Thursday, January 10, 2013
Right now a pod of 11-12 orcas are trapped in the ice in Inukjuaq, near Quebec, Canada, in Hudson Bay. They are fighting for their lives. With a sudden drop in temperatures, the ice closed in around the family of whales, and right now they only have about a 30 foot hole to breathe from. The situation is critical. Please share about this, donate if possible and pray for these beautiful, terrified whales! An icebreaker ship is nowhere near there, so it is a dire situation. Here is a link to the latest story on the whales:
Trapped Orca In Inukjuaq
To the orcas, my heart and soul and prayers are with you. <3
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Dr. Hani Miletski Asks DelphiGirl, "How Do You Cope?"
Happy New Year everyone! :) I hope you and your loved ones have a happy, healthy and prosperous 2013.
For this first entry of 2013, I will be sharing an excerpt from correspondence with Dr. Hani Miletski, Ph.D., MSW, author of "Understanding Bestiality and Zoophilia" ( www.drmiletski.com ).
I initially wrote to Dr. Miletski to thank her for her research on bestiality and zoophilia (namely, the differences thereof and the assertion that zoosexuality is a legitimate sexual orientation rather than a paraphilia), and for writing her book. I also indicated that if she ever conducted further research, I'd be happy to participate. I also asked her if she's spoken with many female zoophiles, to which she replied that she had, but only very few. This is not surprising to me at all. It's lonely and difficult for us all, I imagine, but definitely more so for females. One of the questions she asked of me really got me thinking, not only about myself, but about others like me:
"How do you cope?"
This is an important question for every zoosexual, given the rarity of our sexuality (at least in terms of those of us who acknowledge this part of ourselves) and the nearly-universal prejudice and condemnation we face. While much of my answer is specific to delphisexuals, I do think some of it applies to zoosexuals in general. After much thought and reflection, I replied with the following:
"As for your question, this is something that is difficult for myself and others who share my primary attraction. You're right, there are no wild dolphins here (obviously!) and the proposed captive marine park facility never opened (thankfully! I am passionately opposed to captive cetacea, as are all similarly-inclined zoosexuals I've spoken with). My first exposure to dolphins occurred in different places (visits to California and living in the Bay Area for a time; beautiful pictures from a marine biology teacher and an organized visit from this class to a marine research facility in Mexico). The sad truth is that most delphinic zoos will never be able to have a relationship for obvious reasons. There is very limited access to captive cetacea and only a small number of animals in such facilities; all of whom can be easily identified, so contact with them is extremely unlikely for most, and very risky for those who work with them. As for wild dolphins, one faces a difficult situation due to the Marine Mammal Protection Act here in the U.S., similar laws in other coastal places in the world, and other issues prohibiting interaction with these animals. Despite these obstacles, though, some people have had relationships with wild dolphins, and several trainers over the years have shared photos and video of their beloved companions with the DZ community. It's obviously much harder to find this material and it passes primarily from word of mouth.
How do I deal? I deal like most DZ's. No matter where one lives, access is limited to most people (as I shared above). It is therefore extremely painful and awful to know that myself and others with similar sexualities will most likely never have an opportunity to have such a relationship. I cope primarily by celebrating the species I love and doing all I can to advocate for them. I am a passionate anti-captivity activist and my love for dolphins compels me to fight for their welfare. At the moment, the worst issues are the dolphin drives in Taiji, Japan; the pilot whale grinds in the Faroes; captive cetacea in miserable situations and the dolphin serial mutilations/grisly murders happening here in the US. It positively devastates me. I'm far from alone. Like many zoosexuals (and plenty of "normal" people!), animal rights in general is a huge issue for me.
I cope by writing, collecting precious images, stories and artwork; talking with others. Finding the online community has helped me in a big way; to find that I'm not alone and to find you and others who have investigated this issue much further than Kinsey."
So, what about you? How do you cope? I would be interested in hearing from any other zoos (male or female, regardless of which nonhuman animals you're attracted to, but especially female delphisexuals) who feel like sharing how they cope with their sexuality. You are welcome to comment here or respond privately.
For this first entry of 2013, I will be sharing an excerpt from correspondence with Dr. Hani Miletski, Ph.D., MSW, author of "Understanding Bestiality and Zoophilia" ( www.drmiletski.com ).
I initially wrote to Dr. Miletski to thank her for her research on bestiality and zoophilia (namely, the differences thereof and the assertion that zoosexuality is a legitimate sexual orientation rather than a paraphilia), and for writing her book. I also indicated that if she ever conducted further research, I'd be happy to participate. I also asked her if she's spoken with many female zoophiles, to which she replied that she had, but only very few. This is not surprising to me at all. It's lonely and difficult for us all, I imagine, but definitely more so for females. One of the questions she asked of me really got me thinking, not only about myself, but about others like me:
"How do you cope?"
