Star of dolphin-hunting film The Cove to be expelled from Japan

Ric O’Barry is a well‑known animal activist. He helped train dolphins for the TV show Flipper in the 1960s. Later he became a strong voice for dolphin protection.

Who is Ric O’Barry?

Ric O’Barry was born in 1939. He is now 76 years old. He trained dolphins for entertainment. After seeing how dolphins were treated, he changed his mind. He left the TV world and began to protect dolphins.

He worked with the group Sea Shepherd. Sea Shepherd is a marine‑conservation group that often protests against hunting and fishing that harms animals.

What is the film The Cove?

The Cove is a documentary film. It was released in 2009. The film was directed by Louie Psihoyos. It won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

The movie shows the yearly dolphin hunt in the town of Taiji, on Japan’s Pacific coast. The hunters drive the dolphins into a small cove. Then they kill the dolphins with knives and spears. The film shows the harsh method and the suffering of the animals.

Ric O’Barry appears in the film. He helps the filmmakers get inside the cove. He also explains why the hunt is wrong.

Why was Ric O’Barry deported from Japan?

In January 2016, Ric O’Barry tried to travel to Japan. He wanted to visit Taiji as a tourist. He applied for a visitor visa.

Japanese immigration officials denied his visa. They said he had lied on his application. They also said he had ties to Sea Shepherd, a group that often protests the dolphin hunt.

Because his visa was denied, he was not allowed to enter Japan. He was held at Narita Airport, near Tokyo, from Monday until the authorities sent him back to the United States.

His son, Lincoln O’Barry, said the immigration office turned down his father’s request. He said his father only wanted to watch the dolphins as a tourist, not to protest.

The United States ambassador to Japan, Caroline Kennedy, also spoke about the case. She said she was very concerned about the “drive‑chase” method used in the hunt.

How does the dolphin hunt in Taiji work?

The hunters use a method called a “drive‑chase.” First, they put metal pipes in the water. The pipes make loud sounds. The sounds confuse the dolphins’ sonar.

Then the hunters drive the dolphins toward a small bay. The bay is surrounded by nets. The dolphins become trapped.

After the dolphins are trapped, they are moved to a separate channel. In the channel, the hunters kill the dolphins with knives and spears. The method has been condemned by many animal‑rights groups.

The hunt happens every year. It is a long tradition for some fishermen in Taiji, but it is also a source of international criticism.

World reaction to the deportation

News outlets like The Guardian and MPR News reported the deportation. They called it a “high‑profile” case because Ric O’Barry is famous for his work.

Animal‑rights groups said the deportation was a warning to activists. They worried it might stop people from speaking out about the hunt.

Japanese officials said they were following their immigration laws. They said the decision was not about the dolphin hunt itself.

Many people around the world shared the news on social media. Some asked how they could help stop the hunt.

FAQ

What is the main message of The Cove?

The film shows that the dolphin hunt in Taiji is cruel. It asks viewers to think about protecting marine life.

Why do some fishermen in Taiji hunt dolphins?

They say the hunt is part of their cultural tradition and provides food and income.

Can tourists watch the dolphin hunt?

Tourists are not allowed to watch the hunt up close. The area is closed to the public during the event.

How can I help stop dolphin hunting?

You can support groups like Sea Shepherd, share information online, and ask your government to protect marine animals.

Conclusion

Ric O’Barry’s deportation shows how tense the issue of dolphin hunting can be. The film The Cove still raises awareness about the practice. Understanding the facts helps us decide how to act for the future of dolphins.