The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy Book Series Authors' Blog

RICK TROUT, EX-NAVY DOLPHIN TRAINER, JOINS THE PERFECT PAIR DOLPHIN TRILOGY IN CONDEMNING ACTIVIST, RIC O'BARRY

18/8/2019

Attention all anti-captivity ceta activists. As many of you know, on 15th August 2019, we posted on Facebook and Twitter a damning comment alleging that Ric O’Barry of The Dolphin Project, Margaux Dodds of the UK charity Marine Connection and her then-cohort Gaye Hunter, purposely set out to discredit and organise a charity block of The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy exposé.

This was a decision we did not make lightly as we knew our allegation would send shockwaves through the anti-cap ceta industry. So, we prepared ourselves for the backlash to follow. What happened next, however, was the exact opposite - a revolt against the Ric O’Barry camp by prominent ceta activists and the much-respected former US Navy dolphin trainer Rick Trout of Save the Navy Dolphins. Rick Trout’s experience as a US marine mammal trainer, rescuer and advocate is second to none.

This is what he had to say:

Thanks Belinda Morris for alert on this all too familiar practice perfected by Ric the Cut Throat and Con Man O'Barry whose slime seems to be dripping through his ill-named son, Lincoln, into a NexGen class of crooks still riding the backs of captive dolphins like Ric rode Lolita's back in his 60s hippy days at Miami Seaquarium.

Reading O'Barry's Behind the Dolphin Smile is required reading for anyone wanting to understand he's not only cut throat but cut belly, a practice he perfected to sink and hide dolphins drowned in net capture operations in South Carolina waters to finally capture a lone white albino dolphin, "Snowball." She was imprisoned for display at MSQ only to die in 6 months, after which they taxidermy STUFFED her to still hang on public display, a tribute to the lengths this ghoul and his employer would go to exploit Marine Mammals. No surprise O'Barry's addiction to attention, pain killers, 5-star travel and accommodations have left him often bankrupt and in need of more and more blood money.

Let this stand as my intro to my many years as eye witness to a man who gloated at being the "Pastor of The Church of the Happy Dolphin" after his Behind the Dolphin Smile boosted his pocket book and profile into a new role as paid dolphin advocate instead of paid dolphin disemboweller.

Please read or re-read Behind the Dolphin Smile to learn, as I had to, how incredibly and dangerously narcissistic this self-proclaimed hero was when he destroyed the Sugarloaf Dolphin Sanctuary in the 90s sending Navy dolphin Buck to his death due to malnutrition, and Navy dolphins Luther and Jake back to the Navy killing pens in San Diego as a result of Ric's illegal, ill-prepared and self-promoting dump and run release.

We all share Dolphin Project's philosophical disgust for the killing, exploitation and domination of our Marine Mammal neighbors. I dare say none of us share the guilt and mercenary motivations that DP's founder has used to taint and monkey wrench the advocacy/activism efforts necessary to fight both exploiters and ".orgs" Best nutshell advice that I was given by Joe and Rosie, dolphin release coordinator, who counselled me AFTER the Sugarloaf debacle, "Ric is a lone male hero who does not share the stage well with anyone." If Russ Rector was still here, he could fill in many more blanks that, if needed or desired, I will do as soon as I am able.

In reply to Tracy J Holroyd (co-author of The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy):

Thanks for reading my words with such sensitivity. I still hear Ric OBarry's haunting words in 1994, "We have to do this squeaky clean" in organizational meetings planning and dealing with Federal requirements to take Navy dolphins Luther, Buck and Jake, and Bogie and Bacall back to their home waters. What O'Barry kept very secret were the 3 self-promoting independent deals he made with French, German and British film teams to do a "dolphin release on Independence Day in 1995", a totally unrealistic date given the political hoops and bureaucratic realities confronting the challenges for any "squeaky clean" success that could have been a roadmap for Emptying the Tanks! Sadly, and just as secretly, Ric had received money up front from all 3 film makers to deliver Independence Day release footage in exchange for the balance. Sadly, Ric's Flipper days familiarity with navigating rich waters of filmmaking resulted in bankrupting the Sugarloaf Dolphin Sanctuary and all future hope for releasing captive dolphins in America.

In reply to Shelley Mattocks (activist – Dolph N Whale Pub, Dolph ‘N’ Whale +, Mimi’s Wishes, “NATURE WARRIORS” bleed the green hearts):

You are so right. In addition to being prosecuted, found guilty and fined $60,000 for 6 violations of the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act for the neglect of 6 Sugarloaf Sanctuary rescue dolphins Molly, Bogie, Bacall and Navy dolphins Jake, Luther and Buck who died from complications of injury and inability to adapt after the illegal and ill-conceived dump and run release; the Federal Judge told Ric O'Barry in 1996 that Ric had destroyed for decades the concept of returning American captive dolphins to their home waters. Sadly, the judge was right, and the captivity industry has been laughing at the advocacy/activist community and all the way to their blood money bank ever since.

One big difference between Russ Rector and Ric O’Barry was that Russ's pit bull biker activism came from his heart - not his wallet.

Rick Trout
Lead rescuer/founder Marine Mammal Conservancy 1995-2005
Dolphin rescue and advocate/diver 2005-present
Former dolphin trainer at Ocean Reef Club, Key Largo
Former Dolphin Sea Lion Trainer whistle blower at Naval Ocean Systems Center
Former Swimmer Nullification Trainer at Navy dolphins
Former dolphin trainer at SAIC
Former Commercial Diver at The Ocean Corporation

42 Comments

Becky

18/8/2019 22:49:12

I was witness to much of what Rick Trout describes about the Bogie and Bacall and Navy dolphin disasters.
Any one that reads Behind the Dolphin Smile, can make a game of noting how many times he contradicts himself in his own book, and the sadly repeating chapter endings ...
.ran out of money dumped the dolphins.

Tracy J Holroyd link

19/8/2019 13:16:41

Thank you for your comment, Becky. If you should ever wish to write a blog about the horrors of the captive industry, we would be happy to publish it - anonymously if need be! Our aim is to smash cetacean abuse, and we can only do this with the help of people such as you. Thank you again.

