The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy Book Series Authors' Blog

THE PERFECT PAIR DOLPHIN TRILOGY’S TRAINER CHALLENGES 'A REVIEW OF DOLPHINARIA' BY KLINOWSKA AND BROWN

16/1/2023

This historical information has never before been officially released. All dates are correct and taken from official dolphin logbooks long since thought destroyed.

Image of David C Holroyd, aka former head dolphin trainer, David Capello, with text about Klinowska & Brown report.

1986 Klinowska & Brown Report, A Review of Dolphinaria

I'M THROUGH PUSSYFOOTING AROUND!
With all the recent publicity surrounding the South Elmsall secret training pool, this is as good a time as any to put the record straight. As the former head trainer featured in The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy book series, I learned my craft at this West Yorkshire location. It’s time that both public and activists knew the TRUE facts, so here they are laid out for all to read.

The pool was owned by John Nolan, a well-respected water-filtration engineer and a man considered to be well ahead of his time in his field.
The facility was leased to Entam Leisure, a subsidiary of the international conglomerate, The Trust House Forte group.
17th February 1972 The first dolphins to arrive at the South Elmsall facility were Duchess and Herb’e (aka Flippa), more affectionately known as the Perfect Pair.
25th March 1972 The second shipment of dolphins consisted of Scouse (blinded during a botched transport), Baby Dai (an illegally imported infant), Stumpy (deemed too sick to train) and Bubbles (transported whilst in shock and rumoured to have met a dubious end).
All the above dolphins shared the facility with a California sea Lion named Bobby (covertly shipped from Manchester Belle Vue Zoological Gardens following a catastrophic attack on a member of the public) and two Humboldt penguins named Smelly and Worse.
Date unknown The third shipment of dolphins consisted of Eccles, Twinkle and Blodwyn (also known as Big Mama).
The existence of the South Elmsall training facility was recognised by its inclusion in Jonathan Straight’s museum exhibition, Faces of South Elmsall, giving the South Elmsall Atlantean detainees a voice at last.

Image of David C Holroyd, aka former head dolphin trainer David Capello, with text about ill-fated dolphin Bubbles.

This Dolphin does not Exist.

DAVID CAPELLO, HEAD TRAINER:
THE TRAINER THE UK CETA CHARITIES WOULD HAVE YOU BELIEVE NEVER EXISTED.

The credits of David C Holroyd (stage name David Capello), the first trainer to graduate from the South Elmsall facility:

Opened onstage the premier dolphin show at Knowsley Safari Park Dolphinarium with a young Duchess and Herb’e.
Opened onstage the premier dolphin show at Woburn Abbey Safari Park Dolphinarium with Bonnie and Clyde.
Performed onstage the Royal Show at Woburn Abbey Safari Park Dolphinarium, exclusively for the Duke of Bedford, his titled guests and selected members of the press.
Became head trainer for Entam Leisure overseeing training programmes for Knowsley Safari Park, Woburn Abbey and Rhyl dolphinaria.
Offered Europe’s then only captive orca, Ramu III, by Gary Smart (Billy Smart’s Circus) at Windsor Safari Park.
The only UK trainer known to employ the connection mind-training technique.
The only UK trainer to achieve the Shadow Ballet (series of somersaults).
Entam Leisure’s only dolphin hand-catcher and trouble-shooter.

Image of dolphins Duchess and Herb'e, with names of UK dolphinaria run by Entam Leisure.

The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy Locations Named.

I PUBLICLY CHALLENGE THE KLINOWSKA AND BROWN REPORT!

This official Government-commissioned report on UK dolphinaria did not name several of the early South Elmsall dolphins. The records of those it did name were riddled with inaccuracies, ie dates of arrival, dates and places of death. Why?

Why did such a vital piece of work close its eyes to the memory of these sad but magnificent Atlantean performers?

Could it be that those who supplied the information had a different agenda? Could it be that, such was their shame surrounding the treatment of the Entam dolphins, those involved chose to cover up the existence of certain dolphins, whilst falsifying the records of others?

I strongly believe this to be the case because the vast amount of information submitted to the researchers was presented by the captive cetacean industry itself. By this, I mean those people who worked for the UK aqua circus, ie owners, vets and animal celebrities who went on to build lucrative careers on the back of dolphin suffering.

Image of BBC Celebrity Terry Nutkins with text naming him as villain of The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy book series.

BBC's Terry Nutkins Exposed

WHY DID THE UK CHARITIES CHOOSE TO BLACKLIST CAPELLO'S VITAL EXPOSE?

I refer you back to my last comment: animal celebrities, such as Terry Nutkins, who professed and sold himself to be a captive dolphin expert despite NEVER having trained a dolphin! A ploy that took him to great heights.

As most people are now aware, the villain of The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy exposé was a character named Tommy Backhouse (a fictitious name designed to avoid legal problems at the time of publication).

Tommy Backhouse’s true name was of course Terry Nutkins, Entam’s then general manager. He became a famous 1980s presenter of animal programmes (most notably the BBC's Animal Magic and The Really Wild Show). He was also known to several charities because of his work with cetaceans and his links to naturalist and author, Gavin Maxwell - just one of the MANY reasons that might explain the UK ceta charities’ stubborn reluctance to support The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy exposé.

(IMPORTANT NOTICE: The FIRST and so far ONLY UK ceta charity to recognise the truth of The Perfect Pair story is the WDC, when on 29th August 2023, it published David C Holroyd's guest blog in support of its End Captivity Forever campaign.) A former UK dolphin trainer reflects - Whale and Dolphin Conservation

However, what cannot be explained is why a UK ceta charity director, Margaux Dodds of Marine Connection and Dolphinaria-Free Europe, covertly tried to discredit the exposé, asking other charity directors NOT to support it – a shameful stifling of the truth that, to my mind, has cost the lives of many captive dolphins ... dolphins she says she wants to save!

Article with images of David C Holroyd, aka David Capello, and entrepreneur, Jonathan Straight, promoting Jonathan's Faces of South Elmsall project.

Scan of illustrated article about the South Elmsall dolphins.

So, there you have it: a web of skulduggery to maintain a cover-up that was hatched by the UK captive industry over 50 years ago - sadly, a mantle that the ceta charities have happily taken up. This well-orchestrated ghosting has now failed BIG-TIME thanks to photographer and entrepreneur Jonathan Straight’s South Elmsall museum exhibition - not forgetting the brave journalism of Olivia Hale and the Yorkshire press, who have each done their bit in getting out the truth about the existence of South Elmsall’s secret pool. Their coverage has helped to give the ill-fated South Elmsall dolphins a voice, and has spurred many hard-hitting interviews.

So, thank you Olivia Hale, The Yorkshire Post, Wakefield Express, Pontefract and Castleford Express and all those smaller online media outlets who took this story to their hearts. Also, a big thank you to Janek Andre and Lisa Jewell of WeWhale, Erica Salvemini of The Rising Lioness podcast and Kimberly Ray of Marine Conservation Network. Links to all interviews can be found on our website: Videos

To finish, as the former trainer of all the dolphins mentioned above, I am sorely aware that I cannot undo my wrongs. However, I can shine a light on the truth – a truth that has been so long denied to ceta activists globally.

