replace-plastic-straws?source_location=topic_page
• Urge Dunkin Donuts to adopt a straw upon request policy -- https://www.change.org/p/dunkin-donuts-adopt-a-plastic-straw-upon-request-policy?source_location=topic_page
• Urge Starbucks to commit to phase out all plastic packaging--- https://www.change.org/p/starbucks-commit-to-phase-out-all-plastic-packaging?source_location=topic_page

Environment:

• Say NO to expansion of off shore drilling -- https://www.change.org/p/ryan-zinke-say-no-to-largest-expansion-of-off-shore-drilling-ever?source_location=topic_page
• Protect polar bears from oil drilling in the Artic Wildlife Refuge -- https://www.change.org/p/arctic-slope-regional-corporation-protect-polar-bears-no-oil-drilling-in-the-arctic-wildlife-refuge?source_location=topic_page
• Approve sale of only reef safe sunscreen in the Florida Keys -- https://www.change.org/p/florida-state-senate-approve-the-sale-of-only-reef-safe-sunscreens-in-the-florida-keys?pt=AVBldGl0aW9uABOz1QAAAAAAXC7DOs39COwzMWM2NTE1Yw%3D%3D&source_location=topic_page

Conservation:

• Stop trophy shark fishing in Florida -- https://www.change.org/p/fwc-crack-down-on-land-based-shark-fishing?source_location=topic_page
• Urge Coca-Cola to stop using plastic 6-pack rings -- https://www.change.org/p/coca-cola-stop-using-plastic-rings-to-package-soda-cans?source_location=topic_page
• Equal Laws to protect west coast endangered Orcas -- https://www.change.org/p/equal-laws-to-protect-west-coast-endangered-orcas

Pollution: 

• Urge Blue Apron to use a "return and reuse" ice pack program -- https://www.change.org/p/blue-apron-s-ice-packs-go-to-landfills-tell-them-to-make-an-ice-pack-recycling-program?source_location=topic_page
• Urge tobacco companies to take responsibility for butt  pollution -- https://www.change.org/p/sea-hugger-make-big-tobacco-responsible-for-their-cigarette-butt-pollution?source_location=topic_page
• Ban plastic bags in Florida -- https://www.change.org/p/ban-plastic-bags-in-florida?source_location=topic_page

Climate Change:

• Improve climate change efforts -- https://www.change.org/p/department-of-energy-improve-climate-change-efforts?source_location=topic_page

Oceans:

• Stop killing sharks for trinkets -- https://www.change.org/p/miami-surf-style-stop-killing-sharks-for-trinkets?source_location=topic_page
• Save North Atlantic Right Whales from Airgun blasting -- https://www.change.org/p/save-north-atlantic-right-whales-from-seismic-airgun-blasting?source_location=topic_page
• Stop Shark finning trade in Florida -- https://www.change.org/p/florida-state-house-stop-shark-finning-in-florida?pt=AVBldGl0aW9uACTuyAAAAAAAXC7H0DJSW6BkMjQ0NmYyNg%3D%3D&source_location=topic_page
• Urge Governor Rick Scott to join 22 other states to create an action plan for harmful algae bloom -- https://www.change.org/p/rick-scott-florida-s-gulf-coast-is-dying-millions-of-dead-fish-sea-turtles-manatees-and-dolphins-toxictide?source_location=topic_page

Captivity:

• Shut down SeaQuest Interactive Aquarium -- https://www.change.org/p/southwest-plaza-mall-close-seaquest-interactive-aquarium?source_location=topic_page
• End Dolphin captivity in Hawaii -- https://www.change.org/p/david-ige-end-dolphin-captivity-in-hawaii

Red Tide in Florida

     The South West coast of Florida has been experiencing a horrific red tide for the past couple of weeks. This has been the worst red tide event in Florida history. 200 pound Goliath Groupers washed up on beaches in Longboat Key and Sanibel, as well as 300 dead sea turtles, 100 manatees, a dozen dolphins, and a large whale shark. Fish of varying species have been seen floating in Tampa Bay, and have piled up on beaches all the way to South Naples.

     Throughout the summer of 2018, the blue waters of the Florida coast have turned brown, red and green killing wildlife and making people sick. This is because of a human-made problem, it is harmful algae bloom from pollution. This causes a green bloom that is typically normal but because of the pollution, it brings the algae to toxic levels.  It causes death to marine life and can cause humans with asthma and other health problems in the emergency room with a cough and shortness of breath.

