Honey, A Lonely Dolphin, Abandoned In An Aquarium In Japan

Oct 02, 2018

Dolphins are intelligent aquatic animals that can hear extremely well and are highly sociable. In the wild, they live in groups that can consist of up to 12 dolphins but can form groups of up to 1,000. They develop strong social and family bonds that are similar to humans. They also have the capacity to care for the members of their group and even try to save and tend for their sick fellows.

Dolphins have a playful nature and enjoy the company of other animals. They do not like being alone and know when they are abandoned. That’s why the story of Honey, a dolphin left in the Inubosaki Marine Park Aquarium in the city of Choshi in Chiba Prefecture is such a sad one. She was taken from her natural habitat by force during the annual dolphin hunt that takes place in Taiji, Japan.

The Inubosaki Marine Park Aquarium was closed after the nuclear crisis in 2011, and the animals were left behind. Unfortunately, the owner did not find new homes for Honey and left her behind. Since the closing, she has been swimming alone in a small pool without any socialization. Although former employees have been tending the dolphin, she has been under mental stress and has been suffering from sunburns.

There are other animals that have been neglected that include penguins, fish and reptiles. The amount of food and frequency of food is unknown, but many of the animals are still alive. They have been locked in the aquarium for months without adequate nutrition or care. Since finding out about this cruel treatment, the organization “Put An End to Animal Cruelty and Exploitation (PEACE)” has become involved. They have urged citizens’ to contact the Choshi City office to help the animals.

PEACE is working with city officials to come up with a plan to relocate the animals. They are trying to prevent dolphins from being captured during the annual Taiji hunt too. Even though the Honey has been left alone for several months, she is reported to be in good health. Her wounds from the sunburn were treated by staff with vaseline and medication and are healing. The other animals are doing well too, but the fish count has dramatically dropped. Since the owner left the marine park, at least half of the fish have died.

The outcry from citizens and the PEACE organization has bought the situation to the attention of Chiba Prefecture hygiene control division of Choshi City. They have visited the marine park and performed an inspection and evaluated the animals.

So far, park officials do not know how long it will take before Honey’s situation is improved, and she is moved to a healthier environment. Currently, they are working on finding a new home for Honey because she has been in the pool for too long without swimming. Here is the video:

Please let us know how you feel about Honey and the other animals being left alone and pass this on to your friends who love animals, as well.