The slaughter

Whales the gentle giants of the world's oceans and dolphins the friendly and playful children of the seas are still being slaughtered indiscriminately in Denmark and Japan, apparently on a yearly basis.  In my innocence I had thought that these species were now protected world wide as many different species of whale and dolphins are on the endangered species list or nearly extinct.  So why are these people still killing them and  in such a brutal manner?  They are not defending themselves from a threat presented by these mammals, as there is none.  They are not killing in a controlled manner to manage an out of control population of the same. There is no longer a need to hunt and kill  for survival; especially in these countries, just as there is no longer any respect in regards to mother nature, nor appreciation for her bounty.  Are they killing them in ignorance or in defiance? I do not know.

I do know I was shocked and horrified by the sheer number of dolphins and whales being slaughtered at once and the cruel and uncaring manner in which the slaughter was being carried out. Watching the video reminded me of a time as a child when I visited the death camp historical sites in Germany and saw with horror what was done to hundreds of thousands of Jews during the second world war before I was born. The impact on me was the same, so I really shouldn't be surprised by the cruelty that mankind is capable of at times.

Dolphins and whales are warm blooded intelligent mammals,  who communicate with each other in vocal tones and song , some over long distances, much like humans.  As I watched the video I realized just how much humanity has lost touch with nature and the fact that we are all connected by virtue of being born to this world we call the earth.  When will humans as a whole be satisfied with what we have and appreciate the same?  Our constant need, or greed for more will be our downfall if we do not reign it in.

Watch the video if you dare and keep in mind the following quote by a witness who apparently knows something of dolphins:  "In this big celebration, nothing is missing for the fun. Everyone is participating in one way or the other, killing or looking at the cruelty supporting like a spectator. Is it necessary to mention that the dolphin calderon, like all the other species of dolphins, it s near instinction and they get near men to play and interact. In a way of PURE friendship. They don t die instantly; they are cut 1, 2 or 3 times with thick hocks. And at that time the dolphins produce a grim extremely compatible with the cry of a new born child. But he suffers and there s no compassion till this sweet being slowly dies in its own blood"

Try to imagine the sounds of whales and dolphins in their agony as they are being slaughtered.  Then notice the children who are present and watching the killing.  How does witnessing the slaughter affect their attitude toward life and wildlife?  What does it teach them?   In this case mistaken beliefs and ignorance is not bliss, but the death of one or more species; a species that could well be our younger cousin; tearing another chunk out of the chain of life on this planet.You can access the video here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-XPypVgSUo 

It is clear to me that whales and dolphins need to be legally protected world wide.

Susan