   

Suit Up to Clean Up

     We are just a week away from the International Coastal Cleanup held by the Ocean Conservancy! The ICC began over 30 years ago when people began gathering together with the same goal of picking up and documenting the amount of trash that pollutes the coastlines. Throughout the United States and more than 100 countries come together to participate in this massive conservation event. Suit up to clean up on September 15th, 2018. To find a beach cleanup near you click here.

Hawaii ban on sunscreen

     Hawaii signed a ban on Tuesday, July 3rd to ban sunscreen containing chemicals that have been extremely harmful to the coral reefs. The bill is set to go into effect, January 1, 2021. Distribution and use of sunscreen with oxybenzone and octinoxate will be fully prohibited. Haereticus Environmental Laboratory found the chemicals to be bleaching, deforming and even causing death in coral when the chemicals are washed off beachgoers.

Here's your sunscreen alternatives:

 Honest Company Mineral SPF 50+

Kiss My Face Broad Spectrum SPF 50+

Carbon Footprint, what is it and how do I change it?

     A carbon footprint is defined as the total amount of greenhouse gases produced to, directly and indirectly, support human activities. 

      Once you realize the effect your carbon footprint makes on the earth, you can do simple things to change this. It is important to offset the CO2 emissions as much as possible as you can contribute to climate change. 

      Greenhouse gases are compounds that group together and trap heat under the Earth's surface. Greenhouse gases are the growing cause of our global warming issue. This mass problem affects all walks of life from our plants to our animals and oceans. 

    Walking or riding a bike is a way to avoid CO2 emission completely if you can't get to where you're traveling too easily by walking, then carpooling is a great option if applicable. Speeding and hard acceleration also emit more CO2 than needed and runs your mileage down by 33%. 

     When choosing appliances for the home, make energy efficiency a top priority. Turn off lights when you are not using them and replace bulbs with LED light bulbs. Set your thermostat so it can turn the heat or AC off while you are not in the home. Add solar panels to the roof of your home if you live in a mostly sunny area, you could eliminate your electricity bill and reduce your carbon footprint. 

     Eat local produce and organic food. 13% of US greenhouse gases come from the making and transport of food. Lessen your water usage by turning off the water when not in immediate use and make efficient choices when looking for faucets.  

     Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. 20% of greenhouses gases result from the mass production and transport of goods. Buying used products or recycling products you no longer use you will dramatically reduce your carbon footprint. 

     Find out what your carbon footprint is here

Plastic Free 2018!

     Everyone makes resolutions around the new year, if your resolution was to go plastic-free you have come to the right place! I've done a similar post to this before but I found some awesome new shops that sell plastic-free solutions to everyday needs, I'm super excited to share these new essentials with you!

     I have found The Zero Waste Collective on Instagram and they have done all of the work for me but I just had to shout out their Instagram page because they are awesome! Here are some of the products I have found with their help. 

Buy this 5 pack of reusable produce bags for $32.83 on amazon

A SILICONE reusable sandwich bag for $11.99 on amazon

  Reusable coffee cup with a silicone cover for $26.95 on amazon

Set of 6, washable cloth napkins for $15.99 on amazon

Bamboo cutlery set with straw for $12.99 on amazon

     The next shop I also found on Instagram called Package Free Shop their products are amazing and their Instagram is so aesthetically pleasing, I highly recommend following them.  Beeswax food wraps, variety or whatever size you need. 

Canning jar drinking lid 

A stainless steel ice pack

    

Fresh start for 2018!

     Hello everyone, it has been a long 6 months away from the keyboard. A lot has happened within that time, I am heading for Florida in May to permanently live there. I got a new job (well old, new job) and will have more time to focus on myself and this blog now that I'm out of the old job. I'm super excited for what this year is going to bring!
   
     What you can expect from this blog within the next year...

• Beach cleanup updates 
• Green living DIY 
• Their Story; will continue 
• Marine life facts
• SeaWorld updates

     I will also continue with recommendations on places to shop and people or businesses to support. I will be adding a segment monthly on the deaths of captive Orcas. This will be called "Lost Freedom" and I will be documenting whale deaths to show an impact on whales and their lives.  