Leotien Parlevliet

3/1/2022 12:06:30

I knew many things were wrong but I´m shocked to hear all this. So, it´s not surprising that Flipper gave him the perfect reply when he visited him in a narrow tank in New York. Dolphins never forget.

David and Tracy link

4/1/2022 10:45:59

It is indeed a mystery how Ric O'Barry managed to promote his image as dolphin saviour, particularly when you read about the U.S. court case which convicted him of cetacean cruelty. Added to this, we have the testimony of other dolphin trainers/handlers who cannot find a good word to say about him. An even bigger mystery is why the charities support him and appear to hang on his every word - one of the reasons why they either attacked or ignored the David Capello expose, allowing O'Barry to maintain his tin-god status. And David Capello is not the only would-be cetacean whistleblower/activist to have fallen foul of O'Barry's underhand tactics. Judging from the comments on this post and DMs that we have received, there are many. Thanks for taking time to comment Leotien.

Jane

19/8/2019 02:58:47

Those who resort to namd calling truly show their intelligence level. There are no facts presented here to support Mr. Yep it's vitriolic response. If anything, this article is ripe for a libel lawsuit. Good luck.

Tracy Holroyd link

19/8/2019 13:12:34

This account is far from name-calling, Jane; it is substantiated in part by a statement recorded by a Judge in a US Court of Law. And if you want to know about name-calling, you should see what Ric O'Barry's rambling email said about us! But, unfortunately, you won't be privy to this, as it WILL be saved for a Court of Law. Sadly, what really concerns us is the way some activists who purport to care about cetacean welfare are so quick to discount and trivialise the heartbreak behind Rick Trout's testimony. People like you clearly don't give a damn what happened to the dolphins who suffered and died. As for intelligence level, you might try re-reading your comment above - another ramble that doesn't quite make sense!

David Capello link

19/8/2019 12:54:23

Well, what can I say about these jaw-dropping revelations by ex-US Navy marine mammal trainer and whistleblower Rick Trout - except a huge thank you for having the guts to make these horrors public. Knowing what I personally have been through with The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy expose here in the UK, I can only imagine the lengths certain US parties must have gone to cover your revelations up. Well, thanks to you, Mr Trout, the cover-up is no more. Your testimony is out there in the public domain; Mr O'Barry's colourful past laid bare in no uncertain terms. Let's hope your brave testimony inspires other whistleblowers to come forward and tell their stories, because we at the dolphin trilogy WILL give them a platform.

Kathy Harrison

19/8/2019 17:49:06

These revelations given by Rick Trout who worked alongside Mr. O’ Barry are absolutely HORRIFIC! I have known for a while now that he wasn’t what he professed to be, but I had no idea how bad he really is. I do want to say that I have the utmost respect for the volunteers who go to TAIJI and film that horrible scene at the killing cove. As for Mr. Ric O’Barry, I lost respect for him a long time ago! There have been rumbling for years that he is not what he professes to be. Greed can take over the people who start out with the best intentions. I feel that is why him and is cohorts perpetuated the charity and media block on The Holroyd’s Trilogy of books. His ego is so big that he couldn’t have another ex- trainer taking any of his thunder! I implore everyone who sees this to read The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy. These books changed me in a way I cannot put into words. These books could bring down the captive Cetaceans industry. Mr. O’Barry wouldn’t want that, because in my opinion, there goes his money flow! This is my opinion and I stand by it! If you read Rick Trout’s comments you SHOULD feel the same way!

Tracy Holroyd link

19/8/2019 18:42:22

Thank you, Kathy, for your warm and supportive words. Not only did the O'Barry fanclub (Margaux Dodds, Director of Marine Connection, and her cohort Gaye Hunter) deliberately go out to discredit the trilogy, they also drew in many of the activists and all the charity directors with whom they associated. We wonder: did the charities know of Mr O'Barry's horrific past, or did they simply not care? Either way, activists everywhere owe a huge debt of thanks to Mr Rick Trout who has brought this out into the open.

Rick Trout link

23/8/2019 19:34:04

Thanks Kathy Harrison for shout out to Dolphin Projects Taiji efforts. My comments re: Ric OBarry's frauds & convictions for abuse of 6 dolphins at Sugarloaf Dolphin Sanctuary in the 1990's was in NO WAY MEANT TO DEMEAN OR CRITICIZE DP EFFORTS EXPOSING TAIJI SLAUGGTERS. I have however drawn a clear line with Mr. O'Barry & his followers to never allow him near a live dolphin in need of rescue or even standard care. Ric used cruel & Taiji type methods in his role as Flippers trainer & Miami Seaquarium capture crew that filtered into his inadequate & criminal abuse at Sugarloaf. I strongly support any & all efforts including DP to expose & hopefully end the slaughters at Taiji & elsewhere. Please do any rescue/release work w/o O'Barry's negligence. There are many skilled, competent & experienced Marine Mammal rescue operations who can & have done far more humane rescue, rehab & release.

Kathy Harrison

23/8/2019 21:15:59

Thank you for your comment Mr. Trout. I support all volunteer efforts, because most volunteers do this with their hearts. They do it to really make a difference! It’s not about GREED, which I know is Ric O’Barry’s main motivation! I have been hearing about him for years now, but I was sickened by what I read in your blog! You are a true hero for putting this out there for all to see. His camp have become very silent since this blog was released, except for a few who are actually still support him. We call them so called activist. How can people still support Ric O’Barry? It baffles the mind! Thank you again.

David Capello link

26/8/2019 11:54:12

Thanks for making further comment, Rick. Can I too lend my support and admiration to all those self-funding activists who record the horrors of the Taiji slaughter. Taiji - a Japanese ganster town that quite literally drinks the blood of Atlantis. Can I also lend my support for Kathy Harrison - a tireless activists who constantly puts the plight of animals before her own health. As for me, I hope that one day we will meet, Mr Trout, as I'm sure that as two ex-marine mammal whistle-blowers, we will have a lot of positive things to talk about, instead of the egotistical con-man, Ric O'Barry.

Shell

28/8/2019 01:04:08

Kathy I couldn't have said it any better. These are my exact thoughts and feelings.
My heart breaks for ALL the Cetaceans that are the real victims in this mess. Past and present. There should never be a reason to work against anyone with the same goal...
Saving Dolphins!!
Saving all Cetaceans!!
To Empty all the tanks....

