The dolphin drive hunt in Taiji Japan September 2026 - March 2027 is the cruel capture of 1814 dolphins for the entertainment industry, or killed for consumption

 

A large pod of bottlenose dolphins was driven from the open ocean into the Cove on the first day of the 2026 dolphin drive hunt in Taiji, Japan, marking a devastating start to another season in which wild dolphins face slaughter or captivity for entertainment.

According to Ric O’Barry’s Dolphin Project, nine species of dolphins are included on this season’s quota list, with up to 1,814 dolphins allowed to be taken for slaughter or captivity.

https://www.dolphinproject.org/campaigns/save-japan-dolphins/statisticaldata/   More statistics

Dolphin Project reported: “11 dolphins had their freedom stolen while the remaining pod members were held overnight.”

The organization also highlighted the disturbing connection between the Taiji hunts and the global captive dolphin industry, stating:

“Due to their popularity at marine parks and the global demand for captive dolphins, these dolphins are extremely valuable.”

Alexandra, who has worked alongside Dolphin Project to document the Taiji dolphin drive hunts, also emphasized how demand for captive dolphins helps fuel the hunts, writing:

“Our goal is to help break the cycle of supply and demand for captive dolphins. By reducing the demand for dolphins taken from the wild, we can impact the financial incentive that helps drive these hunts.”

In Taiji, wild dolphins are pursued by boats and driven toward the coastline, where they are confined inside the infamous Cove. Some dolphins are selected and taken alive for captivity, separating them from their pods and taking away their freedom, while others are slaughtered for their meat.

The capture of bottlenose dolphins at the start of another hunting season is a devastating reminder of how the captive dolphin industry continues to tear these highly intelligent and social animals away from their ocean homes.

Dolphin Project is urging the public not to support facilities that keep dolphins in captivity, stating:

“End the demand, end the supply. Don’t buy a ticket to any facility with captive dolphins.”

Alexandra also reinforced why documenting what happens in Taiji and keeping international attention focused on the hunts remains critical:

“Continuing to document these hunts, share the reality of what happens in the Cove, and keep Taiji in the global conversation and media is essential to maintaining pressure for change.”

Animal advocates in Japan and around the world continue to call for an end to the Taiji dolphin drive hunts and the capture of wild dolphins for the captive entertainment industry.

World Animal News and Peace 4 Animals are calling for continued international pressure on the Japanese government to end these cruel hunts once and for all and protect dolphins from being killed or stolen from the wild.

These highly intelligent and social animals belong wild and free in the ocean with their families — not torn from their pods, killed, or confined for human entertainment.

'Fighting For Dolphins' Het afslachten van gevangen genomen dolfijnen in Taiji Japan is eindelijk een rechtzaak geworden

 

Find out how it went.

Taiji dolphins finally got their day in court. Here’s what happened. Today we walked into a courtroom with a team of lawyers and two Japanese plaintiffs, and started court proceedings in our legal action to stop the Taiji dolphin hunts. This wont be the last hearing in the case, but it was a particularly special one. Because for the first time ever our plaintiffs addressed the court directly. They faced a panel of judges and asked them to cancel the permit that allows hundreds of innocent dolphins to be slaughtered every year.  Our plaintiffs spoke with courage and conviction. They did us proud, and put up an incredibly strong fight in defence of dolphins. Addressing media in front of court. Please click here to chip in to the legal fund Ren, the director of an animal welfare charity called Life Investigation Agency, gave his statement first. He detailed the horrific animal abuse he has witnessed, describing how dolphins are violently chased into the cove and held for days at a time without access to food or water. Next, a brave resident of Taiji spoke. He explained how dolphin-hunting has damaged the global reputation of his town.“Taiji-cho is a town of about 3,300 people,” he said.  “But it has been criticized from all over the world for the acts of only 13 fishermen.” He let the court know exactly why he is taking this bold action, saying, “I have filed this lawsuit with the intention of eliminating further abuse of dolphins and whales, and to protect the reputation of the town I grew up in.” Please click here to keep fighting for dolphins  Everything ran smoothly today. And the hearing is already starting to attract international media attention. We are incredibly lucky to have such a brave, competent, and kind team fighting this battle. And they are incredibly lucky to have YOU. Because without the support of caring people like you, today would never have happened. I promise to let you know as soon as we hear from the court again. But in the meantime, cheers to you, for finally getting this legal action into a courtroom. With you all the way, Sarah. Copyright © Action for Dolphins All rights reserved.