世界動物園水族館協会プレスリリース全文：JAZAの追い込み猟からのイルカ入手廃止決定を受けて

WAZA Statement regarding JAZA decision to prohibit its members from acquiring dolphins from TaijiDate: 2015/05/20

Gland, Switzerland – 20 May 2015 – The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) was pleased to be informed today by the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums (JAZA) that the organization formally announced their decision to officially ban all members from acquiring dolphins from the Taiji dolphin drive fisheries.

The decision was made one day before the end of the 30-day grace period after the suspension in accordance with WAZA bylaws. WAZA Council voted unanimously to impose the suspension in Gland Switzerland on 22nd April “2015, based on a determination that JAZA was in violation of WAZA’s code of ethics and animal welfare. JAZA board members then discussed the recent WAZA suspension of JAZA in Tokyo at an emergency session.

“The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums praises JAZA’s decision to prohibit members from acquiring dolphins from Taiji,” said Gerald Dick, WAZA Executive Director. “Today’s actions reaffirm WAZA’s well-considered approach of working collaboratively with international partners to improve the wellbeing and conservation of global wildlife.”

WAZA has been engaged in dialogue with JAZA to stop the collection of animals from the Taiji drive fisheries for more than ten years. The drives have drawn international attention and criticism for the killing and capture of dolphins and WAZA has previously joined other organizations in speaking out against the practice. As part of the WAZA decision last month, Council also re-affirmed its position that members of WAZA must confirm that they will not acquire dolphins from the Taiji fishery.

WAZA considers JAZA’s decision to be a welcome break-through and looks forward to receiving further details from JAZA in order to fully appreciate the implications of today’s decision.

To view the full PDF of the letter sent to WAZA from JAZA: CLICK HERE