Tracy J Holroyd link

28/8/2019 08:52:19

Thank you, Shelley, for your comment. You are quite right, this should always be about saving dolphins - not money or self-promotion. From what I am learning about Mr O'Barry, it seems he is very similar to the Backhouse character in The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy - he cares about himself, his reputation and his bank balance. Unfortunately, he's not alone in this. Any organisation that deals with the vulnerable, be they human or animal, will attract those who see a way of exploiting the compassionate and the gullible - charity directors being a prime example.

Marleen Neus

21/8/2019 14:02:03

As we look back in time to our childhood, I think a lot of people are guilty, guilty because we had bought a ticket for a Dolphin show. I guess, we weren’t smarter those days. So did I. But I made a pledge to myself: never, never I will buy a ticket to see captive animals in Zoos or Aquariums.
The awareness of animal abuse brought by the internet, changed a lot. In the positive way for the captive animals? I ‘m leaving it in the middle. Because, as long hungry money grabbers in organizations and the greed of politicians will keep continue, the victories will be more likely very small.
Everything in life is for sale when you have lots of money. Isn’t it? But my question to these people is: how can you sleep at night? How many men and women don’t have children and have donated legacies to the so called charities and that same honest money will be vanished in the pockets of CEO’S. These greedy people, don't they have any decency? They deceive not only their own soul but also the gullible people and most of all innocent animals who are depending on us.
As for Taiji, I have a great respect for the volunteers over there. They must endure the bloody senseless murder of Dolphins for 6 months in a year. And yes, they don’t get paid, not a damn cent. Traveling tickets, food is upon the volunteer himself. It’s the TOP of the organizations that makes everything stuck. There you can find the selfishness and greed. Instead of working together and having a bigger chance to success, no, that big EGO destroys everything what good people has once achieved. And again, that leads us to the ones who are depending on us, our beloved animals, killed, enslaved and mistreated for the entertainment of human kind.
It's a pity there aren’t more whistleblowers like David, Rick Trout and a few others. People have the right to know what’s going on behind curtains and under tables…
One can become a trainer in a Dolphinarium and let dolphins or Orca’s doing tricks for food and use these poor animals as entertainment for the crowd. But killing animals in silence and thrown into the Ocean, in my opinion, cannot be compared.
As far as David is concerned, this is a man with a big heart for animals. His dream became a nightmare. He became a trainer because his heart was|is fulfilled with love for animals. He didn’t get a clue when he started his new job, how animal welfare can be overruled towards greed. These beautiful intelligent animals, who are closest in many ways to humans, how must these animals are feeling themselves when someone is sitting on their back? Not convinced? Turn the roles and think again please. Hoping, within some time, a lot of whistleblowers will stand up. Working together is the only solution to success for the welfare and survive of animals.
Please, David and Tracy, if you'll find any mistakes about the text, feel free and correct it. Thank you. My language is Dutch... If you decide to set the text on the blog: please use my twitter name: Leen. Thank you XXX

Craig Nico

22/8/2019 16:19:06

GREED!!! What more can I say? Beside the fact, I am NOT shocked at ALL!!!

The way I see it, these big-dollar charities turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to the plight of these beautiful dolphins all in the name of greed, while on the outside promoting dolphin advocacy with such power that you’d think they should be wearing a red cape ... I have witnessed this first-hand.

Please keep in mind that I will refer to these “big-dollar charities” from here on out as anti-charities. So, if THESE anti-charities are thieving monsters loaded with MONEY, how low do you think they’ll go to keep the cash flow going? O’Barry had to pay thousands of dollars in fines (that's what usually happens when you break laws), his name has been dragged through the mud and his credibility isn't worth a piece of Bazooka Joe, so I ask you: What does this egomaniac have to lose? Nothing!!!

In life, I notice that people will defend their heroes because of what they once were. In O’Barry's case, I have no clue when he was someone worth standing up for, because for as long as I can remember, he has always been a slimy conniving individual who has zero regard for captive cetaceans. All he cares about is making money for himself.

How ANYONE can refute this is beyond insane. We live in a time where we can go on the internet and research anything … Guess what?? If you doubt what I am saying or what the blog page is saying or what's being said about Ric O'Barry – just Google the damn thing! It’s all right there…

Link: https://t.co/vWP7uNAlL4 (Michigan State University College of Law Animal Legal & Historical Center)

As for the former US Navy dolphin trainer, Rick Trout, he already has my respect for serving the great country I live in. As for his whistleblowing, he has my ultimate respect; what Mr. Trout did was courageous and amazing. This man worked with O’Barry; if anyone would know the classless tactics O’Barry used in order to make a dollar, it would be his former colleague.

I can't begin to thank ALL whistle-blowers like Rick Trout, John Hargrove and the UK trainer known as David Capello for making the huge decision of giving us a "tell all"; for having the fortitude to say “enough is enough” regardless of the inevitable fallout that was sure to follow. The fact that people like David, John and Rick decided to say "enough is enough" and stand up for what they believe in is truly commendable.

In David's case, he wrote the great exposé "The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy". I can't speak highly enough about this trilogy. I have read many books in my life, but this trilogy truly changed my views on the entire captive cetacean industry forever. It’s a damn shame that unscrupulous people like Ric O’Barry, Margaux Dodds and Gaye Hunter will literally move Heaven and Earth to block the truth from coming out. It's truly scandalous that these people "claim" they care about the welfare of dolphins when, in fact, the only thing they care about is filling their pockets.

I feel like the tide is starting to turn. In the past six months a lot of good things have happened in regard to awareness of our beloved captive cetaceans. Hopefully the powers-that-be will no longer have the power to keep this exposé blocked, and the truth will come out for everyone - activists and non-activists alike.

Hopefully other trainers will see this huge positive upswing and decide to tell their personal tale witnessing dolphin abuse. It's so vital and life changing. Remember, it is, and will always be, about the dolphins ...