This is an important question for every zoosexual, given the rarity of our sexuality (at least in terms of those of us who acknowledge this part of ourselves) and the nearly-universal prejudice and condemnation we face. While much of my answer is specific to delphisexuals, I do think some of it applies to zoosexuals in general. After much thought and reflection, I replied with the following:
"As for your question, this is something that is difficult for myself and others who share my primary attraction. You're right, there are no wild dolphins here (obviously!) and the proposed captive marine park facility never opened (thankfully! I am passionately opposed to captive cetacea, as are all similarly-inclined zoosexuals I've spoken with). My first exposure to dolphins occurred in different places (visits to California and living in the Bay Area for a time; beautiful pictures from a marine biology teacher and an organized visit from this class to a marine research facility in Mexico). The sad truth is that most delphinic zoos will never be able to have a relationship for obvious reasons. There is very limited access to captive cetacea and only a small number of animals in such facilities; all of whom can be easily identified, so contact with them is extremely unlikely for most, and very risky for those who work with them. As for wild dolphins, one faces a difficult situation due to the Marine Mammal Protection Act here in the U.S., similar laws in other coastal places in the world, and other issues prohibiting interaction with these animals. Despite these obstacles, though, some people have had relationships with wild dolphins, and several trainers over the years have shared photos and video of their beloved companions with the DZ community. It's obviously much harder to find this material and it passes primarily from word of mouth.
How do I deal? I deal like most DZ's. No matter where one lives, access is limited to most people (as I shared above). It is therefore extremely painful and awful to know that myself and others with similar sexualities will most likely never have an opportunity to have such a relationship. I cope primarily by celebrating the species I love and doing all I can to advocate for them. I am a passionate anti-captivity activist and my love for dolphins compels me to fight for their welfare. At the moment, the worst issues are the dolphin drives in Taiji, Japan; the pilot whale grinds in the Faroes; captive cetacea in miserable situations and the dolphin serial mutilations/grisly murders happening here in the US. It positively devastates me. I'm far from alone. Like many zoosexuals (and plenty of "normal" people!), animal rights in general is a huge issue for me.
I cope by writing, collecting precious images, stories and artwork; talking with others. Finding the online community has helped me in a big way; to find that I'm not alone and to find you and others who have investigated this issue much further than Kinsey."
So, what about you? How do you cope? I would be interested in hearing from any other zoos (male or female, regardless of which nonhuman animals you're attracted to, but especially female delphisexuals) who feel like sharing how they cope with their sexuality. You are welcome to comment here or respond privately.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Australia condemns Japan for whale hunt - Asia-Pacific - Al Jazeera English
Australia condemns Japan for whale hunt - Asia-Pacific - Al Jazeera English
I AM SO HAPPY TO READ THIS!
GO AUSTRALIA! Sea Shepherd's methodologies might sometimes elicit an unpleasant response within for various reasons, but their message is 100% valid. WHALING NEEDS TO STOP! PERIOD! Thank you to SSCS for bringing attention to this cause and for directly intervening with the Japanese whaling fleet. IT'S RIDICULOUS! I did my research. I've been to the Japanese site, www.icrwhale.org (Japan's faux-scientific "Institute for Cetacean Research", the figurehead which attempts (and fails miserably) to justify whaling in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary (SOWS). The IWC Moratorium exists for a reason and this pathetic attempt to justify the murder of our oceanic counterparts is sick and wrong.
The "scientific research" argument is a farce. With the exception of a vast minority of proposed reasons, almost all of the reasons Japan gives for needing to "harvest" whales in the SOWS could be accomplished without killing the animals! It is such bullshit, just like the circus act of the IWC in general. *facepalm* This shit is so tired. I hate this and there is NO JUSTIFICATION FOR THE KILLING OF GREAT WHALES -- OR ANY CETACEAN FOR THAT MATTER!
I AM SO HAPPY TO READ THIS!
GO AUSTRALIA! Sea Shepherd's methodologies might sometimes elicit an unpleasant response within for various reasons, but their message is 100% valid. WHALING NEEDS TO STOP! PERIOD! Thank you to SSCS for bringing attention to this cause and for directly intervening with the Japanese whaling fleet. IT'S RIDICULOUS! I did my research. I've been to the Japanese site, www.icrwhale.org (Japan's faux-scientific "Institute for Cetacean Research", the figurehead which attempts (and fails miserably) to justify whaling in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary (SOWS). The IWC Moratorium exists for a reason and this pathetic attempt to justify the murder of our oceanic counterparts is sick and wrong.
The "scientific research" argument is a farce. With the exception of a vast minority of proposed reasons, almost all of the reasons Japan gives for needing to "harvest" whales in the SOWS could be accomplished without killing the animals! It is such bullshit, just like the circus act of the IWC in general. *facepalm* This shit is so tired. I hate this and there is NO JUSTIFICATION FOR THE KILLING OF GREAT WHALES -- OR ANY CETACEAN FOR THAT MATTER!