Image of David C Holroyd, aka David Capello, with text re dolphin captivity.

David C Holroyd, aka David Capello, Troublemaker and Whistle-blower.

Thus, I dedicate this blog to my precious Atlanteans: Duchess, Herb’e, Scouse, Baby Dai, Stumpy, Bubbles, Blodwyn (Big Mama), Eccles, Twinkle, Bonnie, Clyde and all those other innocents who followed. Please forgive!

Thanks for reading. I WILL answer all questions and comments addressed to this blog as truthfully as I possibly can, so don't be shy. NOTHING is off the table. Get involved!

David C Holroyd, aka David Capello, former head trainer, Entam Leisure, Trusthouse Forte.

Click on the links below to read more about the South Elmsall dolphin-training pool.

South Elmsall Stories - The Dolphinarium (facesofsouthelmsall.com)

Dolphins in a West Yorkshire swimming pool | Faces of South Elmsall | Jonathan Straight - YouTube

The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy Book Series Authors' Blog

'The worst kept secret in Pontefract' - the Manchester-born dolphin trainer turned animal activist who trained dolphins, sea lions and penguins at a South Elmsall swimming pool

'Cars stopped to watch the sea lion chase him up the street' - How Bobby the sea lion saved a South Elmsall dolphin trainer from a 'thumping'

David C Holroyd, aka David Capello - WikiAnimal

37 Comments

Tracy J Holroyd link

17/1/2023 11:54:54

An excellent blog, but I would like to make comment about one of the authors of A Review of Dolphinaria, Dr Margaret Klinowska.

You have always suggested that the catalogue of inaccuracies in the report was down to manipulation of the facts by the captive industry – especially when speaking about your Entam dolphins. Bearing that in mind, I recently viewed a YouTube video, which was an excerpt from a 1991 BBC nature series, Must the show go on? In it, Dr Klinowska speaks about her findings when researching for the report, and comments on research carried out by others.

Surprisingly, for an academic, she speaks of ‘data’, but neglects to give details of how it was collected and by whom. She delivers woolly, unsubstantiated conclusions, which she uses to try to justify the keeping of dolphins in captivity. She speaks of (what sounded like) a limited physiological study of dolphins but makes no mention of studies into the psychological damage suffered by captive dolphins in general.

The conclusion of the report advised that the captive environment for cetaceans should be upgraded, but it didn’t advise that cetaceans should not be kept in captivity.

Knowing what we do about cetacean captivity, this was a heavily flawed piece of research. I suspect that Klinowska had indeed been seduced by the pro-captivity propagandists, as you suggest in your blog, and that the report was heavily influenced by her preconceptions … and even more by her gullibility.

David Capello link

17/1/2023 15:05:08

Thanks for commenting, Tracy. As most ceta activists know, the Klinowska and Brown report signalled the end of the UK aqua circus, proving what I have always said about the companies that ran these so-called entertainment venues: dolphin welfare comes a very poor second to making money!

I say this because, in truth, it was the UK captive dolphin industry’s refusal to implement the recommendations of the Klinowska and Brown report due to financial costs that eventually brought it down. You can add to that the high mortality rate suffered by captive UK dolphins; living company assets that were becoming hugely expensive to replace.

On a good point, despite what I deem to be her pro-captivity sympathies, her report and recommendations proved to be a hammer blow to a UK industry that should have been consigned to history a decade before.

Wendy Raynor

20/1/2023 15:01:15

I've never made a comment on one of your blogs before, because I'm not an animal activist, but I am a huge fan of your dolphin books. So I can well understand your disappointment and frustration at the lack of support from UK charities, as I would have thought that they would have jumped at the chance to expose the terrible treatment dished out to your Entam dolphins. But what I find even more shameful is that a UK charity director actually went out to try and discredit your story. Why would she do that, David?

David Capello link

20/1/2023 16:27:24

Why indeed, Wendy? Why would Margaux Dodds and her then cohort Gaye Hunter dedicate so much of their time trying to discredit me and my expose, when they could have spent their valuable time saving dolphins? A question you would need to ask them. However, I have my own theories:

Could it be that these self-professed cetacean experts feared the arrival of someone who has actually worked hands-on with captive dolphins and knows the industry inside out?

Could it be that they were afraid that I would set up a rival charity to relieve well-meaning activists of their hard-earned cash?

Who knows? However, what I do know is that it was their poison that turned the UK charities against this expose, which was a shame, as The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy was never produced to threaten the charities. It was done to work alongside the charities; to help spread their message about the horrors of the aqua circus.

Thanks for commenting, Wendy, and a huge thank you for supporting my story.

Tracy J Holroyd link

22/1/2023 10:12:53

As the co-author of these award-winning books, and someone who has contributed money to animal rights charities since the age of 10, I wanted to reply to this comment. We seriously believe that the blocking perpetrated by the charities and their activist supporters is down to professional jealousy. It galls me that the pro-cap elements that were attacking us were able to cease their heinous activities and leave it all to the anti-cap elements instead. All our trouble came from Margaux Dodds' clique. This charity director has her sticky fingers in many pies.

But for those who envy David Capello's uncanny ability to bond with the cetacean mind, and envy his time working closely with these magical beings, please remember that the whole experience proved horrific for Capello himself. Three nervous breakdowns and mental scars that will remain with him forever.

Just thank God that it wasn't YOU!

GuckyTheGerbil

1/5/2025 17:26:45

Who would think that the poison of the wannabe animal rights activists from then "Twitter" still hits me on social media platforms about 10 years after these silly and unnecessary fights?
I never understood the jealousy of them towards The Perfect Pair and their supporters.
But I know that you both, Tracy and David, always said that you are not publishing the truth to earn money! But to help the imprisoned cetaceans of our modern, yet so cruel world with abusive zoos and circuses!

Craig Nico

5/2/2023 11:03:11

The South Elmsall facility.

No matter where you turn, this "secret" UK dolphin training center always comes up. This is the facility that has been surrounded by controversy for years!!! Once a well-guarded secret, but a secret no more...

For years, I have heard and read about the unspeakable horrors associated with this pool - the torture many beautiful Atlanteans endured year after year. This is definitely something that resonates with me.

I have read The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy twice. I have read about the dolphins:

• Stumpy - the nicest dolphin who was tragically doomed from the beginning.
• Baby Dai – the illegally transported infant.
• Scouse - blinded during a botched transport from the US to the UK.
• Bubbles – the one who broke my heart. Bubbles was subjected to so many horrible force feeds, and, if that wasn’t bad enough, her death was definitely (we'll use the word) "questionable".
• Then, there was the top performing pair: Duchess and Herb’e, AKA The Perfect Pair. The atrocities they endured and their tragic deaths. The horror of the price they (and others) paid cannot be expressed in words. Every time I think about them, I am crushed.
• Then, of course, we mustn’t forget the California sea lion Bobby and the penguins Smelly and Worse.

Keep in mind, much of the torture inflicted on these dolphins happened before they even arrived at the South Elmsall facility (capture, transport, etc). That's where the real nightmare began, and it never ended until each and every one of them tragically died – and way too soon.

