The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy, artwork by David C Holroyd
David Capello's story represents everything the ceta industries fear - be they for or against captivity.
Remember: "Animal conservation and animal exploitation are two sides of the same coin."
Remember: "Animal conservation and animal exploitation are two sides of the same coin."
Artist David C Holroyd
Artist and Author David C Holroyd
David C Holroyd - At 11 years old, David won a prestigious scholarship to Bolton Art School, before becoming apprenticed to his father as a sign writer and illustrator at age 15. However, at 17 a leading leisure company employed him as a dolphin presenter. His natural talent and understanding of animals immediately elevated him to the position of trainer, from where he quickly became recognised as one of Europe's finest. On reaching the top, he left the dolphin industry, vowing never to return. He became a casino croupier, eventually rising to the position of inspector. Later, he moved back to his roots working as a signwriter and illustrator.
His first book, The Perfect Pair: The Enchanted Mirror, which he co-wrote with his sister Tracy, was released September 2012. It became a core text for the University of Salford's BA(Hons) degree in English and Creative Writing. Later, it was nominated for the People's Book Prize 2013 and won Bronze for non-fiction in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards 2013. An extract from the book - Deliver Us From Bobby! - also won first prize in a prestigious Manchester Evening News literary competition.
The second book in The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy, The Perfect Pair: The Mirror Cracks, was released in January 2014 to rave reviews. It was also praised for David's innovative artwork.
The third and final book of the trilogy is being hailed as 'the biggest expose ever to hit the captive cetacean industry'. The Perfect Pair: Shards from the Mirror is not only groundbreaking in its writing, but explosive in its revelations.
His first book, The Perfect Pair: The Enchanted Mirror, which he co-wrote with his sister Tracy, was released September 2012. It became a core text for the University of Salford's BA(Hons) degree in English and Creative Writing. Later, it was nominated for the People's Book Prize 2013 and won Bronze for non-fiction in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards 2013. An extract from the book - Deliver Us From Bobby! - also won first prize in a prestigious Manchester Evening News literary competition.
The second book in The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy, The Perfect Pair: The Mirror Cracks, was released in January 2014 to rave reviews. It was also praised for David's innovative artwork.
The third and final book of the trilogy is being hailed as 'the biggest expose ever to hit the captive cetacean industry'. The Perfect Pair: Shards from the Mirror is not only groundbreaking in its writing, but explosive in its revelations.
Artist David C Holroyd
Author Tracy J Holroyd
Tracy J Holroyd - Tracy has worked as a college lecturer, as well as writing many short stories and articles for national children's/teen magazines such as D C Thomson's Shout, Animals and You, The Mandy and The Bunty. She published her first two books, the highly successful Children's History of Manchester and Children's History of Lancashire, in 2011, before beginning work with her brother, David C Holroyd, on The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy.
As a fervent animal lover since early childhood, Tracy eagerly embraced the quest to co-write The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy in the hope that the Capello expose would educate readers as to the true horrors of the commercial dolphinaria. However, what she couldn't have known at that time was just how this story would monopolize her life - a fraught six-year endeavour that would not only see her locking horns with pro-captivity campaigners, but - shockingly - some anti-captivity campaigners too.
As a fervent animal lover since early childhood, Tracy eagerly embraced the quest to co-write The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy in the hope that the Capello expose would educate readers as to the true horrors of the commercial dolphinaria. However, what she couldn't have known at that time was just how this story would monopolize her life - a fraught six-year endeavour that would not only see her locking horns with pro-captivity campaigners, but - shockingly - some anti-captivity campaigners too.
Artist David C Holroyd
Dolphins Duchess and Herb'e (aka Flippa)
Duchess and Flippa - Our two stars, more affectionately known as Duchess and Herb'e - The Perfect Pair. These two Atlanteans were our inspiration during the dark times - of which there were many. Their memory gave us the strength and determination to soldier on through the book blocking, the media blackout and the venomous attacks of those who tried to discredit us. It was Duchess and Herb'e's plight and the plight of their friends that drove us to complete the Capello expose.
So a big thank you to the beautiful, beautiful Duchess and that lovable bundle of mischief Herb'e. Their story WILL spark the revolution that brings the true horrors of the captive cetacean industry to a new and powerful audience - the general public. Their message is stark and simple:
"No matter where in the world you may be, don't be seduced by the glamour and the glitz of the dolphinaria propaganda. REMEMBER OUR STORY! Remember the price WE and our fellow Atlanteans paid for your fleeting entertainment. DON'T BUY A TICKET!"
So a big thank you to the beautiful, beautiful Duchess and that lovable bundle of mischief Herb'e. Their story WILL spark the revolution that brings the true horrors of the captive cetacean industry to a new and powerful audience - the general public. Their message is stark and simple:
"No matter where in the world you may be, don't be seduced by the glamour and the glitz of the dolphinaria propaganda. REMEMBER OUR STORY! Remember the price WE and our fellow Atlanteans paid for your fleeting entertainment. DON'T BUY A TICKET!"
Former head dolphin trainer David Capello.
David Capello - A troubled young man of exceptional talent; a man who chose to hide himself away rather than face his demons ... but not any more, for The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy is his story too.
During his relatively short time working with dolphins, Capello's mind technique changed the face of cetacean training. His extraordinary ability to create a connection with his beloved Atlanteans eventually earned him the handle 'the psychic trainer'. But his God-given gifts inevitably brought him into open conflict with those who controlled the captive cetacean industry - a clash that exacted a heavy toll.
This fascinating story is a warts-and-all expose that will haunt you for all time ... A story that had to be told.
During his relatively short time working with dolphins, Capello's mind technique changed the face of cetacean training. His extraordinary ability to create a connection with his beloved Atlanteans eventually earned him the handle 'the psychic trainer'. But his God-given gifts inevitably brought him into open conflict with those who controlled the captive cetacean industry - a clash that exacted a heavy toll.
This fascinating story is a warts-and-all expose that will haunt you for all time ... A story that had to be told.