Friday, December 14, 2012
RE: Where Are All The Vegetarian Zoosexuals? (and ending animal slaughter)
I was reading an article on Vivid Random Existence, one of my favorite animal rights and zoosexuality awareness blogs. The author is extremely intelligent and passionately articulate in conveying both wisdom and sentiment on these and related subjects. The following entry caught my eye this afternoon:
"Where Are All The Vegetarian Zoosexuals? (and ending animal slaughter)". Here's a link to the full article:
http://vividrandomexistence.wordpress.com/2011/12/05/where-are-all-the-vegetarian-zoosexuals
*Raises hand*
As a vegetarian and animal rights activist (with a side of zoosexuality, of course!), advocating for "meat" animals is an issue I am very passionate about.
I would reprint the full entry here, but I do not have the Author's permission, so please consult the above link if you'd like more background on the following.
One of the comments evoked a pretty substantial reaction from me. I've decided to share the comment here, and then share my reply.
Q: "So what would happen is everyone suddenly became a vegetarian? What about the billions of farm animals? Surely their population would increase significantly if we don’t keep it in check anymore, we’ve gotten to a point where we have so many animals used for food that we just can’t turn back. You only think about short term effects."
A: What would happen? Let's see. All of the systematically devalued, hellaciously tortured, artificially inseminated, hormone-filled, genetically engineered, antibiotic-laden suffering of BILLIONS of animals every year would end. CAFO's (Concentrated Animal Farming Operations, a nice, neat, sanitized term for nonhuman animal concentration camps; Dante's Inferno for the poor beings imprisoned there); animals forced to grow too fast to support their own weight; pigs going insane, imprisoned in metal cages without room to move; dairy cows hooked to pumps after they have their first pregnancy, pumped full of hormones to make more milk; sucked dry for a few years and then sent to slaughter when they're spent; sows impregnated over and over and never getting to nurture their own piglets, male piglets having their testes ripped off with no anesthetic; weak newborn piglets "thumped" against the floor (workers hold their feet and swing them, smashing their heads into the concrete floor, then toss them into trash bins -- many still alive, piled among a sea of their bloody, dying, writhing brothers and sisters... calves and lambs boarded up in boxes to keep their meat 'tender' (excuse me while I wretch)...and the worst, most horrific torture chamber of death and debilitation of all: that inflicted upon chickens and turkeys. Poultry species are abused worse than any other 'meat animal' ever. Broken bones are a given; living in total darkness is the new standard; in a closed warehouse-like building without so much as a glimpse outdoors -- to keep them calm, the 'growers' chant -- hock burns and burning lungs and eyes from standing -- if they can still stand -- on a 'floor' of inches of their own acrid excrement; trampled and crushed under the suffocating weight of their specially-engineered kin...and if a lame bird is found, they are bashed to death with metal poles, left to flop around in an excruciating death before being mercilessly hurled into waste bins. At transport time, these birds are chucked into cramped transport cages like some kind of sick, twisted ballgame...all this would end. And what would become of these animals? Considering the extremely unnatural means for replicating them and keeping them alive long enough to make them sizable enough to send to their deaths, the solution would be to care for those still living for the end of their days...and STOP "GROWING" [breeding] MORE MORE OF THEM. Yep, to the good ol' meat industry, these suffering beings not even acknowledged as living animals. You "grow" chickens in industry terms, not raise them. More nice words to deflect the sickness of the CAFO death houses, far removed from the horrors that go on there.
Did you know that 70% of all the antibiotics manufactured today go into keeping these sick, immunocompromised, poisoned, deformed, suffering creatures alive? The whole industrialization and veiled "prettifying" of 'meat production' is awful on every level in my opinion.
Oh, and before you ask, yes -- I am absolutely thinking long-term. The number one contributor to greenhouse gasses is the livestock industry! Not to mention all the nitrogen-overloaded waste these 'operations' produce -- polluting our waterways and suffocating the aquatic animals who live there (algae thrive on animal waste and consume all the oxygen in the water and fish asphyxiate in the water...and then all the species who eat fish starve, too). We're killing them; we're killing ourselves and this industry is indefensible and ethically reprehensible! Joe neighbor can flip out about animal abuse because someone hits their dog, but farm animals, that's different! Hush hush, the "food animals" can suffer, they're just a commodity, right? Speciesism is so very, very, willfully ignorant.
These frankenfood factories need to stop. If we all went vegetarian, every single mouth in the WORLD could be fed. The amount of grain, water and land required to 'produce' a pound of beef is staggering. Don't believe me? Do some research. You'll see for yourself.
Okay, rant over.
"Where Are All The Vegetarian Zoosexuals? (and ending animal slaughter)". Here's a link to the full article:
http://vividrandomexistence.wordpress.com/2011/12/05/where-are-all-the-vegetarian-zoosexuals
*Raises hand*
As a vegetarian and animal rights activist (with a side of zoosexuality, of course!), advocating for "meat" animals is an issue I am very passionate about.
I would reprint the full entry here, but I do not have the Author's permission, so please consult the above link if you'd like more background on the following.
One of the comments evoked a pretty substantial reaction from me. I've decided to share the comment here, and then share my reply.
Q: "So what would happen is everyone suddenly became a vegetarian? What about the billions of farm animals? Surely their population would increase significantly if we don’t keep it in check anymore, we’ve gotten to a point where we have so many animals used for food that we just can’t turn back. You only think about short term effects."