     I am super excited to begin blogging again and seeing where my passion for the earth takes me and this blog next. Happy New Year everyone, here's to a GREEN new year!!   

Hiatus...

     Hello everyone, to those who have been following my blog for the past year, I have had so much fun researching and writing about the things I'm passionate about. Right now I am focusing on my career and need the time to myself when I get it (which isn't often.) May-December is the busiest time for shoppers so I am going to be taking a hiatus until January 2018. I can't wait to be back with new and fresh ideas and continuing with my passion, but until then, farewell. 

Manatee Facts

     Manatees have been on the endangered species list for years but as of January 2016, the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service announced that the West Indian manatee has been removed from the endangered species list to the threatened species list. In the 1970s just a few hundred manatees were swimming the seas but the current population just in Florida is around 6,620. 

     

     There are 3 types of known manatee species:

1. West Indian Manatee, the largest species of manatee in the world.
2. Amazonian Manatee, generally found in freshwater lakes and lagoons.
3. African Manatee, the least known species. 

Description:

    

      Manatees are close relatives to Elephants, Hyrax, Dugong and Stellar's Sea Cow. "Manatee" comes from the Crab word "manti" which means breast udder. Adults can grow to 13 feet long and weigh 1,300 pounds. Manatees are the largest herbivores in the ocean, they consume 10-15 percent of their body weight in vegetation every day. Manatees are large and gray with a paddle-shaped tail and they have two flippers with 3-4 nails on each. They also have a large snout with wrinkled faces and whiskers. Using their tails they can go short bursts at 15 mph but typically like to swim at a mere 5 mph. 

Habitat:

     Manatees can typically be found in shallow, slow-moving rivers, salt-water bays, canals, and coastal areas. Manatees are migratory and can be found in Florida in the winter. The summer months they can be seen from as far as Texas to Massachusetts. West Indian Manatees can also be found in coastal and inland waterways of Central America and along the northern coast of South America. Manatees can hold their breath for 15 to 20 minutes but they usually surface every 5 minutes to breathe. With one breath a manatee can replace 90 percent of the air in their lungs, compared to humans who can only replace 10 percent. 

     

Death and Protection laws:

      Manatees have no natural enemies and it is believed that they can live up to 60 years plus. Most manatee deaths are due to natural causes but a high amount of deaths is human-related. Most human-related fatalities involving manatees are usually collisions with watercraft or being crushed in canal docks. Another large percentage is the ingestion of fish hooks, litter, and entanglement in crab trap lines. The biggest and most serious threat to manatees is loss of habitat. Manatees are protected under the Manatee Sanctuary Act which states its unlawful to molest, harass, or disturb the animals. 

Offspring:

     Manatees are not sexually mature until 5 years old and their reproductive rate is fairly low. During mating, a female manatee will be followed by 12 or more males. One calf will be born every two to five years. A female manatees gestation period is about a year and mothers will nurse for the first two years of the calves life. 

     

Beach Clean-up Essentials

photo from surfrider foundation

     When I first started beach cleanups I walked onto the beach with no gloves and no trash bag and would pick up large items here and there. Since learning about plastic pollution and obvious sanitary issues I started getting serious about my clean up efforts and over time have found things that work better for me than others. If you're not sure how to start or what you may need, this list of essentials will easily help get you started on making a difference on your local beaches.

1. Gloves

     You can use whatever gloves you have or prefer, I used to just buy a box of medical grade gloves BUT it is not very sustainable to use plastic when trying to rid plastic so I started to opt for fabric garden gloves. You can get cute ones or use ones you may already have laying around, it's really up to you. You also have different options as to what type of glove, again it doesn't matter that much as long as it's comfortable and lets your hands breathe but won't puncture easily. They're also fairly cheap so if you can't afford much there are tons of options under $10.

