Marine Conservationist & Dolphin Welfare Advocate; Founder of Dolphin Project; Featured in "The Cove"; Author of "Behind the Dolphin Smile"
Ric O'Barry Biography
Ric O'Barry is a recognized advocate for dolphin welfare and marine conservation. O'Barry began his career in the dolphin captivity industry, working at Miami Seaquarium, where he captured and trained dolphins, including the five dolphins who played Flipper in the American TV series "Flipper." He also trained Hugo, the first orca kept in captivity east of the Mississippi. This experience provided O'Barry with in-depth knowledge of the captivity industry, which he later used to campaign against it.
A turning point 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. On the first Earth Day, he launched a campaign against the dolphin captivity industry, founding the Dolphin Project, which is now the longest-running anti-captivity dolphin welfare organization in the world.
Throughout his career, O'Barry has worked internationally to rescue and rehabilitate dolphins in countries including Haiti, Colombia, Guatemala, Indonesia, Nicaragua, Brazil, South Korea, the Bahamas, and the United States. He has advocated against dolphin hunts in Japan, the Solomon Islands, the Faroe Islands, and Indonesia. O'Barry co-founded the world's first dolphin rehabilitation center and sanctuary in West Bali, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry and Jakarta Animal Aid Network, where formerly performing dolphins were rehabilitated and released to the open sea with GPS monitoring.
O'Barry's activism reached a global audience through his role in the documentary "The Cove," which investigates the killing, capture, trade, and display of dolphins, focusing on Taiji, Wakayama, Japan. He and his son Lincoln also created the television series "Blood Dolphin$" for Animal Planet, continuing the work highlighted in "The Cove." O'Barry was featured in the Netflix documentary "Seaspiracy." His books, "Behind the Dolphin Smile" and "To Free a Dolphin," document his work in animal rights and marine conservation.
O'Barry has received recognition from national and international organizations, including an Environmental Achievement Award presented by the U.S. Committee for the United Nations Environmental Program. He is a Fellow National in the Explorers Club. O'Barry has spoken about the effects of captivity on dolphins at lectures and conferences worldwide, contributing to the fields of animal rights and marine conservation.
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How do I book Ric O'Barry to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Ric O'Barry for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Ric O'Barry, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Ric O'Barry or any other speaker of your choice. -
What are the speaker fees for Ric O'Barry
Speaking fees for Ric O'Barry, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Ric O'Barry are $20,000 - $30,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Ric O'Barry, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Ric O'Barry speak about?
Ric O'Barry is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Animals & Wildlife, Conservation, Environment, Environmental Activism, Environmental Policy, Sustainability, Television & Film -
Where does Ric O'Barry travel from?
Ric O'Barry generally travels from Miami, FL, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent. -
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Ric O'Barry is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Ric O'Barry for your event is $20,000 - $30,000. Ric O'Barry generally travels from Miami, FL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Lucy King, Louie Psihoyos, Diva Amon, Alexandra Cousteau and David Suzuki. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Ric O'Barry for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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