A: What would happen? Let's see. All of the systematically devalued, hellaciously tortured, artificially inseminated, hormone-filled, genetically engineered, antibiotic-laden suffering of BILLIONS of animals every year would end. CAFO's (Concentrated Animal Farming Operations, a nice, neat, sanitized term for nonhuman animal concentration camps; Dante's Inferno for the poor beings imprisoned there); animals forced to grow too fast to support their own weight; pigs going insane, imprisoned in metal cages without room to move; dairy cows hooked to pumps after they have their first pregnancy, pumped full of hormones to make more milk; sucked dry for a few years and then sent to slaughter when they're spent; sows impregnated over and over and never getting to nurture their own piglets, male piglets having their testes ripped off with no anesthetic; weak newborn piglets "thumped" against the floor (workers hold their feet and swing them, smashing their heads into the concrete floor, then toss them into trash bins -- many still alive, piled among a sea of their bloody, dying, writhing brothers and sisters... calves and lambs boarded up in boxes to keep their meat 'tender' (excuse me while I wretch)...and the worst, most horrific torture chamber of death and debilitation of all: that inflicted upon chickens and turkeys. Poultry species are abused worse than any other 'meat animal' ever. Broken bones are a given; living in total darkness is the new standard; in a closed warehouse-like building without so much as a glimpse outdoors -- to keep them calm, the 'growers' chant -- hock burns and burning lungs and eyes from standing -- if they can still stand -- on a 'floor' of inches of their own acrid excrement; trampled and crushed under the suffocating weight of their specially-engineered kin...and if a lame bird is found, they are bashed to death with metal poles, left to flop around in an excruciating death before being mercilessly hurled into waste bins. At transport time, these birds are chucked into cramped transport cages like some kind of sick, twisted ballgame...all this would end. And what would become of these animals? Considering the extremely unnatural means for replicating them and keeping them alive long enough to make them sizable enough to send to their deaths, the solution would be to care for those still living for the end of their days...and STOP "GROWING" [breeding] MORE MORE OF THEM. Yep, to the good ol' meat industry, these suffering beings not even acknowledged as living animals. You "grow" chickens in industry terms, not raise them. More nice words to deflect the sickness of the CAFO death houses, far removed from the horrors that go on there.
Did you know that 70% of all the antibiotics manufactured today go into keeping these sick, immunocompromised, poisoned, deformed, suffering creatures alive? The whole industrialization and veiled "prettifying" of 'meat production' is awful on every level in my opinion.
Oh, and before you ask, yes -- I am absolutely thinking long-term. The number one contributor to greenhouse gasses is the livestock industry! Not to mention all the nitrogen-overloaded waste these 'operations' produce -- polluting our waterways and suffocating the aquatic animals who live there (algae thrive on animal waste and consume all the oxygen in the water and fish asphyxiate in the water...and then all the species who eat fish starve, too). We're killing them; we're killing ourselves and this industry is indefensible and ethically reprehensible! Joe neighbor can flip out about animal abuse because someone hits their dog, but farm animals, that's different! Hush hush, the "food animals" can suffer, they're just a commodity, right? Speciesism is so very, very, willfully ignorant.
These frankenfood factories need to stop. If we all went vegetarian, every single mouth in the WORLD could be fed. The amount of grain, water and land required to 'produce' a pound of beef is staggering. Don't believe me? Do some research. You'll see for yourself.
Okay, rant over.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Torture, Murder, Mutilation -- A U.S. Killer (or killers) Is Torturing/Murdering dolphins! POOR BABIES! :(
I just read this:
Violent Dolphin Deaths Baffle US Scientists
I can't deal. I am so .... just sickened and horrified and ... I really fucking hate people sometimes! *cries*
Can't say much more than...my heart is breaking and I feel powerless and threw up when I first read the article.
Please, think, pray, send love and light and positive thoughts to the dolphins in US waters. Please.
Violent Dolphin Deaths Baffle US Scientists
I can't deal. I am so .... just sickened and horrified and ... I really fucking hate people sometimes! *cries*
Can't say much more than...my heart is breaking and I feel powerless and threw up when I first read the article.
Please, think, pray, send love and light and positive thoughts to the dolphins in US waters. Please.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
DelphiGirl Draws...V
New Delphisex Art! :)
Hmm...am I improving or deteriorating? *ponders* I sure wish you sweet souls who visit my humble little blog would comment and let me know what you think? *makes poutyface; blinks puppy eyes at you* ;)
Lots of love from Delphine <3
Hmm...am I improving or deteriorating? *ponders* I sure wish you sweet souls who visit my humble little blog would comment and let me know what you think? *makes poutyface; blinks puppy eyes at you* ;)
Lots of love from Delphine <3
Monday, November 5, 2012
Three Whales Singing In Harmony -- BEAUTIFUL!