 

2. A bucket 

     You can, of course, use any sort of trash bag or plastic bag you may have gotten at the grocery store but if you're looking for something more sustainable and easier to work with I recommend a bucket. Typically this works well especially if it is breezy. I've had so many times I was using a trash bag and it somehow opened on me and trash fell out or I put the bag down to do something and the wind took it. Another problem I always came across was the bag twisting around itself and not being able to open it easier and I spent more time fighting with the bag than picking up the trash. With a bucket, you just plop it in the area you are working and throw things in as you go, you have two hands to work with and it makes things flow much easier. Another suggestion is using a lid on your bucket so when it starts to become full, you aren't losing pieces of trash from the wind blowing them out. The best part is that though the bucket is typically plastic it is reusable and you can buy them in bulk if you are organizing a cleanup. You could also use those pop-up hampers, the only con to those is that they can fly away and they aren't as easy to cleanout.


3. First aid kit

     You don't need to carry this one with you but I would recommend keeping one in your car or at your beach station if you've set up a towel with other things. You never know what could happen while cleaning up, anything from cuts and scratches to insect bites. You have tons of different options from basic kits to advanced if you're first aid certified the more pieces in a kit you buy, the better.


4. Reusable water bottle 

     A must. It will be hot on the beach, especially in summer, you'll be doing a lot of walking and bending down and standing up. You will want the water. Some beaches have water fountains where you can refill your bottle as you go as well. I recommend stainless steel, you can use glass as well but when the bottle sweats the sand will stick to your glass a lot more than a steel one. 
 

5. Scale 

     This one is definitely optional. I prefer using a scale so at the end of the day I can weigh the amount of trash I have picked up and keep a log. A simple food/kitchen scale will work for this (obviously one that is designated for trash only.)

Hundreds of whales die in mass stranding.

     On February 9th, 2017, rescuers flocked to a New Zealand beach after hundreds of whales were found stranded. This mass stranding is thought to be the largest mass stranding in decades with 416 pilot whales beached. As the morning went on the DOC plead for locals to drop work and school to help the whales by bringing towels, buckets, and sheets to keep them cool and wet. High tide came at 10:30am and the remaining whales that were alive were relocated to their ocean home but early afternoon 90 of the whales ended up back on the shore. 

     It is very common for masses of whales to beach themselves as they are social beings and never leave their pods too far behind but most are now dead. New Zealand has had 3 mass strandings in its history. An astounding 1,866 have sadly died because of these mass strandings. NZ has one of the highest stranding totals in the world with around 300 whales and dolphins beaching themselves in a year, every year. There is no known cause as to why this issue is so overwhelming and prevalent in this area but it is thought to be most injured, sick or dying whales that end up on the beaches. 

Source:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/10/hundreds-whales-die-mass-stranding-new-zealand-beach

     

How To: Recycle

source

     Why recycle?

     Prevention is better than trying to fix something when it's too late. By recycling, you are helping the environment out tremendously, because not only are the effects of pollution and greenhouse gasses killing animals, they are slowly killing you too. 

1. Dumping our trash into landfills is not sustainable. Our landfills can leak and contaminate soil and groundwater. 
2. Recycling white paper creates 74% less air pollution and 35% less water pollution.
3. Recycling creates jobs, the recycling industry employs more than the auto industry. 
4. Recycling saves money, and not only that but some places even pay you to recycle. 

     What happens to recyclables?

1. Glass bottles become new glass bottles.
2. Steel cans are used for automobile parts and construction material. 
3. Plastic bottles are recycled into carpet, clothing, auto parts, and new bottles.
4. Paper is recycled into new paper. 

     What are the benefits of recycling?

1. Reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills, which in turn saves landfills from leakages of toxins. 
2. Conserving natural resources.
3. Prevents pollution.
4. Saves energy 
5. Reduces greenhouse gasses, which in turn helps eliminate global climate change. 
6. It helps sustain the environment for years to come. 

     What are the statistics?

1. One ton of recycled newsprint paper saves 601 kilowatts of energy, 71 gallons of oil, 60 pounds of air pollutants, 7.000 gallons of water and 4.6 cubic yards of landfill. 
2. One ton of recycled office paper saves 17 trees, 7,000 gallons of water, 463 gallons of oil, 3 cubic yards of landfill.
3. One ton of recycled plastic saves 5,774 kilowatts of energy, 16.3 barrels of oil, and 30 cubic yards of landfill.
4. One ton of recycled glass saves 42 kilowatts of energy, 5 gallons of oil, 7.5 pounds of air pollutants, and 2 cubic yards of landfill. 
5. If every American recycled one-tenth of their newspapers it would save 25,000,000 trees a year.
6. Americans use 2,500,000 plastic bottles every hour and more than 75% are thrown away. 
7. 100,000 marine creatures die per year from plastic entanglement or digesting it. 