I can attest to the fact that David is speaking the truth when it comes to story blocking by the charities. To my horror, I discovered that these (let me go with) “anti-charities”, by their actions, are covertly supporting the aqua circus. Let’s face it, the continuation of the captive industry is vitally important to them, because fighting it is how they make their money. Their appeals tell us what we want to hear, but once they’ve got our money, their pathetic inaction and efforts to undermine whistle-blowers like David only further promote the abuse.

I myself have reached out to several charities about David Capello’s expose. The result??

• PETA blocked me on all social media once I started asking questions.
• I then reached out to the WWF, only to be stonewalled by them as well. Not even a single reply.
• When I questioned Marine Connection, I was told a plethora of lies and, later, ignored.
• I even reached out to Lorena López, a former dolphin trainer whistle-blower. I found her interesting because the World Animal Protection org. website said: "Documentary: former dolphin trainer reveals hidden cruelty behind the industry. An ex-trainer explains how the captive dolphin industry misleads tourists about animal cruelty." I immediately thought, "BAM! this is it!!! This is perfect!!! This is what David Capello has been constantly talking about, and now another trainer is exposing the truth in another country. What could possibly go wrong?” I reached out to them, and their response was, "We'll get back to you". I received that same response about five times, then they just flat out ignored me. I later found out that this charity once contacted David asking him to join their campaign against the aqua-circus, then – with no explanation - they dropped him!

If memory serves me correctly, it all points back to Margaux Dodds of Marine Connection, who is VERY close to this charity – amongst others. David had no falling out with this org., but it is UK-based, which was bound to cause trouble because of his continuing conflict with the UK charities.

So, who are the major players involved in the blocking? Is it the late Terry Nutkins’ supporters and past work colleagues? Is it Margaux Dodds, the director of Marine Connection? Could it be Ric O'Barry? He claims to be an American activist, but if you knew the truth about him, you would know he's anything but.

David Capello has always said that he would be willing to debate and prove everything he is saying, yet all these anti-charities want nothing to do with him and seem afraid of getting involved in any discussion. I'm assuming that they think if they remain silent, David will just go away, but I truly believe there are many activists like me who won’t allow that to happen.

So, let's fast forward to 2022. To my mind, the South Elmsall museum exhibit is extremely important because this is where the proof of David’s story can be seen - the very proof that so many HOPED had been destroyed long ago. Well, now it's there for everyone to see! The day this exhibit opened was the day that everyone should have finally believed everything David had been saying. That was the day of validation for Capello.

David, I love that you literally blew the lid wide open on the who's who!

David Capello aka David C Holroyd link

5/2/2023 12:03:25

Wow, Nico! Where to start answering your mammoth comment! You have touched on so many aspects of this blog.

First, you are spot-on regarding the West Yorkshire museum exhibit. The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy book series’ inclusion in this project has officially validated my expose and the existence of the South Elmsall training facility. Even better, it has given a voice to those early, ill-fated dolphins whom activists have grown to love. It has also clarified the mishmash of half-truths that the UK charities have been promoting about the South Elmsall facility on their websites. So, for those of you who demand to know the truth about this secret training pool, please read the blog – because I was THERE! I am the ONE whistle-blower who experienced FIRST-HAND what happened behind the closed doors of this facility - not a self-professed charity expert playing guessing games to extort money from cash-strapped activists.

As for PETA, the charity that refused to answer you, then blocked you, don’t take it personally. The blocking of activists who ask embarrassing questions is common policy with these orgs. Most charities will do this, as I’m sure many of those reading this comment can testify. Sadly, most of those who run these money-making orgs care only for profit … none worse than those in the UK; a collective clique that houses the same names over and over again; names such as the esteemed Margaux Dodds.

You also mentioned the ceta celebrities, those who have made a lucrative living off the back of dolphin suffering. People like Ric O’Barry. (My opinion of this man is well-known.) Also the late BBC presenter, Terry Nutkins – a person I worked with for the best part of three years. A psychopath who cared for nothing but his own ego, and who openly admitted having no love for dolphins. I could go on, but there is little point.

I’ve given the activist camp an expose that, if supported, could close the aqua circus. It’s up to them whether or not they act on it.

Thank you again for your tremendous comment, Nico, and for your unwavering support over the years.

David Capello, aka David C Holroyd

Shelley Guinn

21/4/2025 13:11:57

Hello David!
May I commend you on a great blog. Thank you for putting it ALL out there. No more hiding under that rock for any of them!!! They know they cannot intimidate you, threaten you or shut you up. The proof you keep giving the world is undeniable. You would think the museum exhibit (which by the way is amazing) would have put any questionable doubt to rest. It always has and always just blows my mind that charities (or as Nico says..ANTI-Charities) are so ruthless. I despise the day I ever supported the same charities you both mention. It’s just disgusting to know that these charities care nothing about the dolphins, but only about making money. Which should never be a factor for anyone claiming they want to “SAVE DOLPHINS!” Any charity that disputes the validity of your exposé, along with all proof you have presented and tries everything in their power to block this just proves how dishonest and even corrupt that their organizations are. They may as well side with the captive industry. To me if you are not for something and support that cause then you are against it!
You cannot claim to be fighting against captive Facilities yet do what they have done to keep you from exposing what you know FIRST HAND about this industry. And you have proof.
You have definitely ruffled their feathers and have shown their true colors.
The fact that you continue to fight for our Atlanteans despite all the opposition, backlash, hatred you have encountered, the physical and emotional toll it has taken on you and using your OWN $$$ to get this out there is just a testament to your dedication, your honesty, and your true love for our Atlanteans. Anyone can and should see this.
Piggy backing more on Craig Nico’s comment…I too having read the Trilogy (several times) it never ceases to amaze me the underhanded BS that this facility did. After learning the teal names of these characters was a huge eye opening experience. It is flabbergasting to know these so called celebrities are just frauds!!
Learning about these dolphins from your eyes..your heart..and your personal connection to them was truly a journey in itself for me. I always knew these facilities were horrid. But you have definitely exposed the dark underbelly side of the whole operation. No wonder they all despise you and what you have done and are doing!!! Which is even more proof how they want it all to remain “a secret!”
But you have continued to fight them all..to persevere with your mission. You have come a very long way and are succeeding.
Duchess and Herb’e..your beloved Perfect pair, Stumpy, Scouse, Baby Dia, Bubbles..all of them have a voice thru you.
The atrocities they endured and their tragic deaths truly devastates me. And like Nico, The horror of the price they (and others) paid cannot be expressed in words. Every time I think about them, I am too am crushed. I cry just thinking about them.
I could say alot more but I think I have gotten my point across.

Your remarkable ability to connect (with the Dolphins..and yes even me) I know I don’t have to express my heart..you know how compassionate I am about this issue.

Thank you David for all you have done and for all you continue to do!! I look forward to all articles, interviews and blogs. Keep um coming and I will keep sharing and do my part to help.
God bless you!

David and Tracy link

22/4/2025 09:37:05

What a lovely, heart-warming comment, Shelley; full of insight and compassion. Over the many years we’ve known you, we have seen you to be, not only a great activist, but also a huge supporter of The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy book series.