I wept with deep feeling in response to the power and beauty of the incredible whalesong made by three whales! The Oceania Project and iWhales.org rock, by the way. ;)
A Call From The Heart: Whale Song
This is so moving, I don't even have adequate words. Listen, be awestruck, hear and remember.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Personalized 3D Art: Wolfietoyou Made This Image For Me! So Sweet!
I am so grateful. Isn't he amazing with graphic design? Thanks, Wolfie!
Love from Delphine <3
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Beautiful 3D Artwork Made For Me By My New Friend, Wolfietoyou!
I wish to share this exquisite graphic design picture, made for me by my new friend Wolfietoyou:
Absolutely beautiful! <3
Absolutely beautiful! <3
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Georgia Aquarium; SeaWorld Apply For NOAA Permit To Import 18 Wild-Caught Beluga Whales From Russia: First U.S. Import of Cetaceans Since 1993? :(
If you're a cetacean advocate, you are likely aware of this NOAA permit application:
"Summary:
Notice is hereby given that the Georgia Aquarium Inc., 225 Baker Street, Atlanta, GA 30313, has applied in due form for a permit to import eighteen (18) beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) for public display purposes."
The Marine Mammal Protection Act makes exceptions for aquariums in the acquisition of "stock." Boasting of allegedly-wonderful captive breeding programs (don't even get me started), most of the large aquaria have gloated that wild-capture and import of cetaceans ceased ~19 years ago is no longer necessary. Until now. Beluga whales are considered a rare species and very little sightings have been observed because they are not big 'breachers'. They may spy-hop from time to time, but they definitely aren't jumping afficionados. They are primarily an arctic species. Since 2006, several Delphinapterus leucas communities, drawn to the Sea Of Okhotsk, Russia, during the salmon spawn season, have been shattered by a series of captures. Apparently, the marine center there began these captures under the purported guise of seeing how feasible it was to capture them. Fair enough; several were fitted with transponders and some of the belugas' territory has now been mapped. I don't know though. Just like Georgia Aquarium's justification/PR video regarding their import permit request (see below), we learn that it is marine park money motivating the projects. I strongly suspect that the monetary clout of the world's seaquaria were behind this whole thing in some fashion. When I'm less emotional, I will do some more research and see if I can find out.
This 2-part, propaganda-style 'documentary' depicts the beluga captures in Russia -- in a sanitized, romanticized presentation. Well, that's the vibe that myself and a good number of other cetacean rights activists sensed, anyway. What do you think? Decide for yourself:
To me, honestly, this reminds me of Nazi propaganda films shown to German civilians depicting how good life was for those sent to the concentration [ahem! "work" ] / death camps, depicting smiling, happy families at a "cafe" on the premises when in reality there was no such thing...those sent to the camps were sent to immeasurable trauma, horror and often sadistically protracted deaths. Propaganda at it's finest? Attempting to garner public approval by making things look all beautified? I want to vomit!
What does the permit's principle applicant, Georgia Aquarium, have to say? Oh, yes...I forgot to mention that part. The EIGHTEEN belugas aren't all destined to remain in Georgia. Oh, no...they will be sent to a total of 5 aquaria, 3 of which are each of the U.S. SeaWorld parks (big surprise. *sigh* ).
The following is an excerpt from NOAA's permit record (Full PDF available on the Federal Action page related to this permit):
"SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The subject permit is requested under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) and the regulations governing the taking and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216). Georgia Aquarium requests authorization to import 18 wild caught beluga whales from the Utrish Marine Mammal Research Station in Russia to the United States for the purpose of
public display. All 18 beluga whales were collected in Sakhalin Bay of the Sea of Okhotsk in 2006, 2010, and 2011. Approximately six (6) animals would be transported to the Georgia Aquarium facility in Atlanta, GA, and the remaining animals would be transported to four other U.S. partner facilities; Sea World of Florida, Sea World of Texas, Sea World of California, and Shedd Aquarium pursuant to breeding loans.
Georgia Aquarium and its U.S. partners are: (1) Open to the public on regularly scheduled basis with access that is not limited or restricted other than by charging for an admission fee; (2) offer conservation and educational programs based on professionally accepted standards of the Alliance of MarineMammal Parks and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums; and (3) hold Exhibitor’s Licenses by the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2131–59). In addition to determining whether the applicant meets the three public display criteria, NMFS must determine whether the applicant has demonstrated that the proposed activity is humane and does not represent any unnecessary risks to the health and welfare of marine mammals; that the proposed activity by itself, or in combination with other activities, will not likely have a significant adverse impact on the species or stock; and that the applicant’s expertise, facilities and resources are adequate to accomplish successfully the objectives and activities stated in the application."
As for the comments on the actual NOAA notice, I am pleased to report that so far the comments are unanimous: WE DO NOT WANT THIS! :( And yes, I added my own.
Now the question is, will the powers-that-be (and the money exchange and projected profits for the aquaria in question) listen to us?
Here's Georgia Aquarium's Justification/PR Video:
I am so appalled. The claims in this video... DISGUSTING AND MANIPULATIVE! :(
Where to begin:
Appealing at the hearts regarding their oh-so-heroic rescue of their first belugas. Sweet story, but not justification for the acquisition of more animals.
