Japan aquariums say they'll stop getting Taiji-hunt dolphins to remain member of global group
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Japan's aquariums say they'll stop acquiring dolphins captured in a bloody hunt that was depicted in the Oscar-winning film "The Cove" and has caused global outrage.
The announcement Wednesday by the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums follows a decision last month by the Swiss-based umbrella group World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, or WAZA, to suspend the Japanese organization's membership.
WAZA characterized the Taiji hunt as "cruel," and decided that none of its members should acquire dolphins in such a way.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}In that hunt, dolphins are scared with banging, herded into a cove and speared by fishermen for their meat. The best-looking ones are sold to aquariums.
The Japanese group is sending a letter to WAZA, expressing its wish to remain a member of the organization.