David Capello link

23/8/2019 16:44:53

Thanks for your detailed comment, Nico; you've certainly gone to town on this - which is great!
We had no idea that our revelation about Ric O'Barry being behind the UK charity block would cause such a furore, and no one was more surprised than me when Rick Trout of Save the Navy Dolphins! got involved. What he revealed was truly shocking and something that even I found hard to stomach.
All commercial trainers do things that they are ashamed of, but - except for what they did to Bubbles and my blind dolphin, Scouse - never have I encountered such calculated cruelty in the pursuit of fame and fortune. O’Barry’s supporters will say that he has changed and is making amends for his past misdemeanours. If this is so, then why would he try to silence an exposé that is being called “the dolphin version of Blackfish”?
He wouldn’t! Not if it were truly about saving dolphins. Sadly, for him, it’s not - it’s about fame, money and legacy.

Kathy Harrison

25/8/2019 15:57:54

WOW Nico! You hit the nail on the head with this post. I, for one would like to thank you for your comments.
You are so right...it is all about GREED! O’Barry is all about the money. Sad really, because with his following, he really could have done something good! TAIJI is looming over us right now and he could have done so much good there if he had really wanted that to end! After all he has been going their since 1970. 50 years! The only thing he did was make all of us aware that that atrocity was happening. I feel he did that just to increase his donations! Please help me stop this by sending me money. How could a good person, who loves our dolphins not send money, but 50 years later it still goes on!
I hope you are right that the tide is beginning to turn, and I think it is somewhat, but we, the volunteers cannot become complacent. We must continue to be a voice for the voiceless. We must also keep these crooked charities in the limelight! Since Rick Trout’s horrific revelations has the O’ Barry camp responded? The answer is a big NO! They are hoping this will just go away, but us true activists will not let it go quietly into the night!
The charities are so afraid of the Holroyd’s expose, that they have done everything to keep it in the shadows. I am so glad I found these books just by seeing a post on Twitter from David Capello. David and Tracy Holroyd’s books have made me even more determined to bring the captive Cetacean industry to their knees!
Thank you again Nico! I will say the same thing I said at the beginning of the reply...YOU HIT THE NAIL RIGHT ON THE HEAD!

Shelley Guinn

29/8/2019 23:07:39

“The fact that people like David, John and Rick decided to say "enough is enough" and stand up for what they believe in is truly commendable”
ABSOLUTELY AGREE!! I Have been horrified by what I have learned not only from
David but just recently from Rick Trout.
The truth will not stay hidden..their power will run out and people will see the light.

@GirlPower_2

23/8/2019 18:30:36

As we look back in time to our childhoods, I think a lot of people feel guilty, guilty because we once bought a ticket for a dolphin show. I guess we weren’t smart in those days, because so did I. But I made a pledge to myself: never, never again will I buy a ticket to see captive animals in zoos or aquariums.
The awareness of animal abuse brought about by the internet changed a lot. But was it in a positive way for captive animals? I’m not so sure, because, as long as there are hungry money grabbers in organizations and greedy politicians, the victories are likely to be very small.
Everything in life can be bought when you have lots of money, can’t it? But my question to these people is: how can you sleep at night? How many men and women who don’t have children have left legacies to the so-called charities, only for that money to vanish into the pockets of CEOs? Don’t these greedy people have any decency? They betray and deceive not only their own souls, but also gullible people and the innocent animals who are depending on us.
As for Taiji, I have great respect for the volunteers over there. They endure the bloody senseless murder of dolphins for 6 months a year. And yes, they don’t get paid, not a damn cent. The cost of travel and food is down to the volunteer himself. It’s the TOP of the organizations where things come unstuck. There you find the selfishness and the greed. Instead of working together and having a bigger chance of success, the big egos destroy everything that good people might achieve. And again, that leads us back to the ones who are depending on us - our beloved animals; killed, enslaved and mistreated for the entertainment of humankind.
It's a pity there aren’t more whistle-blowers like David, Rick Trout and a few others. People have the right to know what’s going on behind the scenes.
One can become a trainer in a dolphinarium, where dolphins and orcas do tricks for food, used as entertainment for the crowd. All ex-trainer whistle-blowers are paying a debt to their beloved animals, because it is the trainers who have witnessed what the money grabbers are doing with innocent smart animals – the same money grabbers who treat animals like garbage. If the upkeep of the animals is more than the money rolling in: “Ah, we have to dump them!” But killing animals secretly and throwing them into the ocean, in my opinion, is nothing short of horrific.
As far as David Capello is concerned, this is a man with a big heart for animals. His dream became a nightmare. He became a trainer because his heart was filled with love for animals. He didn’t have a clue when he started his new job how animal welfare can be corrupted by greed. How must these beautiful intelligent dolphins - who are in many ways closest to humans - feel when someone is sitting on their back? Not convinced? Imagine your roles were reversed and think again please. I hope that more whistle-blowers will stand up and be counted. Only by working together can we successfully achieve improved welfare and survival rates for animals.
@GirlPower_2

David Capello link

24/8/2019 16:41:46

What a great comment, @GirlPower_2; this is good enough to be a standalone blog. Everything you have said, I agree with. The charities and the anti-captivity celebs that front them have completely lost the plot. They have become money-grabbing organisations where power and expert status rule all.

Gone are the days when dolphin welfare was paramount – a point well illustrated by the actions of Ric O’Barry of The Dolphin Project and the so-called charities that back him. This dolphin saviour regards his own importance above all else. Why else would he push another ex-dolphin trainer whistle-blower off the stage?

O’Barry, and all who helped him orchestrate this plot against The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy, should feel thoroughly ashamed of themselves … but they won’t, because in a few weeks’ time, the Taiji money train rolls in.

Sue

24/8/2019 21:00:17

I was a witness also to what Rick Trout describes about Bogie and Bacall, the Navy Dolphins and the Sugarloaf Dolphin sanctuary where Ric O’Barry had the docks like a movie set with palm trees and all where the the navy dolphins were supposed to be rehabbed and released not just dumped. Ric O’Barry got off the truck with the dolphins in it to get himself ready for the camera instead of caring for the dolphins.

After Rick Trout left the Dolphin Sanctuary things just got so bad for the animals it was all about the money and O’Barry trying to make himself look good at the dolphins expense. These poor animals came to the sanctuary so they could be free again not murdered or sent back to hell with the navy.

