Our strength is in our numbers! If any of you are able to represent our petition by attending this IMATA/SeaWorld demonstration in San Diego, CA, I encourage you to do so! Here's the info: Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1669181350066404/ Date: Sunday, November 13, 2016 Time: 1:30PM – 4:30PM Location: Bahia Resort Hotel http://www.bahiahotel.com/ Address: 998 W Mission Bay Dr., San Diego, California 92109 It’s important to note that SeaWorld is hosting the unethical IMATA’s annual conference yet again. This fact alone is proof of how deep-rooted SeaWorld is in the IMATA– a 44 year span of being on the inside of this organization. Joel Manby still refuses to denounce them for their role in the Taiji dolphin slaughters. It is most telling that SeaWorld recently announced their “New Attraction Lineup for 2017" – a dolphin nursery. This is reprehensible! https://seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-orlando/media-room/press-releases/2016/2016-september-27-coming-soon-in-2017 If you can attend the demonstration, it would be helpful to bring a poster or two. There are a lot of graphic pictures and information on the Taiji slaughters online for you to choose from, as well as info on SeaWorld and IMATA's role. Consider enlisting your children to help. It’s a great way to educate our little ones on this subject. I had never participated in a demonstration prior to last year’s Japan Dolphin Day in Denver at the Japanese consulate. These events are a great opportunity to meet like-minded people. If you’re successful with educating just ONE person, you’ve done a great deed! Please never lose sight of that and keep speaking! Nothing will change in Japan until more people are made aware of the horror in Taiji. People need to know that if they buy a ticket to a marine park, they are supporting the slaughter of these innocent, sentient beings. Supporting a live dolphin show or participating in a confined swim-with-dolphin program anywhere in the world is the same as killing a dolphin in Taiji. SeaWorld's CEO Joel Manby and his dolphin trainers are obviously perfectly OK with that fact. It's scientifically proven that dolphins aren't suited for life in captivity and they suffer immensely, whether they're captive bred or come from the wild. Nearly 160,000 people have signed! In the court of public opinion, WE are winning! I can’t thank you enough for your compassion, for signing and sharing the petition and for staying with me! We’ve become a nuisance for SeaWorld and the Humane Society and they know we’re not going away until they do the right thing. Neither Joel Manby nor Wayne Pacelle of the Humane Society have stepped foot in Taiji, yet they keep trying to mislead us into thinking they’re helping end this. I’m hopeful they’ll agree to act SOON so no more dolphins have to endure further torture and death. My next goal is 200,000 signers, so please keep sharing. Thank you! Warm Regards, Ori (Elizabeth, Haze, Chelsy, Ellen – a special thank you for lending your expertise, for your willingness to help, and for your sound advice. You beautiful ladies have definitely earned my admiration and respect)