Recap of 2025 so far: How we fought for dolphins and challenged industries

This year, with the backing of a powerful community of dolphin defenders, we took bold action to protect dolphins, and made real progress that’s changing the industry from the inside out.

Thanks to passionate supporters, we’ve uncovered hidden trade routes, confronted major travel companies, and helped thousands of travellers choose wild, ethical experiences over cruel dolphin shows.

As we approach the middle of the year, it is a time to reflect on how much we have already achieved. Here’s a look at what our supporters made possible over the past 12 months:

We exposed the dolphin trade pipeline

We published a landmark report revealing the hidden links between the brutal Taiji dolphin hunts and marine parks in Thailand, one of the world’s top importers of captive dolphins.

Our global campaign reached thousands of tourists, securing pledges to avoid exploitative venues.

We also launched a targeted campaign against Traveloka, a travel giant selling tickets to dolphin shows linked to Taiji. Since then, two of their investors have cut ties.

We took the fight to Taiji

We stood at the cove in Taiji, Japan, calling out Traveloka and demanding an end to their role in this cruelty.

We interviewed a former dolphin trainer from Taiji, exposing the trauma dolphins endure before being exported, and uncovered vital intelligence to shape our next strategic moves.

Our investigations into Japan’s dolphin transport network are helping reveal the dark systems profiting from suffering.

We targeted the tourism industry to inspire travellers

In a national first, we launched Australia’s Ethical Whale and Dolphin Watching Guide, showing travellers how to see marine life in the wild without causing harm.

We distributed thousands of anti-captivity cards near Sea World and in tourist hotspots, helping visitors choose ethical alternatives.

And our viral myth-busting content reached huge audiences, dismantling harmful tourism narratives and driving a shift toward compassionate travel.

We mobilised public pressure

Thanks to growing community support, not a single NSW council voted to keep shark nets, a major step towards removing these outdated, deadly traps that kill countless marine animals.

We joined the Empty the Tanks protest outside Sea World, demanding an end to dolphin captivity in Australia.

And through bold actions, media coverage, and grassroots engagement, we brought marine mammal protection to the national spotlight.

Thank you

This incredible momentum wouldn’t be possible without people who stand with us every day. Every investigation, every campaign, and every shift in public awareness is powered by a shared belief: dolphins deserve better.

As we look ahead to a new financial year, we’re more determined than ever to keep up the fight. But for now, we’re taking a moment to reflect and celebrate — because your support made real change happen.

Thank you for standing with us.

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