As you have rightly observed, our journey to bring this expose to the public has been fraught and exhausting, made worse by the charity director Margaux Dodds and the little clique that supports her UK charity Marine Connection. Over a decade ago, this woman purposely set out to discredit both Tracy and me - a flood of spite from a woman whom we had never met. Sadly, over 10 years later, the poison she so maliciously injected into the other ceta charities has proven impossible to cleanse, only the WDC (Whale & Dolphin Conservation) having the courage to embrace the truth of our story.

You also mention the funding of our activism, Shelley, which has proven to be financially crippling. Regardless, both Tracy and I have borne all the costs, never once asking fellow activists for donations … unlike the ceta charities and some other ex-trainers who find an alternative way to profit from Atlantean suffering.

There isn’t much more to add, because you are spot-on with all you have said, so let us finish by saying a huge thank you for taking the time to write this lovely, uplifting message.

Tracey Ozdemir

21/4/2025 15:50:50

I have the impression that a few of these charities engage in behaviour that is the opposite of what they claim, as they seem to be aware of where their financial support is derived.
Marine Connection highlights its commitment to cetacean preservation through a variety of practical initiatives. These include offering support to solitary cetaceans, monitoring their sightings, and raising awareness among the public. Marine Connection also strives to end captivity, prevent wild captures, and promote responsible interactions with these marine species.
I find it puzzling how "Hands On" is relevant here, given that they don't seem to participate on the frontlines. David, you and Tracey are fully aware of my knowledge about Ric O'Barry and have witnessed firsthand that his focus is mainly on financial profit.
Given that these charities aim to eliminate the captivity of cetaceans, one would expect them to embrace you, David, a man with firsthand experience and insight into the behind-the-scenes realities. You possess the potential to significantly impact the fight against captivity. However, instead of welcoming you, they seem to reject you and attempt to silence your voice. This behaviour clearly indicates a significant discrepancy between their stated intentions and their actual actions.
This could be streamlined if we were all aligned in our understanding. If intentions were sincere, the work would have been accomplished by now. Yet, I can't shake the feeling that, similar to the industry, the emphasis is on profit and ego.
Your assistance was invaluable in my case regarding the removal of a dolphin's teeth, which was kept in horrific conditions in a dilapidated park in Marmaris Turkey. I recognise that your expertise and the evidence you provided significantly strengthened our position. Since we share a common objective and you possess the necessary experience, I sought your help. Our aim is to put an end to these dreadful facilities. It perplexes me why they do not embrace your involvement in this cause, leading me to suspect that their true intention may be to maintain their own interests and profits rather than genuinely seeking to resolve the issue.
You are the first choice for support in this field, and I truly respect your dedication. Keep striving, David; we are here to back you up.

David C Holroyd, aka David Capello link

22/4/2025 10:56:00

Thank you for taking the time to comment, Tracey - I am well aware that you don’t have much time as your work as an animal activist is all-consuming.

Those who claim that The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy is a historical account with no bearing on the workings of the present-day aqua circus are spouting modern-day dolphinaria propaganda. This is proven by the efficacy of the expert witness statement you asked me to write for your court case against the Marmaris Dolphin Park in Turkey – a modern-day horror that HAPPENED!

The monstrous abuse that took place in that torturous hellhole still tears at my heart. I still shudder to think of the agony inflicted on that defenceless dolphin when the owner callously instructed a vet to pull out all the dolphin’s teeth in pursuit of money. Even in my ‘historical’ heyday, I never heard of such a heinous and barbaric act! Food for thought for all those who want to discredit my expose and those ignorant people who support ‘swim with dolphins’ programmes.

As for Margaux Dodds of the UK charity Marine Connection … what more can I say about her skulduggery? But, as is seemingly the way in this day and age, instead of admitting that they had been duped by her lies, many activists and global ceta charities chose to double down and embrace their cancel culture – SHAME ON THEM! Thank goodness that the WDC (Whale & Dolphin Conservation) had the bottle to break ranks by inviting me to write a guest blog.

As for Ric O’Barry and his Dolphin Project’s blatant protectionism of his status as the planet’s only dolphin saviour, he’s welcome to it! I refuse to sell my soul for money.

Thank you for writing this detailed comment, which deserved a detailed answer. And thank you for telling me how my witness statement helped to close down that Turkish dolphinarium of horrors. You made me feel very proud, Tracey!

Tracy J Holroyd link

9/5/2025 11:39:20

What a terrific endorsement of our work, Tracey. Your words of support mean a great deal to both of us, especially David who works so hard behind the scenes to educate the public about the horrors inflicted on captive cetaceans.

As you well know, David has had a raw deal with a large section of the UK ceta activists and charities because of the despicable actions of Margaux Dodds and Gaye Hunter of Marine Connection. Two women who tried to curry favour with the former US trainer Ric O’Barry by going out of their way to discredit both David and his story. Sadly, this poison has been impossible to neutralise in the ranks of those infected. So, a huge thank you for highlighting the importance of David’s expert-witness statement in your court case against the Marmaris Dolphin Park.

Your closing this place down was a hard-earned success that really lifted our spirits, proving that the horrific abuse we described in The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy was not just a historical account, but a present-day reality. One perfectly illustrated by the heinous dolphin tooth-pulling carried out by the Marmaris Dolphin Park vets - sub-humans who sold their souls for money.

I could go on about this present-day horror show, but there would be little point because you have your result. YOU CLOSED THIS HELLHOLE DOWN!

So, thank you again for highlighting the part that David’s testimony played in bringing down this Turkish horror show, and for making both David and I feel valued by those who matter.

You have allowed us to play our part in helping our stricken cetaceans, where others would not!

Russell Hockins link

21/4/2025 18:07:26

I have been involved in three interspecies communication projects and I am in the middle of the fourth. Link to that here

https://www.facebook.com/groups/randyspeak

One of the other three projects was Lilly's Project JANUS.

The other two were private ventures that dealt more on the metaphysical side involving telepathy/empathy with free swimming dolphins. One in Australia and one in Baja California, both of which had some interesting results.

Though I have never been a trainer, nor had any 'special training' that some facilities claim of their trainers, I have had much 'hands on' time with several young Orcas when Sea World San Diego had juvenile Orcas in their Dolphin Petting Pool where they could interact freely with the public with NO TRAINER OVERSIGHT for these public interactions.

Yes, you read that correctly

There were a total of four Orcas, first singly then in pairs, that were rotated through the pool, during the year (1980) I visited the park to interact with them.

This was three ownership changes and many trainer ago so I seriously doubt the current owners of the park know these events even happened.

Photos here

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1634120453478&type=3

I did not know their (human) names at that time, though years later I was able learn them along with their estimated ages at time of capture.

SWC-00-7801 - Kotar - male - 3 to 5 - died - 01/04/1995

SWC-00-7804 - Kasatka - female - 5 - died - date unknown

SWC-00-7806 - Katina - female - 4 ALIVE SWF

SWC-00-7705 - Canuck 2 - male - 5 - died 02/08/1981

During their time in this pool I was able to gain their friendship and trust. Not with the food induced interaction used by their trainers, but with patience and trust building. On multiple occasions, I risked getting a broken arm or having fingers bitten off to show my trust in them. I believe this happened at a faster than usual rate as the bottlenose in the pool already knew me well and this was observed by the Orcas. When there was only one Orca in the tank, whenever it came over to check me out when no dolphin was, 5-6 dolphins would quickly come over and 'escort' him away. This stopped when they started putting two Orcas in the tank. It was interesting to watch the 'social dynamics' change in the pool when they did this.

