The Cove

In the 1960s, Richard O'Barry played a significant role in capturing and training five wild dolphins for the beloved television series 'Flipper.' This show ignited a worldwide fascination with dolphins, leading to their extensive use in marine parks and aquariums.

O'Barry experienced a profound change when he witnessed one of the dolphins he trained voluntarily close her blowhole, suffocating herself. This tragic act of desperation led him to reevaluate his views on captivity and the treatment of dolphins.

Following his shift in perspective, O'Barry dedicated his life to advocating for the rights of dolphins around the globe. He began to see the capture and confinement of these creatures as a societal curse rather than an entertainment boon.

Richard O'Barry was arrested for trying to free a captive dolphin off the coast of Bimini. This bold act highlighted his commitment to dolphin welfare and marked the beginning of his activism journey.

The documentary reveals the stark contrast between the town of Taiji's public love for dolphins and the horrific practices hidden within a secluded cove. In this area, fishermen engage in dolphin drive hunting, where many dolphins are captured for aquariums, while the rest are brutally slaughtered.

Local government officials are depicted as complicit in the dolphin hunting activities, working to conceal the brutal realities from the public eye. This involvement underscores a systemic issue regarding the protection and rights of marine life.

Collaborating with filmmaker Louie Psihoyos and the Oceanic Preservation Society, O'Barry and his crew devise innovative methods to secretly document the dolphin killings. Their courageous efforts highlight the atrocities committed against dolphins in the cove.

As they pursue their mission, the crew encounters severe intimidation from local law enforcement, who monitor their activities closely. This pressure does not deter them, and they continue to capture critical footage of the ongoing dolphin hunts.

The documentary brings to light alarming levels of mercury found in dolphin meat, prompting concerns from health advocates. Some local politicians respond by calling for the removal of dolphin meat from school lunches due to these health risks.

In a pivotal moment, O'Barry confronts a Japanese official, presenting shocking footage of the dolphin slaughter. His attempts to instigate change are met with indifference, revealing the stark disconnect between the authorities and the plight of the dolphins.

In a dramatic demonstration, O'Barry crashes an International Whaling Commission meeting while displaying dolphin slaughter footage on a television strapped to his chest. This bold act seeks to draw international attention to the horrific practices occurring in Japan.

The documentary concludes with a poignant appeal for viewers to recognize the urgent need for change regarding the treatment of dolphins. It encourages global audiences to stand up for marine life rights and put an end to such inhumane practices.