Rick Trout speaks the truth about Ric O’Barry in his statement and Ricks first concern was for the dolphins and doing things right.

David Capello link

26/8/2019 11:48:03

Thanks for taking the time to make comment, Sue. Being an early UK trainer meant that I had little knowledge of the depsicable goings-on at the Sugaroaf Sanctuary at the hands of Ric O'Barry. However, Mr Trout's testimony, along with yours and Becky's, have quite rightly brought O'Barry's skulduggery back into the public forum. Your comment doesn't make clear if you were a trainer or hander at the Sugarloaf facility, but it is clear that you are well-versed in the practices of Mr Ric O'Barry, which brings to mind a saying my late Dad always drummed into me: bad people never change; they just get older. An adage that seems to fit O'Barry perfectly. Thanks again for bringing this man's skeletons out of the cupboard. And if you should ever wish to write a blog on your experiences at Sugarloaf, The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy website will give you a platform.

Tracy Holroyd link

26/8/2019 12:04:16

Thank you everyone who has had the courage to make comment on this blog. We have received a lot of stick from so-called activists who believe that we should not have tarnished the great Ric O'Barry's name. I am disgusted at what I've heard about Ric O'Barry, and am even more disgusted with those activists who clearly place Mr O'Barry's reputation above dolphin welfare - and that includes the big charities. I can only say in their defence that they have NEVER worked with dophins and know very little other than what they have read in books and what Mr O'Barry tells them. Unfortunately, many of the O'Barry supporters are truly envious of those of you who have worked closely with dolphins and experienced their magic, despite the heartbreak it has caused you. Unbelievable. Thank you again.

@GirlPower_2

27/8/2019 12:54:33

Thank you, David Capello, for your comment. As good people, we all have the duty to stand up for the weakest. The weakest includes honest people and innocent animals. Anyway, this is my opinion.
I did a little research, according to a link Nico posted here about Ric O’Barry. I am really shocked what this man did to the dolphins at Sugarloaf. We have all made mistakes in life - and still do - but the internet states that O’Barry’s first Flipper movie was in the 1960s. Yet, the article I just read states that O’Barry’s despicable acts occurred in the 1990s. Money should never be more important than the welfare of innocent animals, and reading this makes me furious and ashamed to be a member of the human species.
I want you to know, David, telepathy will always be a pro- or contra-discussion, but I believe it 100%, because of some personal matters. We can only guess what you are feeling inside: your grief and feelings of guilt about your beloved dolphins. But remember, you did the very best you could; your hands were tied. And the few people who stood beside you, were thrown on the streets by a heartless management because they spoke the truth. The truth hurts, doesn’t it?
This leaves me a question. As a matter of speaking, they say: ‘silence is golden’. Sometimes this is true - the best one can do. But why does the organization O’Barry represents remain silent? If everything is based on lies with potential for libel and defamation claims, why is there no response to the publication of this blog?
Sadly, greed for money, status and big egos, have become a worldwide disease. All I can say is, “Wake up people!” You need to think twice before you donate to these so-called anti-cap charities. I have witnessed the same in a few charities in my own country. Shameless, heartless people!
Thank you, David and Tracy

Shelley

29/8/2019 23:49:10

Tracy and David..after reading all these comments Its almost like another chapter in your trilogy!! Tracy
I believe Ric is like Backhouse. Anyone that read these books would have to agree. One thing that makes him worse is the fact that he is still actively pursuing his own agenda. I have several people saying that he does SO much good and saves so many dolphins...I have researched and looked everywhere trying to find anything positive that he has done that significantly helps the plight of any dolphin. What else is there besides bringing to light the Taiji horror and yes The Dolphin Project Cove monitors which are awesome.
I have even challenged people to tell me where they think the money that people donate goes. I am sure this could also be for many other so called charities but that is for another Blog. So what I am basically hearing from people is that even if he did bad stuff in the past that he does good stuff now so thats why they support him.
I would like for everyone to weigh in on this and help my case...or am I wrong???
I think not!!

David Capello link

30/8/2019 09:24:42

It amazes me, Shelley, that even after reading this O’Barry horror story, some activists are still willing to believe that he’s changed; that all Ric O’Barry’s cruelty and manipulation of this industry is now in the past.

WAKE UP, PEOPLE!

Ric O’Barry’s underhand plot with Margaux Dodds and co of the UK charity, Marine Connection, against The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy was hatched in 2012. Irrefutable proof that this self-proclaimed dolphin saviour hasn’t changed. His inbred instinct of survival and self-promotion is alive and kicking.

So, I ask all those who still refuse to see the light to remember this: every one of my lost book sales, stolen demo talks and lost press interviews intended to inform the public of the horrors of the aqua circus is down to Ric O’Barry feeding his own insatiable ego. FACT!

Tracy Holroyd link

30/8/2019 09:59:34

Thanks for your comment, Shelley. No, you're not wrong.

It seems to me that Ric O'Barry formed The Dolphin Project when he identified a new and lucrative niche in the market. As you ask, where do donations go? Cove monitors pay their own way. An activist friend pointed out that Helene O'Barry even sought donations to pay for the publication of her children's book. The Dolphin Project is a family business, and nothing more.

As Rick Trout pointed out: "There are many skilled, competent & experienced Marine Mammal rescue operations who can & have done far more humane rescue, rehab & release."

We may not recognise the names of the individuals working on these rescues, but that's because their purpose is to save marine mammals, not garner publicity and cash.

Perhaps activists choose to believe that Ric O'Barry has changed because they don't wish to admit that they have been taken in. None of us wants to believe that we have been conned.

But remember this: when a well-known ex-dolphin trainer turned rescuer attempts to stop another ex-trainer's anti-cap message getting out, it is NOT because he is thinking of dolphin welfare - it is because he has identified a threat to his own position and needs to kill it immediately.

And here WE were, thinking that we were all on the same team. This past 7-8 years have taught us a lot - very little of it good. But, as David Capello said: "Animal conservation and animal exploitation are two sides of the same coin."

Malcolm J. Brenner link

31/8/2019 01:48:21

I interviewed Ric O'Barry in 1976, before he changed his last name (it used to be O'Feldman). Somehow the audio cassette survived, and I recently dubbed it to an audio file. I asked Ric if he wanted a copy.