     What can I recycle?

1. Aluminum cans. 
2. Aluminum foil and bakeware. 
3. Steel and tin cans. 
4. Cardboard.
5. Magazines. 
6. Office paper.
7. Newspaper.
8. Paperboard. 
9. Paper cardboard dairy and juice cartons. 
10. Junk Mail.
11. Phone books. 
12. Clear glass.
13. Brown glass.
14. Green glass.
15. Plastics.
16. Car batteries. 
17. Household batteries. 
18. Rechargeable batteries. 
19. Incandescent and LED lights. 
20. Compact fluorescent bulbs. 

     What can't be recycled?

1. Glass contaminated with dirt, rocks or food. 
2. Ceramics.
3. Heat resistant glass.
4. Mirror or window glass.
5. Metal or plastic caps and lids.
6. Crystal. 

     How can I recycle?

1. Call a recycling pick up service 
2. Use a recycling service like Clynk 
3. Reduce and reuse (Pinterest is a great tool for DIY)
4. Compost
5. Donate or sell used clothes 

     Resources and more about this topic:

- http://www.lessismore.org/materials/28-why-recycle
- https://www.epa.gov/recycle/recycling-basics
- https://www.ecocycle.org/files/pdfs/why_recycle_%20brochure.pdf
- http://www.wm.com/thinkgreen/what-can-i-recycle.jsp

Whalesome Goals in 2017!

     Ringing in the New Year with two blog posts, the first was a recap of 2016 and now we're moving on to 2017 personal goals to help protect and conserve our oceans. Before moving on to that, let us talk about the above painting. In July I went to a paint night ready to paint a lighthouse at sunset and came out of it with a breaching Orca and educational experience for everyone at the paint night. As we revealed our paintings at the end of the night everyone (including the instructor) was memorized by my Orca. It sparked conversations about Killer Whales, Free Willy, and Shamu. I used this opportunity to educate about captivity and the impacts it has on these beautiful creatures. I will never know what came out of my lecture but I do know it left a mark since I went back in September and the instructor remembered me as the "Orca girl." This is how I want to inspire and educate all throughout 2017. Now onto the goals!

      1. Clean up at least 10 beaches. 

- There is an app called "Clean Swell" that I use to help keep track of what I'm picking up. The app is free and available on iPhone and Android. This app was created by Ocean Conservancy and you can track what you've picked up, total distance cleaned, a record of your cleanup efforts and you can share your efforts with friends on social media. Find out more here.

      2. Reduce the use of plastic by 30%

- I already have started to avoid plastic water bottles and have started getting my co-workers to at least recycle their plastic and cans. I want to take it a step further and; 

• Begin using reusable cups and bags instead of plastic one-use cups and plastic bags.  
• Stop using plastic straws in restaurants.
• Start using a razor with replaceable blades instead of disposables
• Start bringing a reusable container for leftovers at restaurants
• Avoid frozen convenience food  
• Give up chewing gum 
• Start using bar soap instead of liquid hand soap
• Find a plastic-free hairbrush

      3. Adopt at least 3 marine animals. 

- There are great websites like the WDC and WWF that provide ways to adopt animals. On WWF they donate 85% to conservation programs and the WDC donates proceeds to releasing captive Cetaceans and conserve ocean habitats. 

      4. Promote websites that help make a difference at least once a month. 

- In 2016 I discovered two amazing websites that donate some of their proceeds to different causes. The first one is Devoted To The Ocean, they raise awareness about pollution and the growing effects it has on marine habitats. Devocean donates 20% of its net profits to the FAU Marine Research Lab at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. The second website is Beautiful Baleine, they raise awareness for captivity and commercial whaling. 10% of their net profits are directly donated to whales.org to fund efforts in research. 

      5. Sign and promote at least 6 petitions relating to marine life on Change.org

- Change.org is a platform for change, by taking action and signing petitions on their website you could help in success and victories of things you are passionate about. Last year I signed 4 petitions from pledging to re-use plastic, to Seaworld issues. This year I am aiming for 6 or more signed petitions, as well as promoting each petition on my social media.