Need animals in captivity in order to learn more about them in the wild. IMPOSSIBLE! The majority of the world's leading cetacean researchers (non-corporate-affiliated) say that very little can be learned about these beings in captivity which correlates to their behavior in the wild. An artificial environment, complete with supplemental medications in an attempt to minimize the horrific trauma these animals endure in captivity; their behavior is NOT what it is in the wild; they are in chemically-treated waters...ETC. ETC. ETC.
Discuss how endangered and rare the animals are, but then justify taking them from a 'robust population' -- make up your mind!
Oh and my favorite? 94% of Americans agree with your program? Oh really? I'd like to see the distribution and actual data you crunched to come up with that figure. LOOK AT THE NOAA COMMENTS! I would say they are DIAMETRICALLY OPPOSED to the figures you presented. Comment after comment are appeals NOT to import these animals from Okhutsk, Nice try.
-- ok I realize anyone arriving at this blog is likely part of the choir I'm preaching to... so I will stop. I just find this so fucking disgusting.
I am just so messed up about this. I feel physically ill and devastated for the plight of these magnificent beings who belong wild and free. The whole "stock" term and "breeding loans" and all the talk like these animals are objects or property or -- I just...I have no words.
I pray with every fiber of my being that this does not happen...but then, the question remains: What will the Okhotsk facility do? Will they stop these captures? I wish the Cetacean Bill Of Rights proposed by Dr. White ("In Defense Of Dolphins" author and head scientist for the Wild Dolphin Project) will one day be ratified and all of these prisons will be eradicated forever!
I am a very, very distressed delphigirl. :(
"Summary:
Notice is hereby given that the Georgia Aquarium Inc., 225 Baker Street, Atlanta, GA 30313, has applied in due form for a permit to import eighteen (18) beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) for public display purposes."
The Marine Mammal Protection Act makes exceptions for aquariums in the acquisition of "stock." Boasting of allegedly-wonderful captive breeding programs (don't even get me started), most of the large aquaria have gloated that wild-capture and import of cetaceans ceased ~19 years ago is no longer necessary. Until now. Beluga whales are considered a rare species and very little sightings have been observed because they are not big 'breachers'. They may spy-hop from time to time, but they definitely aren't jumping afficionados. They are primarily an arctic species. Since 2006, several Delphinapterus leucas communities, drawn to the Sea Of Okhotsk, Russia, during the salmon spawn season, have been shattered by a series of captures. Apparently, the marine center there began these captures under the purported guise of seeing how feasible it was to capture them. Fair enough; several were fitted with transponders and some of the belugas' territory has now been mapped. I don't know though. Just like Georgia Aquarium's justification/PR video regarding their import permit request (see below), we learn that it is marine park money motivating the projects. I strongly suspect that the monetary clout of the world's seaquaria were behind this whole thing in some fashion. When I'm less emotional, I will do some more research and see if I can find out.
This 2-part, propaganda-style 'documentary' depicts the beluga captures in Russia -- in a sanitized, romanticized presentation. Well, that's the vibe that myself and a good number of other cetacean rights activists sensed, anyway. What do you think? Decide for yourself:
To me, honestly, this reminds me of Nazi propaganda films shown to German civilians depicting how good life was for those sent to the concentration [ahem! "work" ] / death camps, depicting smiling, happy families at a "cafe" on the premises when in reality there was no such thing...those sent to the camps were sent to immeasurable trauma, horror and often sadistically protracted deaths. Propaganda at it's finest? Attempting to garner public approval by making things look all beautified? I want to vomit!
What does the permit's principle applicant, Georgia Aquarium, have to say? Oh, yes...I forgot to mention that part. The EIGHTEEN belugas aren't all destined to remain in Georgia. Oh, no...they will be sent to a total of 5 aquaria, 3 of which are each of the U.S. SeaWorld parks (big surprise. *sigh* ).
The following is an excerpt from NOAA's permit record (Full PDF available on the Federal Action page related to this permit):
"SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The subject permit is requested under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) and the regulations governing the taking and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216). Georgia Aquarium requests authorization to import 18 wild caught beluga whales from the Utrish Marine Mammal Research Station in Russia to the United States for the purpose of
public display. All 18 beluga whales were collected in Sakhalin Bay of the Sea of Okhotsk in 2006, 2010, and 2011. Approximately six (6) animals would be transported to the Georgia Aquarium facility in Atlanta, GA, and the remaining animals would be transported to four other U.S. partner facilities; Sea World of Florida, Sea World of Texas, Sea World of California, and Shedd Aquarium pursuant to breeding loans.
Georgia Aquarium and its U.S. partners are: (1) Open to the public on regularly scheduled basis with access that is not limited or restricted other than by charging for an admission fee; (2) offer conservation and educational programs based on professionally accepted standards of the Alliance of MarineMammal Parks and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums; and (3) hold Exhibitor’s Licenses by the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2131–59). In addition to determining whether the applicant meets the three public display criteria, NMFS must determine whether the applicant has demonstrated that the proposed activity is humane and does not represent any unnecessary risks to the health and welfare of marine mammals; that the proposed activity by itself, or in combination with other activities, will not likely have a significant adverse impact on the species or stock; and that the applicant’s expertise, facilities and resources are adequate to accomplish successfully the objectives and activities stated in the application."