"I received your request to publish an ancient interview. Permission NOT granted. I’m not interested," Ric wrote.

This struck me as kind of odd, because I wanted to use the interview to show that his views hadn't changed since 1976, that his goals were still consistent.

So I'm going to shelve the interview (for now). But I think these comments about John C. Lilly and me substantiate what an earlier commentator, Kathy Harrison, said: he hates to share the spotlight with anyone. Rick wrote:

"The work we do involve conflict. Major conflicts with the captivity industry. They will use anything they can to discredit me. You should know that better than anyone. Actually, they get their prostitute scientists and vets to do that. They did that to John Lilly. John told me he wanted to help with the captivity issue in his final years, but his interviews about sex, drugs and aliens rendered him useless. He was discredited. Neutered by the industry, and by his own undoing.

They did the same thing to you.

As an activist you were rendered useless because of your sex life with a dolphin going public. You did that to yourself. Unfortunately you can’t help the cause now. You can’t help the dolphins. It’s a shame. The dolphins need all the help they can get these days.

In the interest of helping the dolphins that are trying to get out of jail and back into the wild - or into a sanctuary - please throw those old interviews away. Publishing that stuff in an obscure UFO magazine won’t help the cause."

Well you know, Ric, we all down' what we can, to quote John Lennon. My novel "Wet Goddess" has sold 1,900 copies, each of which I estimate has been read by several people besides the author, and I don't have any cocaine-snorting rock star friends to fund me, either.

I don't know about all these accusations flying back and forth, I wasn't there. I only know that Ric seems afraid of what I have recorded, his own past from 33 years ago.

I wonder, why?

David Capello link

31/8/2019 17:42:18

Appreciate your comment, Malcolm Brenner (journalist and author of Wet Goddess). What you need to remember is that the plight of the captive dolphin is not deemed as newsworthy as that of their larger cousins, the orcas. Exposés by Hargrove and co are deemed far more ‘sexy’ in the eyes of the global media. A fact that motivates the media-savvy O’Barry to desperately hold on to his crown as sole whistle-blower against the captive dolphin industry. In my opinion, this twisted belief ties in with his refusal to give you permission to air his past interview, as the last thing he wants is to allow you or anyone else to jump on his exclusive dolphin-rescue bandwagon, as he does not want any deflection of attention away from himself. A ploy, according to whistle-blower Rick Trout, that O’Barry has used successfully in the past.

As for me, I welcome all exposés by like-minded people … even his. Just a pity this egotistical man doesn’t feel the same.

Tracy J Holroyd link

1/9/2019 20:42:53

Thanks for commenting, Malcolm Brenner. I agree with Capello that the only reason O'Barry doesn't want his interview released is because he wants to be the only "dolphin-saviour" in town – he certainly doesn’t want you or anyone else on-board. There are a finite number of donations to share and, as one ex-dolphin handler said to me, O’Barry doesn't want "any more fingers in the honey pot".

O’Barry thinks that, because of your past actions, you are powerless to help dolphins. So I can’t help but wonder why he deems Capello powerless to help dolphins, too? Groups, charities and activists affiliated to him claim it was because Capello was involved in “shake sessions”, whilst conveniently forgetting, of course, that it was Capello himself who exposed shake sessions to the world – NOT O’Barry.

They say that O’Barry has changed. But they think that ONLY O’Barry is ALLOWED to change. ONLY O’Barry is worthy of redemption – despite his horrific past actions, far more horrific than I’ve heard about in a long time.

And for those activists who claim NOT to believe the allegations against O’Barry, check out this report published by the Michigan State University College of Law. Read it if you dare. Or, if you’re afraid to read it, don’t! On Twitter and Facebook, there are a multitude of activists always telling the pro-cap camps to “get educated”. Perhaps it’s time they did the same!

https://www.animallaw.info/case/matter-richard-obarry

Bonnie Heather

1/9/2019 13:48:31

WOW! This is exactly what should be out there Public as Any so called animal(s) “Charity” organisation(s) that takes public donations for purposes of lining their own pockets and life styles and promoting propaganda feeds.

I respect all volunteer activists that go at their own expense to Taiji to document the abhorrent atrocities in that Mafia run town. Citizen of Taiji has to leave his birth place as he was ostracised for speaking out against dolphin drives and helping Japanese Activists head a court campaign to bring status of Dolphins from “fish” to “Mammals” which will offer dolphins protection.

Anyway a Huge Thank You Mr Trout for exposing the truth. I, like many have always known things in O’Barry camp are not as they seem and here is prove.

Respect to you Mr Trout, also David and Tracy for exposing the truth, naming names and getting it out there. There will be doubters, no smoke without fire, so let’s dampen these fires by putting them out with the Truth.
I will always speak out about the truth regardless Who it may offend, it’s about the Marine Mammals, NOT lining pockets at marine mammals expense.

David and Tracy’s Trilogy Books are a Must read, the truth behind Captivity industry, Eye Opening Read!

We are ONE
Many voices speak volumes
We will not go away
We Never forget

Tracy J Holroyd link

2/9/2019 08:40:09

Thank you for your comment and kind words, Bonnie Heather. It certainly is about saving marine mammals - at least it is for the compassionate and naive. Sadly, however, charitable organisations can attract fantastic amounts of money, so will inevitably attract people with self-serving agendas.

I was interested to read about the Taiji citizen who was forced from his birthplace because of speaking out against the Taiji slaughter. That sounds about right to me. Very few UK activists have supported us, and some have been downright aggressive. It was a huge shock for us, having embarked on a project that we hoped would help spread awareness about the plight of the captive dolphin.

The UK pro-captivity camp were laughing kitbags when the anti-captivity camp did the dirty job of silencing us for them.

Yes, there will be doubters - but people CHOOSE who and what to believe, even when faced with evidence from a Court of Law.

https://www.animallaw.info/case/matter-richard-obarry

Now there are more dolphinaria in the world than ever before, and Taiji has become so lucrative that the gangsters have moved in.

So, who suffers in the end? Certainly not the charity bosses.

Craig Nico

7/9/2019 20:53:38

First of all, I would like to thank everyone for their kind words; I truly appreciate it. All I am doing, like all of us here, is putting my feelings on paper.