     

Whalecoming 2017!

vinyardvines.com

      Happy 2017, we are whalecoming it with open arms are getting ready for bigger and better achievements and accomplishments to come in this new year. Here's your 2016 overwhalming recap, the achievements, and downfalls. 

  - January 

• NOAA expands Critical Habitat for Endangered North Atlantic Right Whales
• The DOC has started a 3-year research project on the Taranaki coast, studying Blue Whales
• Taiji Dolphin hunt continues
• Manatees are no longer endangered
• Pollution could drive UK Orcas to extinction 
• Victory for WDC in the battle against commercial whale hunting
• Seaworld Orlando stops Beluga Whale interaction program 
• Nearly 40,000 square miles of protection granted for 500 Right Whales

   - February

• Seaworld admits their employees spied on PETA 
• Seaworld reports they've lost $11 million in their quarterly earnings
• A new film looks at the issue of whale and dolphin rights 
• Toxic chemicals found in brains of beached whales
• Beachgoers cause the death of a baby dolphin

    - March

• Seaworld announces they will be phasing out their killer whale shows 
• Seaworld is ending their breeding program 
• National Dolphin Awareness Month
• Japan to resume Antarctic whaling despite a court ruling 
• New maps reduce threats to whales and dolphins

    - April

• Seaworld reveals Tilikums state of health 
• Seaworld withdraws plans for expansions of Orca Tanks 
• Green Sea Turtles no longer endangered in Florida
• Gulf of Mexico perinatal deaths likely a result of oil exposure

    - May

• Seaworld San Antonio announces new plans for dolphin habitat 
• Seaworld reports more than an $84 million loss 
• Whale Sanctuary Project to create seaside sanctuaries for whales and dolphins

    - June

• Orca Awareness Month
• WDC in the UK held "Walk for Whales"
• Seaworld releases a new update on Tilikum's health
• Sea Turtle recovering after being stepped on and beaten for selfies
• Captive dolphin facility to close in Singapore
• Pilot whale dies at Seaworld
• US aquarium wants to create a sanctuary for captive dolphins
• Georgia Aquarium will no longer take whales or dolphins from the wild 

    - July

• Rare fin whale spotted in Puget Sound, WA
• Sea Turtle Awareness Month
• 115 whales killed for "science"

    - August

• Seaworld's stock hits an all-time low
• Whale older than the Titanic seen off the coast of Washington
• The FFWCC has reports Florida boaters are killing Manatees at a record-setting pace

    - September

• California bans Killer Whale shows and breeding
• Most Humpback Whales are no longer endangered
• Seaworld cuts dividends  

    - October 

• Adventure Aquarium to release Sea Turtle back into the wild

    - November 

• Manatee Awareness Month 

    - December 

• Captive dolphin park to be sued after dolphin death
• Seaworld announces a plan to build a park in the Middle East 

    

3 Ways You Can Help Save Captive Whales RIGHT NOW.

www.causes.com

     1. Educate.

          - Watch "Blackfish" ~ http://www.blackfishmovie.com/ ~ (Also on Netflix)

               - Read "The Killer In The Pool" ~ http://www.outsideonline.com/1924946/killer-pool

                    - Read "Killer Controversy" ~ http://www.hsi.org/assets/pdfs/orca_white_paper.pdf

                         - Visit and Read "Death At SeaWorld" ~ http://deathatseaworld.com/

                              - Read "Why Killer Whales Should Not Be Kept In Captivity"                                                                                                                                                       ~ https://www.bbc.com

                                   - Read "8 Reasons Orcas Don't Belong At SeaWorld"                                                                                                                                                         ~ www.SeaWorldOfHurt.com

                                        - Watch "Voiceless" ~ http://bluefreedom.org/#film

     

     2. Join an Anti-Cap Group.

          - Whale and Dolphin Conservation

               - Blue Freedom

                    - Free Morgan Foundation

                         - Orca Conservancy

                              - The Orca Project

                                   - SeaWorld Of Hurt

                                        - SeaWorld Slaves

     3. Sign Petitions. 

          - Release Tilikum To Sea Sanctuary

               - Investigate SeaWorld And Why Whales Keep Dying

                    - Urge SeaWorld To End All Animal Acts

                         - Get Starbucks Out Of SeaWorld And Boycott Until They Do So 

California Bans Captivity and Breeding!

www.takepart.com

     

     What we are doing is working, we are being heard. On September 13, California Governor Jerry Brown signed legislation that will outlaw Orca captivity and breeding programs like SeaWorld San Diego. Starting in June 2017, the Orcas that remain in captivity will only be used for "educational purposes." California is the first state to ban breeding and use of marine mammals in theatrical shows. 

