Christopher Porter Interview
Christopher Porter – Dolphin Dealer turned Free the Pod campaigner.
Last year I wrote a blog post that garnered a tremendous amount of attention Dolphin Dealer – Christopher Porter. Not only did blog readers notice but so did Christopher; after leaving a comment and an email I suggested we talk further.
We talked about his campaign to free the very pod of dolphins he helped to capture, among other important matters concerning captivity and the various roles humans play in this lucrative business. It was a fascinating discussion that took countless hours to transcribe just to figure out where to focus my article which is now out in TimeFinders Magazine called Christopher Porter: Politics of the Dolphins. He needs support for his campaign but first it is helpful to understand the goals he wants to reach:
1. Release the pod and secure partnerships that would allow for ongoing follow up.
2. Secure meaningful related work for the people of the Solomon Islands, that would reduce their dependence on the killing and capture of dolphins.
3. Research beyond the standard captivity studies and provide a template which others worldwide could adopt. (proving release is possible and research is valuable)
4. Facilitate dialogue between all interested parties including aquariums, activists, partners, governments and the public on better management of the oceans and its inhabitants.
Porter is a very vocal, often described as aggressive, opinionated and knowledgeable man. He covered multiple issues for this interview. With the expertise of Jill, who worked her magical editing wand, we managed to provide readers with what I hope is an interesting, thought provoking look at the world behind the show and tell life of dolphins and whales in captivity.
You will be able to make up your own mind up as to who Christopher Porter is, the value of the Free the Pod campaign and explore the political mess that surrounds the business. There is more to discuss which I will provide in another post next week which includes a quote from Mark Berman from the SaveJapanDolphins.org - Ric O’Barry’s campaign to save dolphins.
Meanwhile, Vancouver is currently raising the debate of the appropriateness of continuing to support our own Vancouver Aquarium. Line ups at the zoo show the public still can’t get enough of those animals in a pool perhaps understanding a bit more about what is really at stake here may change their mind? Or not.
Where do you stand on the issue of captivity?
Posted in 
Great article, Jennifer. I think you did a great job getting Mr. Porter’ message out there, and asking some tough questions of him and ourselves pertaining to the business of animals in captivity. Hopefully this article can help Chris with his Free the Pod campaign, in some way.
Keep up the good work!
Thank you, it is a complex issue and by talking with Christopher Porter one gets a real sense of that.
Jennifer…wonderful article.
You know… the aquarium is a great drawing attraction but has anyone asked those that are in captivity? (we can’t of course). But we have so much ocean/water around us can we not view these mammals in their natural habitat? That’s where I’m at.
Thank you for your input.
I think your answer lends well to Chris Porters mention about our selfishness. We don’t really think much about the experience of these animals being ripped from their family, taken from the oceans and placed in a pool to be deprogrammed, reprogrammed and jump on cue. Yet, the science indicates they are extremely intelligent and possess feelings. Instead of being happy to know they exist in their natural habitat, as you and Chris pointed out, we selfishly move them to a place where WE can enjoy them. The humans and their kids are happy so that is enough.
Great article Jennifer! These kinds of issues really pull on my heart strings…
Proud of you my friend!
Thank you! It was really a labor of love to present this information. As hard as it is to hear what is happening I can never turn away plus Mr. Porter covered so much. Important issues are like that and I thank you for taking the time to read this post and interview.
I am writing this because so much time has passed and it appears that nothing ever happened. Were the dolphins ever released? The website savethepod.org is no more. Was this just a way to attempt to raise money once more one the backs of these captive creatures? A follow-up would be much appreciated! Thank you for your thoughtful handling of these difficult subjects.
Hello: Thank you for your inquiry about the outcome of the dolphins and Mr. Porter’s campaign. A follow up blog post was written November 9th, 2010 called Porter’s Failed Dolphin Campaign. I provided a link from there to my column in TimeFinders Magazine which was entitled Chris Porter’s Failed Dolphin Campaign. http://timefindersmagazine.com/articles/jennifer-chandler/362-chris-porters-failed-dolphin-campaign
As noted egos, politics and money influenced the outcome and the pod slowly paid the price. The dolphins were not freed nor survived. Though blame was passed around, I hold Mr. Porter and all the other players partially at fault but equally hold to blame all of those that want to see dolphins up close and personal outside of their natural habitat. Through Mr. Porter, who was generous with the information he provided,(which I had to edit to meet column length, legalities and sensitivities) I was given a behind the scenes peak into what really goes on in order to bring any of these animals to our zoos, aquariums, swim and theme parks. It is a business I can not respect.
Again, thank you for caring about this issue. This is a story that still gets lots of attention on my site and I am happy to provide information whenever needed.