“Once you see it, you can’t unsee it”

Gabriela Cowperthwaite, Director of Blackfish

It has been just over a year since the documentary Blackfish was released.  A film made by a mother who was curious about why a captive killer whale would turn on a trainer he knew for years.  The film has gone viral globally.  Cowperthwaite took the unique point of view by telling the story from what the captive killer whale might be experiencing.  It hit home, hard.  So hard, in fact, that people across the world are questioning not only why Orcas are being held in captivity but why do we humans go to zoos, swim with captive dolphins, and attend circuses with animals.

Artists feel emotions deeply and show their feelings through their medium.  Here are four artists and their Blackfish work.

Matt Sorum, lead drummer of the Band Guns N’ Roses, created this music video, For The Wild One’s.

Michael Beerens painted this mural and created a video of how he did it. ‪http://vimeo.com/100671520 







Banco Poulair, aka, Sir Michael Rocks, created this rap song and video.

Artist Larry Torro created this image.

Haven't seen Blackfish yet?  Please do.  Decide for yourself how Orcas and other wild animals living in captivity should be treated.

Here's the trailer: Video

This past year, several talented musical artists have chosen to help dolphins and whales being held captive.  Many have forgone lucrative show offers, asked that their music not be played at venues, like Seaworld, or have pledged not to perform where these majestic beings are held unnaturally.  They have graciously given time and their voices to increase awareness of this form, of what was previously thought of as entertainment, but is now considered abusive by many with lethal consequences.

As a way of showing our appreciation, I propose we start Download Friday.  Each Friday, we download a song (album) from itunes of the chosen performer of the week.  With hope, this might encourage those who have not yet become aware of the substantiating scientific research that cetacean captivity is inhumane, to learn more and join their fellow artisans.  Music has a way of bringing us together.

So, here’s the schedule.  Please share and start downloading some great tunes!

February 21:  BareNaked Ladies

February 28:  Willie Nelson

March 7: Matt Sorum

March 14:  Heart

March 21:  Trisha Yearwood

March 28:  REO Speedwagon

April 4:  Martina McBride

April 11:  .38 Special

April 18:  Cheap Trick

April 25:  Joan Jett

May 2:  Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo

May 9:  Trace Adkins

May 16:  The Beach Boys

May 23:  Wynonna Judd

May 30: David Crosby

June 6:  Who’s Next???????

(Please note, if I have missed anyone who should be included on this list, please let me know and I’ll be more than happy to add them.  Thank you.)

Like many of you, there are a few choice words I have for Seaworld after watching Blackfish.  I have been struggling, and I mean struggling, to find some light in this horrendous situation.  This is what I have come up with.

1.     Redemption:  Seaworld has an opportunity to hault the inhumane care of whales and dolphins by releasing to sea pens and the wild, where applicable, it’s current stock of whales and dolphins.  In doing so, it would end the horror that children of the future will learn goes into this form of ‘entertainment’.  It will also start to heal the countless number of broken hearts that have streamed twitter these past few weeks, many of them saying they are lost hope in humanity.

2.     Innovation: Seaworld can set a new standard for wildlife entertainment and education.  Given today’s technology , students quest for knowledge of the wildlife on our planet and the need to preserve many species from mankind, establishing sanctuaries versus captive entertainment parks is the way to go.  In the case of aquariums, they can create ‘virtual aquariums’.  Using webcams in the oceans, tagging and tracking marine mammals (although I think the ethics of this may become debatable), and embracing the skill of wildlife photographers/videographers, there is no reason that we need to see a marine mammal ‘live’ today except on a wildlife tour.  The imaging today is so precise, I bet they could create virtual tanks to fool the best of us.

Ultimately, the public will vote with their dollars what they want to see. 

If you have not already seen the documentary, Blackfish that everyone is talking about, there are several opportunities to still do so.  Check your local program for it’s airing this weekend on CNN.  You can also pre-order the movie on dvd and blue-ray on Amazon.  To learn more visit: www.blackfishmovie.com