Read More:

- http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-sac-essential-politics-updates-california-bans-orca-captivity-and-1473800196-htmlstory.html

- http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/14/us/orca-killer-whales-california-ban/

Their Story; Namu

www.orcahome.de

     My name is Namu, I was the first healthy Orca to have ever been captured from the wild. I was the first healthy Orca to be displayed in an aquarium and perform with a human as well. I was captured in June 1965 and was sold to the Seattle Marine Aquarium for $8,000. The owner of the aquarium brought in a female whale named Shamu a few months after me, we didn't get along and she had to leave.

     I also starred in a movie called "Namu, The Killer Whale" or "Namu, My Best Friend" that was released in 1966. It was a fictional story set in the San Juan Islands. But after starring in a movie and performing for a year I passed away in captivity on July 9, 1966.

www.mefeedia.com

www.historylink.org

Rest In Peace Namu

Orcas Are Not The Only Animals Suffering.

picture from: www.sdnews.com

     We've done well. We've made some huge steps in the anti-captivity community, but are we doing enough? We spend so much of our time protesting for the Orcas, but what about the other animals who are still being bred? Forced to perform? Who are also stuck in the same small pools? Orcas are not the only animals suffering and we need to remember that. 

www.flickriver.com

www.krusakafamily.com

     SeaWorld's Bottlenose Dolphins are kept in a tank that is available to the public. Visitors can walk right up to the pool and pet the dolphins as they wish. SeaWorld doesn't ask visitors to wash their hands before touching, this has caused bacterial infections in the dolphins. 

     The Pacific White-Sided dolphins live in Beluga Stadium where they perform with Beluga Whales. The public can swim with the Beluga's, touch, hug and kiss them as much as they want. Many of the marine mammals living in SeaWorld already have low immunity to infection, adding public contact with an animal is dangerous and deadly. SeaWorld, as of February 2016 has reported 5 animals dead in an 8-month time span. 

        

 Read More here: https://www.thedodo.com/seaworld-dolphin-died-1594637580.html

SIGN A PETITION TO END CAPTIVE DOLPHIN BREEDING:

----> https://www.change.org/p/support-animals-end-seaworld-s-dolphin-breeding-program

     

Why I Support SeaWorld Rescue.

     I know what you're thinking. "How do you support SeaWorld Rescue but not the parks?" Well, I'm going to tell you. There is a lot of facts and research that go behind my decision to support their rescue efforts. What you see in the parks, at the shows, those are mostly captive-bred animals who have never seen the ocean and have been forced to perform. But, a majority of the other animals who are living there are in rehabilitation and will soon be free to roam their homes again soon. 

     - Did you know that SeaWorld has rescued over 25,000+ animals? 

https://seaworldcares.com/2015/04/twenty-five-thousand-rescues/

     

     - Did you know that SeaWorld is the largest rescue and rehabilitation program in the world?

www.seaworldparks.com

     - Did you know only a small percentage of rescues do not get released? 

www.seaworldparks.com

  

     - Did you know that, though SeaWorld's Orcas are not rescued, they have assisted in whale rescues?

www.telegraph.co.uk

More sources to check out below:      

Four reasons why condemning SeaWorld is a bad idea: - http://awesomeocean.com/2014/12/04/four-reasons-condemning-seaworld-really-bad-idea/

SeaWorlds Rescue/Rehab information book: 

 - https://seaworld.org/en/animal-info/animal-infobooks/rescue-and-rehab/

SeaWorlds conservation blog: 

- http://www.insideconservation.com/?pos=2&webSyncID=a2510d23-1981-970b-9c5c-397c8c067d79&sessionGUID=7aeda78b-7c04-10ba-124a-05bb30323c72

The rescue of a Gray Whale Calf: 

- http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2013/images/10/11/blackfish.seaworld.27-03_stewart_papers.pdf

Fact Check:

- http://www.seaworldfactcheck.com/