When I said "I feel like the tide is starting to turn. In the past six months a lot of good things have happened in regard to awareness of our beloved captive cetaceans", I believe that more than ever. Look at what has happened since my last reply. New Zealand bans swimming with bottlenose dolphins after numbers plunge, plus tour operators are now only allowed 20 minutes of dolphin interaction from what was previously 30 minutes. I know it’s not a win, but it is definitely a step in the right direction!

Remember the 10 captive whales that were freed by Russia? Four of those released are now hunting together. Also, let's not forget that Canada has banned keeping whales and dolphins in captivity. Dolphins, orcas and other marine life can rejoice over United Airlines’ decision to stop selling tickets to SeaWorld. I think it's great that United Airlines have removed any trace of theme parks from its website following animal cruelty concerns. And, last but certainly not least, Virgin Holidays announced it is stopping the sale or promotion of new attractions or hotels featuring captive whales or dolphins for entertainment.

There are many more examples of dolphins and whales finally being placed at the forefront because of whistle-blowers and activists alike. Also, the word "awareness" has at last become key. The fact that more and more people are willing to see, read and act upon what's happening to our beloved captive cetaceans is a monumental win for all.

So, all those evil fame and money-hungry, two-faced monsters out there - such as Ric O' Barry, Margaux Dodds and Gaye Hunter of the UK Charity Marine Connection – are nothing but bastards who blocked an AMAZING exposé called The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy. This is truly a "tell-all" about the powers that rob, steal, lie, cheat and KILL, all in the name of fortune and fame.

Along with these unscrupulous, immoral individuals, I'm also going to name Jenny Woods of PETA. In case people don't realize, the cover-up/block of the Dolphin Trilogy has been going on for years. Back in 2012, David sent the first book in the trilogy to PETA and corresponded with Jenny Woods. In January 2013, almost a year later, David received a reply. All PETA did was put a spin on the book in order NOT to endorse it - a huge shame. PETA really had its chance to FINALLY make so much right, and like all the frauds here, they didn't - they were too worried about losing their precious cash flow. It makes no sense whatsoever … well it didn't, until I fully understood the gravity of the situation. The importance of money!

But as time moves on, more and more activists and non-activists alike are starting to realize that "The truth is NOW out there", and that is definitely something all these individuals, ANTI-Charities, and greedy conglomerate corporations fear most. It's not just out there, it's growing day by day. I can't begin to thank Rick Trout, the ex-Navy dolphin trainer, enough for his decision to expose Ric O' Barry for the fraud he is. As I said in my earlier reply: "If anyone would know the classless tactics O’Barry used in order to make a dollar, it would be his former colleague." This is the very reason why The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy NEEDS to be out there. The horrible individuals that have played the “two-face” card game need to be exposed as well. These monsters need to be seen for what they are and, sooner or later, they will be.

The voice of the dolphin version of Blackfish is definitely getting louder and louder. In my eyes, David Capello, Rick Trout and John Hargrove, to name but a few, really have my ultimate respect. These are the individuals that have put their careers, their lives, and - most of all - the lives of their loved ones under constant scrutiny in their quest for the truth coming out for our beloved captive cetacean.

If anybody has a shred of dignity or an ounce of respect, they should stop denying everything that has been said about these amazing dolphins in regards to the horrible torture, abuse and death they suffered. They should finally admit it - own up to it - and for the first time in more years than anybody can count, when their head hits the pillow, there'll be no more guilt weighing them down. At least, that's my view.

So again, I humbly thank all whistle-blowers, especially David Capello and Rick Trout.

David Capello link

8/9/2019 14:20:40

Thanks for taking the time, Nico, to write another insightful comment on what’s fast becoming an explosive blog. On a positive note, I concur that things are changing for the better regarding public awareness about the plight of our captive Atlanteans. On a not-so-positive note is the flak I have received on Twitter from Ric O’Barry lovers, who clearly deem his underhand dealings, recklessness and cruelty as being totally acceptable. Little wonder most ex-trainers and dolphinarium staff keep quiet about the atrocities committed behind the closed doors of the aqua-circus, because judging from what I’ve had to endure over the last decade at the hands of so-called caring activists, who in their right mind would want to be a whistle-blower?

Craig Nico

10/11/2019 17:07:42

Hi David Capello! Thank you for your honest reply, which I truly respect. As you have stated, "things are changing for the better regarding public awareness about the plight of our captive Atlanteans". Look what else has happened - Airbnb & TripAdvisor will no longer sell tickets to attractions with captive dolphins and whales! How great is that?
https://t.co/pQteeInFHe
The fact that the TripAdvisor President now fully acknowledges that “Whales and dolphins do not thrive in limited captive environments," is not just truly wonderful but further demonstrates that the “awareness" I have been going on about is starting to grow like an amazing butterfly. Not to keep beating the same beat, but with whistle-blowers now joining you, David, on center stage telling the horrors of their real-life stories, I have a feeling that unscrupulous and immoral people, such as Ric O'Barry, will be viewed for what they really are - conniving, lying, corrupt individuals that care nothing about the welfare of our beautiful Atlanteans, only about lining their pockets. That's all they care about.
Now, to steal your line, "On a not-so-positive note", the fact that the Ric O' Barry cronies continue to defend him is actually quite comical. How can you truly defend any individual on this planet who has been convicted in a court of law? So many people know what he did – how he treated his dolphins - so how can these so-called activists sit there and defend him?
And to finish - hopefully countries such as Japan and Norway, not to mention other countries that hunt and capture cetaceans, will start feeling the pressure as well. It's all we can hope for! But the beauty of it all is that the all-important change in people’s attitudes is actually starting to happen. There is no denying that - and it truly scares the hell out of the lying, corrupt organizations that claim to care about Animal Welfare.

David Capello link

8/12/2019 10:31:36

First off, sorry it took so long to reply, Nico. It’s so good to speak with someone so passionate about the plight of our global cetaceans; someone who sees beyond the doom and gloom that many of us feel about the slow pace of ceta welfare, reform and recognition. As for your comments on Ric O’Barry’s constant self-promoting skulduggery, judging by comments on this blog, this is nothing new for the O’Barry camp.