I have written about some memorable interactions here.

https://www.deviantart.com/0rcinusorca/posts

On many occasions I observed the trainers from the Orca show watching me from the far side of the pool. However, on the times I walked over to them to ask questions, they would run off (literally) back to the Orca show. I now believe this was because I was wearing a ballcap from a different facility more than anything else. I did not know at the time about the lack of relationship between the various parks.

These four interacted with the visiting public with no trainer oversight for over a year and No One Was Ever Hurt. EVER. I think this speaks very highly of their intelligence and restraint towards their situation as they, at that point, were still new to captivity.

At that time, I did want to be a trainer so I could work with cetaceans. These interactions changed my mind within a week.

Cetaceans know the rythms of the oceans far better than humans. It would be in the best interests of both (and all other) species if we communicated with them and used their counsel to undo the damage humans have done.

David C Holroyd, aka David Capello link

23/4/2025 10:57:18

Thank you for your comment, Russell … Gosh! Where to start!

Although I personally didn’t agree with Dr. Lilly’s methods (I found them deeply disturbing), there is no doubt in my mind that he was a pioneer in the study of the dolphin telepathic link. Sadly, if I have my facts right (you would know more about this than I), much of his work was discredited due to his habitual use of LSD. Even so, I would be the first to admit that he was well ahead of his time by acknowledging this telepathic link.

Russell, you have certainly piqued my interest about your work in the JANUS Project and your continuing studies into cetacean telepathy – something, as you might already know, I refer to as the Atlantean mind connection, the backbone of my award-winning book series, The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy.

You state that you have never been a trainer or received special training in ceta communication, which proves that the gift of Atlantean telepathy is not just reserved for the few ‘gifted trainers’, but is also available to all who choose to embrace it.

As for trainers, when I have met these so-called ceta professionals, it was always clear that most of them cared more about promoting their big-shot images than trying to mentally bond with their captive charges.

You also reveal that, in your past, you were able to visit a ceta petting pool, something that I doubt you would have the privilege of doing in today’s crazy world of health and safety.

As you vividly recollect, the imprisoned Atlanteans in the pool came to you without any expectation of reward, an act of trust seasoned with a large amount of curiosity and infatuation. This shows that any promise of fishy reward fell well short of your Atlanteans’ desire to get to know you. Sadly, as you so rightly say, social dynamics in captivity quickly change, especially so in a commercial training environment.

As for the trainers running off when they mistakenly deemed that you were from a rival venue – please don’t worry, because this type of behaviour is instilled in the employees of all rival companies. I remember this vividly when meeting a trainer from another company: I was greeted not with a proffered hand but with an angry snarl, a macho challenge openly encouraged by all aqua-circus managers.

After reading your comment, I felt it clearly showed that you, like me, are just another victim to be seduced by these intoxicating people of the sea. A tale that sadly never ends well for either party, when we are forced to say our final goodbyes to our Atlantean friends.

To finish, thank you for having the courage to speak out about ceta telepathy, Russell, because as you will already be aware, most people won’t. Let’s hope that your blog comment stimulates further debate.

Russell Hockins

23/4/2025 18:42:15

Thank You David.

I'm not sure what of Lilly's methods you are referring to. I have seen many other posts regarding his work and the misconceptions people have about the work that was done. They also blur the line, or don't see any line between the Project JANUS work in the 1980s and his earlier work in St. Thomas in the 1980s. They are or were very different projects. If you can be more specific, I will try to provide an answer

DEC Computers who suppled the PDP-11A computer for the project had their own magazine (amusingly) called Hard Copy. In 1984 they did an article on the project. I have created a PDF copy of the article and provide a link to it on my dropbox account. You will see me in one of the article photos.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/92ha4yjzzujq1pwzupq6j/JANUS-DEC-Article.pdf?rlkey=rptscoo3nao3esh2o2z0gll1i&st=8ci0enjy&dl=0

I don't know if the two projects that researched the telepathic/empathic connection would count as 'training' as both years after my visits to Seaworld and both were over a decade apart. Though to this day I do get visited in my dreams so the connection is still strong. They are aware of the work I'm doing.

I have also read several books about cetacean communmication. One in partricular with Orcas, Granny the Orca specficially. I was intrigued by the singular reference in the book by Granny to what she called 'The Council'. This is the only reference to what might be considered 'government' or a 'social contract' and speaks very strongly to a highly developed social structure. What are your thoughts on this?

I don't know if you have worked with Orcas or just Dolphins (yes, the Orca is the larges Dolphin) but I found a difference in communicating with both. I know there are differences between individuals, but this was somehow different.

The current project I'm involved with is to make a better, more adaptable device that the military has has since the 1940s. Originally for communication with submarines

It's called the UQC, aka Nancy. This is the deviced used by Cousteau to communicate with his underwater habitat, which he called an 'Underwater Telephone'. It was also use in the movie "The Abyss' to contact the bottom station when the surface ship lost their crane. It was also a civilian version of this device that allowed the diver at the National Aquarium in the early 2000s that allowed him to hear NoC the Beluga saying the words "Get Out". I will point out at this time that NoC was a former military cetacean before being aqquired by the National Aquarium.

We are making this device since telepathy/empathy is not widely accepted in the scientific commuity nor is every human capabable or accepting of such communication. This will provide cetaceans with way to 'speak' such that humans will be able to hear and understand them and respond back. Somewhat similar to the Universal Translator in Star Trek and other SciFi. Though this is definately NOT SciFi as NoC has proven.

The device will be cheap and easy to replicate so anyone can make their own and start communicating.

David C Holroyd, aka David Capello link

26/4/2025 11:03:08

Hello Russell, my website will only allow one personal reply, so I'm writing this as a separate add-on comment, because I felt that your questions deserved an answer. Sorry for any inconvenience.

During our last exchange, I said that I had never studied Atlantean telepathy on a scientific level as you have. My basis for promoting this phenomenon was brought about purely by my own experiences.

I was a teenager from the early 1970s who was lucky (or unlucky) enough to have been picked from hundreds of candidates to be trained as a dolphin presenter by a leading UK leisure company. However, my ability to activate the psychic link with my dolphins was immediate! In fact, it happened within seconds of my first encounter. This was with an Atlantean princess who I later named Duchess.

This mental connection not only grew stronger over time but stayed with me into old age - proven when I starred in an anti-captivity film with wild dolphins. A psychic link that you too state has remained with you to this very day.

When I speak about Dr Lilly’s methods, I refer to a TV documentary that I partly watched many decades ago. I say, “partly watched”, because what I viewed was a dolphin out of water and clearly distressed, encased in a plastic tube with cups over its eyes to prevent it from seeing. This image so disturbed me that I fled into another room to scream.

