Let them swim free
AG Saño left a high-paying job in the US to devote his life to his “Save Dolphins” campaign. He is trying to raise awareness about the annual slaughter of dolphins in Japan by painting 23,000 images of the marine mammals.
”This isn’t just a Japan issue. Every time a Filipino buys tickets to a marine mammal show or to a traveling dolphin show, he or she is contributing to the pockets of those who condone the slaughter, “ he says. “Many people do not know the connection but the Japanese drive fisheries which slaughter the dolphins also send young dolphins to builders of marine parks. These marine park owners claim to have ‘saved’ these dolphins from slaughter but are actually fuelling the trade of captive dolphins. Capturing dolphins from the wild — for any purpose — creates an imbalance in the ecosystem. Needless to say, these dolphins who are highly-intelligent and have deep ties with others of their kind are forcibly taken from their families to live out a short miserable life.”
AG has taken hundreds of photographs of dolphins and other marine mammals in the wild to know that these animals are not happy when they are held captive
”Captive dolphins rarely live beyond 15 years old. Dolphins in the wild have recorded lifespans of at least 40 to 50 years old,” says AG.
AG’s campaign is fully supported by many non-profit environmental and animal welfare NGO’s particularly by The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and Earth Island Institute-Philippines. Both organizations are sponsoring a special screening of the Academy Award-Winning documentary, The Cove at SM Mall of Asia’s Directors Cinema on Oct. 2 at 11 a.m.
”We’re also mobilizing our volunteers to help AG paint a special wall for World Animal Day,” says World Animal Day Philippine ambassador and PAWS program director, Anna Cabrera. “ We think it is crucial to inform people that the best way we can protect our wildlife is to make sure we keep them wild and untouched.”
AG, PAWS and EII are particularly concerned that many dolphin facilities are sprouting up in some provinces or regions — with local governments saying that they are cordoning off a portion of the waters to protect dolphins.
”Dolphins should be kept free. Ordinances should focus on having wardens in the locality that help guard against the killing and capture of these magnificent creatures,” says AG.
PAWS, together with Earth Island Institute (EII), an international environmental organization with a regional office in the Philippines has been working on projects that protect marine mammals and their ecosystem for many years now.
Both organizations have forged a partnership with SM Cinemas to show The Cove at SM Mall of Asia Oct 2, in celebration of World Animal Day. There is a special screening for members of the press today, 5 p.m. at the Director’s Club. SM Mall of Asia.
Academy Award Winner for Best Documentary of 2009, The Cove follows an elite team of activists, filmmakers and freedivers as they embark on a covert mission to penetrate a remote and hidden cove in Taiji, Japan, shedding light on a dark and deadly secret. Utilizing state-of-the-art techniques, including hidden microphones and cameras in fake rocks, the team uncovers how this small seaside village serves as a horrifying microcosm of massive ecological crimes happening worldwide.
Director Louie Psihoyos of the Oceanic Preservation Society (OPS) has allowed PAWS and EII to screen The Cove in the Philippines in support of the advocacy.
For volunteers who would like to help AG Sano paint dolphins, send him an e-mail at agsano2000@yahoo.com
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Here are a few more
dogs that are up for adoption at the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) shelter.
Reno was rescued in Cubao with a badly beaten-up face. The rescuer thought this dog was dead as he lay bloodied under a parked jeepney, but as he reached in for the body to give it a decent burial, the dog whimpered. Reno is now fully recovered but strongly dislikes cats. He has to go to a home with no cats so that his happily-ever-after will be complete.
Patch’s body was half-in and half-out of a manhole. The sad-looking dog was whimpering for help when he was found. Patch has been groomed and is undergoing training at the PAWS shelter. He looks timid, but is actually very jolly and energetic.
John was run over as a puppy and he walks with a slight limp. Hi disability has not dampened this dog’s spirits. He will lick anyone and wag his tail in abandon at the prospect of being taken for a walk around PARC!
Myrtle needs an assuring family as she is very shy. Won’t you be the one to give Myrtle the loving and peaceful home that she needs?
Miles is a heartworm survivor, is one of the shelter’s longest residents. Many PAWS volunteers are keeping their fingers crossed that this big sweet fluff of black gets adopted soon.
Ninja has trouble getting along with other dogs, but he is loving and affectionate to all humans.
William has a tragic past has resulted in the loss of his right eye, but William’s energy and loving nature more than makes up for his lost eye. He has his eyes set on a future with a loving family to call his own.
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For more information on adoption, call The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS at 475-1688. Office hours are on Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