As for the comments on the actual NOAA notice, I am pleased to report that so far the comments are unanimous: WE DO NOT WANT THIS! :( And yes, I added my own.
Now the question is, will the powers-that-be (and the money exchange and projected profits for the aquaria in question) listen to us?
Here's Georgia Aquarium's Justification/PR Video:
I am so appalled. The claims in this video... DISGUSTING AND MANIPULATIVE! :(
Where to begin:
Appealing at the hearts regarding their oh-so-heroic rescue of their first belugas. Sweet story, but not justification for the acquisition of more animals.
Need animals in captivity in order to learn more about them in the wild. IMPOSSIBLE! The majority of the world's leading cetacean researchers (non-corporate-affiliated) say that very little can be learned about these beings in captivity which correlates to their behavior in the wild. An artificial environment, complete with supplemental medications in an attempt to minimize the horrific trauma these animals endure in captivity; their behavior is NOT what it is in the wild; they are in chemically-treated waters...ETC. ETC. ETC.
Discuss how endangered and rare the animals are, but then justify taking them from a 'robust population' -- make up your mind!
Oh and my favorite? 94% of Americans agree with your program? Oh really? I'd like to see the distribution and actual data you crunched to come up with that figure. LOOK AT THE NOAA COMMENTS! I would say they are DIAMETRICALLY OPPOSED to the figures you presented. Comment after comment are appeals NOT to import these animals from Okhutsk, Nice try.
-- ok I realize anyone arriving at this blog is likely part of the choir I'm preaching to... so I will stop. I just find this so fucking disgusting.
I am just so messed up about this. I feel physically ill and devastated for the plight of these magnificent beings who belong wild and free. The whole "stock" term and "breeding loans" and all the talk like these animals are objects or property or -- I just...I have no words.
I pray with every fiber of my being that this does not happen...but then, the question remains: What will the Okhotsk facility do? Will they stop these captures? I wish the Cetacean Bill Of Rights proposed by Dr. White ("In Defense Of Dolphins" author and head scientist for the Wild Dolphin Project) will one day be ratified and all of these prisons will be eradicated forever!
I am a very, very distressed delphigirl. :(
Friday, October 26, 2012
RE: Dr. Ridgway's Talking Whale - Malcolm Brenner's Blog Entry 10/26/12
I received permission from Malcolm Brenner to share this entry. Please visit his blog and share support. He is an amazing advocate for cetaceans and zoophiles alike: Visit Malcolm Brenner's Wet Goddess Blog
Dr. Ridgway’s talking whale
This is either Bella or Lugosi, the two beluga whales at the Vancouver Public Aquarium when I visited in the early 1970′s.
The findings open up the possibility of teaching white whales how to speak, but that effort might not be worthwhile, Ridgway suggests.
“They readily learn,” he said. “I think they could be taught many sounds. I do not know that teaching speech would be scientifically worthwhile.”
As I read that last sentence, a series of strange feelings passed over me in rapid succession. One was anger. Another was sheer astonishment at the lack of imagination displayed. And finally, a pervasive and disheartening sense of futility.
I think the anger came from seeing something of profound value to me tossed aside by someone who was in a position to exploit it but chose not to essentially because of a prejudice. The prejudice being, of course, against the whale; that the whale had nothing to say and was simply making human noises to amuse itself and startle the occasional innocent diver in its tank.
Dolly, the dolphin who courted me, worked very hard to get me to mimic her for just a few minutes. When I finally mastered the sound she’d been trying to teach me all along, she went nuts, splashing around her pen and throwing water into the air. Ridgway had a beluga who TRIED TO COMMUNICATE WITH HIM FOR FOUR YEARS, and aside from recording its sounds on a sonograph to prove his “fish story,” Ridgway didn’t investigate further.
From my point of view, infuriating.
At the New York City Aquarium in the early 1970′s.
You know who else really can’t get consent from their partners? SCIENTISTS. In fact, the whole idea of getting consent from experimental animals is preposterous… white rats signing release forms?… EXCEPT IN THE CASE OF CETACEANS. Apparently whatever kind of science Ridgway wants to practice is independent of the cooperation of the research subject. Or the research subject is coerced into performing. Don’t think a captive dolphin or whale (a beluga is actually a large white dolphin species) doesn’t know which side its fish are buttered on!
How could Ridgway’s science NOT benefit from being able to talk to a whale? Think about the kind of experiments that would be possible from a cooperative, informed subject! I have heard it said that the foundations of the process for scientific inquiry into a subject were laid largely by William of Occam, based on the principles of interrogation established by the Spanish Inquisition. I do not know if this is true, but Ridgway’s uninformed, unimaginative and narrow-minded comment makes me afraid it is.