I don’t know the documentary’s title, because it was such a long time ago, but I viewed this “scientific” study with such negativity that I never followed up on any of Dr Lilly’s work. Saying that, I reiterate my belief that he was a pioneer in the field of ceta telepathy.

Thank you for alerting me to the magazine Hard Copy, along with the other links you have so kindly provided. I will certainly check them out.

I note with open-mouthed awe your revelation of dream visits – something I, too, have experienced on many occasions. My first was when I viewed Herb’e, aka Flippa, being intimidated behind the barred gate of a holding pen by a bullying adult male named Clyde. Incredibly, in this dreamscape, I was actually seeing through Herb’e’s eyes.

The most distressing dream/nightmare, however, was from my little dolphin, Scouse, just before he died with a razor blade embedded in his gut. Only two of the many reasons why I detest the global aqua circus.

Regarding your question on social structure, I agree wholeheartedly with this concept.

You ask about my experiences of the different connections when training dolphins and orcas. My perceived high-standing within the aqua-circus industry was all achieved with dolphins. However, I was offered a big-money contract to train Europe’s then only captive orca, Ramu III, an Atlantean who was later sold to the US and re-named Winston.

In my extremely short meeting with Ramu, like you, I experience a not-so-subtle difference in the mental connection. His was altogether stronger and more chaotic, something I initially put down to Ramu being trapped in a pool that was painfully too small for him … something, after listening to you, I might have to re-evaluate.

To finish, as you quite rightly say, nothing about our shared experiences with Atlanteans can be described as sci-fi, because we (and a lot of others too afraid to speak out) know this Atlantean phenomenon to be all too real.

Thanks again for your revealing comment, Russell.

June Killington

28/4/2025 14:26:51

Thank you for speaking up and for doing so much work on behalf of amazing creatures that desperately need our voice. I’m so sick of the constant abuse by unevolved greedy selfish humans.

All my life I have been an activist working to educate people about the suffering of our animal friends, but the sad truth is that no one can do this alone. We all need to work together as a team - a work ethos that has still not got through to the ceta charities. Living in Australia as I do, I can confirm that the bunker mentality of these charity directors is as bad here as it is in the UK.

Well done, David and Tracy, for calling them out!

David and Tracy link

28/4/2025 14:42:33

Thanks for commenting, June. It is more than obvious to anyone who has taken the time to read the comments on this blog how utterly disgusted the majority of true activists are with the behaviour of the ceta charities.

These cliques have achieved very little as regards ending Atlantean captivity, despite their claims to the contrary. Not to mention their twisted views about blocking any activist they deem too big for their boots. It is also noticeable thus far that no ceta charity director or their supporters have had the courage to come forward and defend their actions, proving that the majority of these sham outfits are only here for the beer!

Thanks again for commenting, June, and for all the fantastic work you do and have done for animal advocacy. You are without doubt amongst the very best of us all.

Tracy J Holroyd link

24/5/2025 17:22:17

Thanks for commenting, June.

I seem to remember that you had problems many years ago with one of Australia’s biggest ceta charities; an org who jealously attacked you over the large amount of publicity you were personally generating about captive cetaceans.

Sadly, you are not alone. Several activists who have gone above and beyond tell us a similar story about other charities. It appears to be the norm for those charities who care more about promoting themselves than they do about the dolphins, whales and other animals they say they want to protect. An all-too-familiar story that is being replayed here in the UK.

Thank you again for commenting, June, and thank you for your inspiring animal activism.

Russell Hockins

28/4/2025 21:06:37

I think that many of the sudden deaths of captive cetaceans were suicides. No matter what 'explanation' the facility came up with.

The one that stands out the most for me is one of the Orcas I got to know, Kotar at SeaWorld Ohio.

The stated reason was a "gate malfunction", which crushed his skull. I find this highly implausible as the gates are air-powered, and it is highly doubtful that enough pressure could be applied along with the careful monitoring that is done when they are moved from pool to pool. It is more likely his death was due to headbashing against the pool wall.

Another interesting tidbit of his captive life is that he jumped out of the show pool into the stands, and the stadium had to be flooded to get him back in the pool.

He did this TWICE. Attempted escape/suicide?

Suicide would be very easy for a conscious breather like cetaceans, who, unlike humans, must think to take a breath.

David C Holroyd, aka David Capello link

1/5/2025 13:48:06

Thank you again for getting in touch, Russell.

As you mention SUICIDE DOLPHINS, I have just received a blog from a former ceta trainer, which is dynamite! So, before I sink my teeth into a horror that I have been fighting to expose for years, here is the link to a blog that all activists should explore. A link that includes testimonies from Ric O’Barry and yours truly David C Holroyd, aka David Capello.

https://www.adolphinpod.com/blog/the-evidence-for-dolphin-suicide?fbclid=IwY2xjawJ-54tleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETBueEp1VkFjZmtMRTdMR0lsAR4XMV7RbXFV4WPhOuticLbnLGz5zEshaqEswJ4jWL0NQSoEbluU6-EN8_eWYg_aem_usr0HpFyIIQaCs-RaavCOw

As a former head trainer, I know that the rumours of suicide dolphins are true, despite the ceta industry’s constant denials. What you say took place at SeaWorld with the orca, Kotar, doesn’t surprise me one bit, nor do the blatant lies that SeaWorld spews out. All who question the existence of suicide dolphins need to remember that the captive industry is built on lies and deceit.

You write that this sad Atlantean tried to end his life on at least two separate occasions. (I suspect more.) His first attempt by throwing himself headlong out of his show pool, and the second by bashing his head against the pool walls … Sadly, something I have seen before.

Please don’t doubt that this was an attempted suicide, because it was! In my early days working in the South Elmsall training pens, I and my fellow trainers were often instructed to monitor certain dolphins – the most desperate and infamous being an Atlantean named Bubbles. Her horror story is told in full in The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy book series – a true story that gives this “dolphin who does not exist” a voice from beyond, despite her omission from the UK Klinowska & Brown Review of Dolphinaria.

I could go on to talk about pool rammings and the constant force-feeding of terrified dolphins, but, as they say, that is an exposé for another day.

SUICIDE DOLPHINS EXIST, DESPITE THE PROPAGANDA THAT THE CAPTIVE CETACEAN INDUSTRY VOMITS OUT!

Thanks again for the info, Russell.

Russell Hockins

2/5/2025 17:04:16

But why the violent methods? Trying to send the humans a message?

As conscious breathers, all they have to do is stop breathing. They could even do this in the middle of a show as protest but to my knowledge that never happened.

I only witness one Orca show being cancelled. It was at Marine World Africa USA when they were in Redwood City before the move to Vallejo and being renamed to Six Flags.

The three Orcas, 1M and 2F I don't remember their names. This happened in the early 1970s.

The Orcas ignored the trainers and began fighting. You could hear the impacts and water went flying everywhere. The trainers tried to get their attention but were completely ignored. They had to cancel the show and clear the stadium.

David C Holroyd, aka David Capello link

5/5/2025 10:57:29

Hello Russell, I understand that what I’m about to say about SUICIDE dolphins will open a can of worms.

In answer to your question, Why the violent methods? I believe the reason why captive Atlanteans resort to violent methods when trying to end their lives is because they have no other way.

