22.11.2025 – Call to sign

Every year, numerous Pilot whales are driven into the narrow bays of the Faroe Islands. Under enormous stress and amid the panicked cries of their family members, they lose their lives. These highly intelligent, social animals, who live in close family groups, endure unimaginable, indescribable suffering. The soulless call it tradition, but a modern society must not justify cruel practices as cultural heritage. Science shows just how sensitive these marine mammals are. By now, we understand how essential they are for the ecological balance of the oceans.

A similarly disturbing scene unfolds in Taiji, Japan. There, dolphins and small whales alike are driven into coves. Many of them die cruelly, while others are sold to dolphinariums — a business built on suffering, fear, and ruthless exploitation. Despite international criticism and the tireless documentation by activists, these hunts continue year after year.

The world watches these events with deep concern. It is becoming increasingly clear that animals should never become victims of such brutality. Every whale or dolphin family that is killed represents an incalculable loss for ecosystems. Raising awareness is crucial. The more people understand what is truly happening, the greater — hopefully — the pressure on those responsible will become. Petitions give a voice to the animals who cannot speak for themselves. Every signature sends an important message that the world does not accept this cruelty. Please sign the petitions, share them with others, and help raise awareness of these injustices — every effort counts.

https://www.lobosonda.com/marine-protection/

Today, we were fortunate enough to observe Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) and Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in a peaceful environment.

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

09:00 Pilot whales, Bottlenose dolphins

Stenella

09:30 Pilot whales, Bottlenose dolphins