So, all I can do is reiterate what I said earlier. Every lost TV/radio interview; every lost public appearance and book sale exposing the horrors of commercial dolphinaria is down to O’Barry’s reckless protection of his expert status and fat monetary income. ‘Nuff said!

David C Holroyd link

26/12/2019 13:26:38

As most of you already know, this blog is causing a great deal of turmoil within ceta activism. Since posting, we as authors have been subject to constant abuse from so-called activists who would prefer that Ric O’Barry’s past stay buried. One such person is Terry Dark, a man who claims to be a personal friend of the Dolphin Project’s founder.

This warped individual, after crashing our Facebook page, has continued to abuse and troll us around social media. He even tried to post a comment on this blog (with the right to reply button withheld). In other words, he wishes to continue his barrage of rhetoric from behind the safety of his computer, without giving the right of redress. Something we will NOT ALLOW. So here is a message for this feeble excuse of an activist: “Your Facebook rant has been successful, for you and your girlfriend Nicki Philip have over doubled the number of page likes on the Rick Trout/David Capello blog … for which we are truly thankful.”

David C Holroyd

Craig Nico

31/12/2019 17:26:21

“Cowardice and Deflection" - how else can I sum up what has transpired in the last week, crossing multiple social media platforms? Apparently, some feathers have been severely ruffled within the anti-cap charities – from the damaging tell-all blog by Rick Trout to the Holroyds’ latest novel (released June 2020) "Belinda Fellgate: HellCat". All this has definitely caused an uproar.
I have read the numerous Facebook posts as well as what's being said on Twitter. So, please keep this in mind: I don't know any of the people and players involved; I don't know Terry Dark or Nicki Philip. I don't know anyone from the UK charity Marine Connection and, obviously, I don't know anyone who works for Ric O'Barry, nor Mr O'Barry himself, I'm just going on the facts - facts that cannot be refuted or debated - ergo, facts.
I'm not going to name everything that Ric O'Barry has done - just go to Google, it's all there. But what I will do is comment on attacks by Terry Dark and Nicki Philip, people who will continue to defend, worship, and vehemently deny any wrongdoing that O’Barry did. Again, Google the facts.
What I found to be quite bizarre was the fact someone reached out to all of us on the Rick Trout/David Capello blog, without giving the right of reply, which meant that the Holroyds had no option but to delete the Terry Dark comment.
Case in point, Terry Dark wrote:
"We have decided to delete all [Facebook] comments here because we do not want to be part of your toxic fantasy world." They say they don't want to be a part of our "toxic fantasy world", yet they post questions and then delete them, not to mention the fact that they contacted Rick Trout asking him to cut O’Barry some slack. I'm sorry but the toxic fantasy world is a world they created and live in – not the Holroyds - and, as more and more revelations come to light, it’s obvious that that world is ruled by O'Barry.
They also said: "You have opted to create conflict and drama because it sells books ...Your hearts are not actually in it and you are in fact involved in animal exploitation."
Are you kidding me, Terry Dark?? I mean KIDDING ME??? David has official dolphinaria logbooks, photos and other documents, as well as witness testimony from several UK ex-trainers as to what really happened - that is 100% factual. David has always put his money where his mouth is. What have you done beside back someone whom many consider a fraud? Look who you defend! More importantly, look at yourself! If you're backing this man, and you know all this, what does that say about you?
And the last comment Terry Dark made was: "My anti-cap friends and connections are in the thousands...not one comment from them" My retort to that, Mr Dark, is they are a lot smarter than you. They know what David Capello has. They know all about the official documents that are in his possession, meaning everything - and I mean everything - can be backed up without fail.
So here is the bottom line, Mr Dark: you get wind that David is releasing another book, and it definitely has you running scared, prompting the vitriolic attacks. It's comical and, more importantly, transparent; I mean, your attacks and accusations appear to have been triggered solely by news of the Holroyds’ new book. You and your "anti-cap” friends choose to ignore the evidence, claiming that David Capello is lying.
We ALL KNOW that he is NOT lying.
I put my full name out there. I hide from no one. I have no problems debating with anyone who feels what I am saying is inaccurate, skewed, or flat-out lies. I don't hide behind made up names, alter egos and nonsense like that. Do you understand, Mr Dark, or Philip Oceans … or whatever name you're choosing to use this week?
If you can't handle the facts, then I'm sorry: reality is a tough pill to swallow, so please keep your shallow and pedantic reality and comments to yourselves.

Tracy J Holroyd link

1/1/2020 11:18:31

Nothing to add to this excellent post, Nico! You've said it all! We will no longer allow ourselves to be dragged into rows. We have been naive enough to think that those who attack us actually have genuine concerns. Nothing could be further from the truth. As David Capello says: "This business is all about big reps, big money ... and big egos." Thank you for posting, Nico.

Paul Ukena

23/1/2020 13:33:27

I have known Rick Trout since 1967. He has always been an honest, forthright person, and someone who doesn't hide his feelings. I visited him in the Keys (before he went to work for the Navy), and saw firsthand his love and respect for marine mammals. I talked with him after he left the Navy, and heard firsthand his horror stories of his experience there.
He is a tireless advocate for marine mammals, whose opinions, experience, and knowledge should be respected by anyone who is concerned about them. Those who ignore his insights, or take issue with them, are not the advocates they claim to be.

David C Holroyd link

24/1/2020 15:58:01

Thank you, Paul, for taking the time to make comment on the Trout/Capello blog. Although we don't know Rick Trout personally, we are aware of his tireless work as an advocate for marine mammals, which begs an important question: why aren't more ex-trainers and presenters coming forward to give Rick Trout and David Capello support? Why are these ex-dolphinaria workers choosing to stay silent when they know first-hand the horrors our captive dolphins and whales suffer daily? Food for thought for any ex-ceta handlers that may be reading this comment.

In the meantime, like you, we are thankful for ex-trainers like Rick Trout and David Capello for having the courage to stand tall in the face of adversity.

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.

RICK TROUT, EX-NAVY DOLPHIN TRAINER, JOINS THE PERFECT PAIR DOLPHIN TRILOGY IN CONDEMNING ACTIVIST, RIC O'BARRY

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