As you rightly say, dolphins and whales are conscious breathers. But when sleeping, their semi-conscious part of the brain kicks in, which means, like humans, they have a built-in mechanism that demands that they breathe. Simply put, a suicide entails taking one’s own life, and I personally have never heard of a human being committing this desperate act by deliberately holding their breath.

When the body needs oxygen, it automatically responds – often violently. The body has no choice. To my mind, a valid reason why both humans and Atlanteans resort to more desperate measures to end their lives.

I know this sounds controversial, Russell, and I know that many ex-trainers would disagree, but I genuinely believe this to be the case. So, here is some food for thought for any doubters out there:

Humans are the PEOPLE of the land, whilst Atlanteans are the PEOPLE of the sea. So, does it not stand to reason that our two species would think alike when contemplating suicide?

Thanks again for your comment, Russell, and thank you for buying The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy book series, despite the exorbitant postage costs to the US!

Russell Hockins

28/4/2025 21:18:31

This is a piece I wrote some years ago to help people understand just how small even the largest cetacen tank is compired to the oceans.

Got Tank? 101

How much space is needed in a tank is a hard thing for a Human to quantify being limited to only moving in two directions when Cetaceans can move three.

It's also about Volume, not just Square Feet (i.e. surface area, though this is an important factor too). I got to thinking how to relate to it better.

I looked up acre-foot on Wikipedia

1 Acre Foot of water is 325,851.427 Gallons.

This is a standard of measure for water companies everywhere. A 3D slice of water 66 feet by 660 feet by one foot deep. 43,560 Cubic Feet (Ft^3) or 1,233.481842 Cubic Meters (M^3). The water one household theoretically uses in one year.

We're talking about Cetaceans here who need to move in three dimensions, one foot deep even though a full acre in "size" isn't going to work.

Let's fold that up into a more useable cube of water and remember, this is a volume of space that is COMPLETELY UNOBSTRUCTED BY ANY OBJECTS

1 x 66 x 660

2 x 66 x 330

4 x 66 x 165

8 x 66 x 82.5

leaving one of three choices

16 x 66 x 41.25

OR

16 x 33 x 82.5

OR

32 x 33 x 41.25

Though they might be enough for a couple of the smaller Dolphins, it seems inadequate for the length of larger Cetaceans. A single acre-foot would support an orca like Tillikum and allow him to completely submerge but not allow him to move around very much.

Perhaps this is a Good Metric to be able to scientifically quantify how much physical space, in this case tank space, would be needed to properly house a large Cetacean. Knowing the required amounts of Personal Space, Social Space, and Get The H*** Away Space per Individual is required for proper tank sizing. Cramped conditions with no way get away has often been said to be a problem at times.

If cramped conditions exist, a standard needs to be created and a minimum amount per Individual set to measure such things by so the problem can be corrected. It will also enable an estimation on the cost of a tank that is the correct size for intended number of large Cetaceans that a facility wishes to house in one location at a time. If you wanna keep them, know just how much space and money it will take to house them properly. Either this or move them to someplace that has sufficient room form them.

For the curious, One Million Gallons is 3.068883292 acre-feet (3,785.41182 M^3) which from the above sounds rather tight as that is not all in just one pool as in the above exercise.

Sea World at 7 Million Gallons is only 24.482183044 acre-feet (30,198.32818 M^3)

France’s facility at 11 Million Gallons only is 33.757716212 acre-feet (41,639.52971 M^3). To my knowledge this is currently the largest cetacean containment tank in the world.

However, in NONE of these three places is this volume of water in a single tank, it is the total volume of the complex of pools and piping so useable space is much less than the numbers imply.

Don't keep your 5 star performer in a 1 star hotel. You know how actors can be.

[ side note: for the conspiracy crowd POV I too think that's a lot of 6's and 3's in one place. weird. :P ]

David C Holroyd aka David Capello link

30/4/2025 12:05:03

I find your examples of water ratios and pool sizes fascinating – an angle I’ve never seen before, and yet another reason why cetacean lovers should boycott these hellholes.

The orca I was asked to train, Ramu III (US name Winston), suffered from deep psychological problems due to his cramped conditions, the reason why Windsor Safari Park begrudgingly sold him to the USA. As you correctly say, small pools yield a plethora of problems for their Atlantean captives.

The most disturbing of these is bullying – an unwanted yet entirely natural cetacean behaviour, which marine park owners neglect to consider when housing their captives.

These concrete fish bowls are a perfect battleground for cetacean conflict, crowded arenas that encourage the strong to prey on the weak. Dangerous when housing too many dolphins in a small pool – deadly when dealing with orcas.

Stressed orcas who speak a different language from those with whom they find themselves trapped can pay a terrible price - a fact that all Seaworld supporters should consider.

To finish, all aqua-circus supporters should realise that these very different people of the sea have a dark side, one that can explode when they are forcibly cramped together.

Thanks again, Russell, for your insightful comment.

David C Holroyd, aka David Capello link

30/4/2025 11:30:49

An alert for everyone reading this comment section: An ex-ceta trainer has just sent me a blog by private message regarding suicide dolphins – a horror I have been trying to publicise for well over a decade.
This blog will really open your eyes, so please give it a read.

This ex-trainer has not yet made a public comment on this blog page, so let’s hope that she will. Either way, a huge thank you to her for reaching out with this important information, which I hope will spark much debate.

https://www.adolphinpod.com/blog/the-evidence-for-dolphin-suicide?fbclid=IwY2xjawJ-54tleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETBueEp1VkFjZmtMRTdMR0lsAR4XMV7RbXFV4WPhOuticLbnLGz5zEshaqEswJ4jWL0NQSoEbluU6-EN8_eWYg_aem_usr0HpFyIIQaCs-RaavCOw

Only by working together can we bring an end to the horrific captive cetacean industry.

Jonathan Straight

30/4/2025 14:32:02

It was such a pleasure to meet David and Tracy and to share the story of the dolphinarium in South Elmsall. It formed the most interesting part of a project, commissioned by Wakefield Council, to tell some local stories.

An exhibition ran in the library in South Elmsall for more than a year showing David's book, some video content and a portait of him taken by me. But the best part was a lifesaver ring used to train the dolphins.

David's campaining work against cetaceans being used for entertainment is so valuable. I hope he can open the eyes of many, many, more people.

David and Tracy link

1/5/2025 14:17:03

It was a pleasure to meet you, too, Jonathan.

What more can we say about entrepreneur and photographer Jonathan Straight’s Faces of South Elmsall exhibition that we haven’t said so many times before? There is little doubt in our minds that it was your project that helped to validate not only the existence of the South Elmsall dolphins, but also the trainer known as David Capello.

https://www.facesofsouthelmsall.com/

Your exhibition shone a light onto the lives of those magnificent South Elmsall Atlanteans, burning through an industry cover-up that had been hatched many decades before. It also silenced the lies that had been leaked by a certain charity director who worked hard to stop our book series, The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy.