Furthermore, I wonder why Ridgway waited almost 30 years to publish. (OK, I admit that’s like the pot calling the kettle black but he was publishing a scientific paper, not a tell-all autobiographical novel. I wrote, and threw away, several drafts of Wet Goddess before I found one that worked.)
Viegas writes, At the time, Ridgway presented the news at a scientific conference, but the work was not funded and became lost in the research shuffle until more recently, when colleagues encouraged him to publish the data.
Is this the crux of the matter, then? Did Ridgway actually want to study the vocalizations of NOC (as the whale was known) but find himself frustrated by a lack of funding? What does “became lost in the research shuffle” mean? Who’s to blame for this shortcoming of science? Could it be… JOHN C. LILLY, M.D.?
What, I ask myself, is unique about Ridgway’s observations? Didn’t Lilly (and his often uncredited research assistant Margaret Howe) record hours of tape and miles of sonograph paper charting subjects like Elvar and Peter Dolphin trying to learn English?
Maybe several things it turns out. First, NOC’s vocalizations were spontaneous. Lilly’s dolphins were conditioned, rewarded for vocalizing by getting to socialize with the trainer, not with fish. Second, Ridgway is a recognized marine biologist; Lilly was an M.D. specializing in neurochemistry and brain probing before getting into human-dolphin communication. Third, Ridgway got published in Current Biology; because he wasn’t a marine biologist, Lilly had to publish the reports of his attempted language acquisition studies in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, where they were easily overlooked by mainstream biologists.
And finally, I feel a sense of futility because I remember how fast I progressed with Dolly and I think about Ridgway having NOC for the four years that he tried to speak to us and, and I feel envious. I wonder what I could have accomplished in that time, and whether it would even have meant anything to scientists like Ridgway.
At the Vancouver Public Aquarium, early 1970′s.
And Now For Something Completely Different: In Defense Of Dolphins
When I established this blog, two issues seemed equally urgent: to make this place a celebration of the callings of my mind, body and spirit with respect to my rare but not singular sexuality, but also -- and more importantly -- to advocate and humbly attempt to perhaps educate others regarding the beautiful, brilliant dolphins and cetaceans in general. If I am to express the full breadth and depth of my heart and soul here, it is imperative that I share many of the reasons I feel such a strong connection with and passion for the rights of these exquisite and exceptional creatures. To convey my learnings and beliefs in this arena, I will be sharing and reflecting on the works and words of respected academics, researchers and wise souls who have dedicated their lives to understanding and advocating for cetaceans. I hope you will stay with me and learn something and share this knowledge with others. Dolphins and whales are our marine counterparts -- and while it may threaten or otherwise repel many people, I personally believe that they are our superiors. May we all come to know, love and respect them as the autonomous, individual, self-aware and complex nonhuman persons they so clearly are, and make theirs a better, freer and safer world. In doing so, we celebrate not only the richness and diversity of other intelligent beings, but we also bless and advance ourselves in the process.
I have also added an RSS News Feed to this blog for dolphin, whale and cetacean news.
I have also added an RSS News Feed to this blog for dolphin, whale and cetacean news.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Beautiful Footage Of Nude Woman With Dolphin
This is so beautiful, and it is rumored that they did in fact make love. So precious! <3
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
More Beautiful Erotic Art From My Dear Vadora...I Am Awestruck!
I am in awe of your artistic skills, dear friend! Thank you from my heart!
Another Set Of Drawings By My Dearly Loved Friend, Vadora
So amazing! I admit, I LOL'd at the expression on the fish! ^_^
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Male Dolphin Seeks Sexual Intimacy With Woman: Ohh, To Be She!
This video footage always makes my heart throb with unrequited desire...and of course, I also laugh with the giggling female diver. :) Watching this exquisite, virile dolphin excites me on every level. His intense sexual interest and efforts (remarkably gentle but definitely persistent!) to court this woman and make love with her cause a tightening deep within and a palpable ache within my sex, matching that within my heart. For me this would be such a joyous, humbling, beautiful and sacred union! Seeing his obvious need and eager desire... I so yearn to be with him and open myself and let him enter me -- mind, body and spirit.
DelphiGirl Draws Delphisex III: A Work In Progress (Current Working Draft)
I have put a considerable amount of work into this erotic drawing since I submitted it last. Here is my current working draft:
A few thoughts...
I've given this idea some more thought, and I am going to remove some of the stories I've posted here. I thought of making a comprehensive list of delphinic erotica, but I have to admit that my heart just doesn't resonate with some of the material. I tend to be repulsed by the emotionless "use" of animals for pleasure (i.e., no love; just a kinky sex desire). As a zoophile, my love for nonhuman animals is not based solely on the erotic elements of interspecies relationships. I genuinely respect and revere nonhuman animals as much as I would a human mate, and I would never want to seek sexual gratification with no connection. Because of this, I really feel sad when reading most delphinic erotica. Some works have even caused me to wince and feel repulsed. I've decided, therefore, to only to share works which resonate somehow with me. Fair enough, right? After all, it's my blog and my prerogative!
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