Ric O'Barry

Ric O'Barry is an animal rights activist and former dolphin trainer known for his transition from industry insider to advocate for marine conservation. O'Barry first gained recognition in the 1960s for capturing and training the five dolphins used in the TV series "Flipper." He began his career in the dolphin captivity industry at Miami Seaquarium, where he captured and trained dolphins, including those featured in the American TV series. O'Barry also trained Hugo, the first orca kept in captivity east of the Mississippi. The television show contributed to the rise of the dolphin entertainment industry and increased public interest in dolphins.

A pivotal moment in O'Barry's life occurred when Kathy, the dolphin who played Flipper most frequently, died in his arms. This event led O'Barry to oppose the capture and training of dolphins for entertainment. He later concluded that capturing, displaying, and training dolphins to perform tricks is unethical. On the first Earth Day, O'Barry launched a campaign against the dolphin captivity industry, founding Dolphin Project, which is recognized as the longest-running anti-captivity dolphin welfare organization. He also pioneered efforts to demonstrate rehabilitation and release as viable alternatives for captive dolphins.

O'Barry's activism received international attention through his role in the Academy Award–winning documentary "The Cove," which used covert techniques to expose dolphin drive hunting in Taiji, Japan. He also appeared in "Blood Dolphins," a television series created by his son Lincoln O'Barry, which aired on Animal Planet and Planet Green. O'Barry is co-author of three books: "Behind the Dolphin Smile," "To Free a Dolphin" (both with Keith Colbourne), and "Die Bucht," which discusses dolphins and the making of "The Cove." He's also the subject of the documentary "Freeing Flipper," which Leonardo DiCaprio's Appian Way is executive producing.

O'Barry's work has been recognized with honors such as the Environmental Achievement Award from the United States Committee for the United Nations Environmental Program, being named a Green Hero, and being conferred fellowship by the Explorers Club. Dolphin Project leads international efforts to stop the killing of dolphins, end the trafficking of live dolphins to theme parks and captive swim-with-the-dolphins attractions, and continues to raise awareness about the captivity industry. For more than 40 years, O'Barry has spoken about the harmful effects of captivity on dolphins at lectures and conferences worldwide, drawing on his experience from both sides of the issue to advocate for animal welfare and marine conservation.