*WAZA and JAZA: Violating National Treaties

While the capturing of dolphins for captivity programs is wrong on an ethical standpoint, it is also a violation of international treaties and their codes of ethics. Fully understanding it all can be a bit confusing, so I will explain the situation as simply as possible.

There are two organizations involved, ranked here in hierarchical order:

1. The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA)
2. The Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums (JAZA)

With more than 1,300 members , WAZA is the world's largest network of zoos and aquariums, serving as an "umbrella organization" for many of the top animal facilities, veterinarians, and educators in the industry worldwide. Their mission is based on a code of ethics, as follows:

The continued existence of zoological parks and aquariums depends upon recognition thatour profession is based on respect or the dignity of the animals in our care." Furthermore, WAZA officially opposes what it refers to as "Cruel and non-selective methods of taking animals from the wild.

Most of the 500 dolphins that are held captive in Japan's 50 dolphinariums were capture violently in a dolphin drive hunt. Many of these dolphinariums are members of JAZA and openly do business with the Taiji fishermen.

One would think, based on the code of ethics alone, plus the given information, that it would be impossible for WAZA to allow JAZA to become a member of their organization. This is not the case. WAZA welcomes JAZA as an association member, giving them credibility with their stamp of approval. 

Quite simply:

WAZA must expel JAZA