Your validation sparked the WDC (Whale & Dolphin Conservation) to break UK charity ranks by asking David to write a guest blog supporting one of their anti-captivity campaigns, not to mention many hard-hitting interviews and two short films from other sources.

https://uk.whales.org/2023/08/29/a-former-uk-dolphin-trainer-reflects/

So, once again, we both thank you, Jonathan, for your insight and ultra-professionalism in bringing your Faces of South Elmsall project not just to the people of Yorkshire, but to the whole of the UK!

Stay safe, Jonathan! We both wish you great success with all your future projects.

Olivia

2/5/2025 08:49:33

David, the unwavering dedication shown by Tracy and yourself to advocate for the South Elmsall dolphins is beyond commendable. The fate of these poor creatures strikes a chord in me to this day. To think similar mistreatment is still happening out there in the big, wide world, to this day, is beyond a scary thought!!!

Your books have left a lasting impact on me, and I'm sure, so many others out there. Managing these difficult conversations and interviews can't be an easy feat, keep on restoring faith in humanity.

Your friend- Olivia

David C Holroyd, aka David Capello link

3/5/2025 11:09:42

Thank you for your lovely comment, Olivia, and for your fantastic work as a journalist in getting the South Elmsall dolphins’ story out to the public. Your scoop hit a number of news outlets, eventually scaling the heights to The Yorkshire Post … So, very well done!

As for our story, both Tracy and I were lifted by the enthusiasm you and your friend showed after reading The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy book series. A true story written NOT for ceta activists, but for Joe Public, those people who would unwittingly buy a ticket to a dolphinarium or marine park.

The emotion you experienced showed that we, as authors, had hit the spot - achieved what we set out to do.

Our South Elmsall story obviously had a similar effect on entrepreneur and photographer, Jonathan Straight, resulting in his invitation to take part in his Faces of South Elmsall project. Like you, Olivia, he left a lovely comment on this blog – check it out!

The warmth you both showed appears to be a trait of the Yorkshire folk, one that I have been privileged to enjoy for over five decades.

https://www.facesofsouthelmsall.com/

You mentioned my hard-hitting interviews – recollections that I find extremely painful to relate. However, this is the price I willingly pay to get the truth about ceta abuse out to the public.

On a positive note, The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy story brought me to the attention of a well-known activist named Tracey Ozdemir. This very special lady asked me to write an expert-witness statement for a court case against the Marmaris Dolphin Park, a statement that she says proved invaluable in closing down this Turkish hellhole. This result not only made me feel very proud, but also instilled in me a great sense of achievement. Tracey Ozdemir has also made a comment on this blog, and I think that you’ll find it well worth reading.

So, to finish, Olivia, a huge thank you once again for your courageous journalism and your ongoing support. You and the Yorkshire press stood tall when the rest of the UK media played it safe and shied away … For this, both Tracy and I will be eternally grateful.

Erica Salvemini link

4/5/2025 18:35:10

As someone who has long stood for the liberation of cetaceans and all non-human kin, I feel the weight and power of this testimony. David’s unflinching truth-telling—rooted in firsthand experience—is not just a historical correction; it’s a spiritual reckoning.

The South Elmsall dolphins were not performers. They were sentient beings, torn from their ocean homes and forced into unnatural lives under the guise of entertainment and education. That their names and suffering were omitted from official records only deepens the injustice. Acknowledging them now is the very least we owe them.

David’s words serve as both confession and catalyst. They urge us to confront the complicity still embedded in modern conservation narratives—and to ask hard questions about who controls the story.

As activists, we must remain vigilant—especially when the truth is inconvenient to those in power.

To the dolphins named here, and to those still unnamed: you are not forgotten. May your stories spark a deeper call to action—for transparency, for reparation, and for your long-overdue freedom.

I am with you always. ✨✊🏻✨

With respect and solidarity,
Erica Salvemini
Host, The Rising Lioness podcast
Founder, J4P Franchise
Tireless Voice & Activist for all sentient life and the New Earth

David C Holroyd, aka David Capello link

6/5/2025 08:53:54

Thank you for finding time to comment, Erica, and thank you for inviting me to speak on your amazing Rising Lioness podcast – two pull-no-punches interviews that allowed me to expose the horrors of cetacean captivity to a wider audience.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_I-szAUheSQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQONqooZQvo

You are spot-on when you say that my exposé is not just a historical correction; it’s a spiritual reckoning, because, like you, I believe that all Atlanteans are spiritual beings, a higher life form that deserves to be treated with respect. An ethos that I know a great many self-professed ceta experts and historical manipulators would treat with utter contempt.

Nevertheless, I urge all who reside within this camp to accept one very simple and inescapable fact:

“I have the tee-shirt! I am the one who got to live and work with these incredible beings … albeit as their gaoler. A shame that still haunts me to this very day.”

On a more positive note, this lifelong stain has now become the catalyst in my quest to give these stolen Atlanteans a voice. A dogged determination that I intend to shout from every rooftop in every city, given the chance.

However, if I am to achieve this goal, I need help, help from every ceta charity and activist that has chosen to ignore The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy and look the other way. Only by working together do we have any chance of breaking the long-established cover-up of these magnificent South Elmsall dolphins … not to mention all those unfortunates doomed to swim in their wake.

We need to reinstate their existence into the annals of UK dolphinaria. No easy task as I categorically believe that their omission from the Klinowska & Brown Review of Dolphinaria was due to my rebellion against those who ran the Entam-Leisure show pools. By this, I mean company managers such as the BBC animal-show presenter, Terry Nutkins, and the vets who were so eager to protect their incomes and reputations.

Thank you again, Erica, for your wonderful comment, and thank you again for giving both me and my South Elmsall captives a voice.

One final comment: for those who are still trying to silence or discredit me, reserve your spite for those who deserve it – turn it on the captive-ceta industry, and give ALL our lost Atlantean souls a voice!

Tracy J Holroyd link

8/5/2025 10:38:26

What a lovely comment, Erica. Whenever you write, your warmth and compassion shine through. Like you, we firmly believe in the spiritual aspect of the Atlantean race, and we believe that we should all work together to create the change that the Universe demands.

David's interviews with you on your Rising Lioness podcast have been more successful than we could ever have hoped for. You are aware of the problems we've had in the UK, and it seems to us that the US public are far more open to discussion and change.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_I-szAUheSQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQONqooZQvo

So, thank you again, Erica. Love and light to you and your loved ones!

Sahara

20/6/2025 09:28:41

Well where do I begin with this fabulous blog with its wealth of information and brutal honesty. The book trilogy are a true guide to how the captive cetacean industry works behind the scenes. Like so many my own passion for cetaceans came from seeing them in a captive setting as a child and though my views have changed greatly since then I still can’t deny the joy I felt at being so close to such magical animals. Learning the truth behind those nostalgic memories has now tainted them with guilt but has also fed the flames of passion to protect cetaceans. We can not ignore the controversy surrounding this industry since its humble beginnings to the present day. With all the knowledge and enlightenment we possess today thousands of bottlenose dolphins are still being slaughtered in full view of their pretty pod mates who have been “lucky enough” to be selected for a life in tanks. Pilot whales are massacred on beaches in the name of tradition and countless sea creatures lose their lives as nothing more than bycatch. Sadly we have a lot to answer for. It is easy to become bogged down with the negative impact we have had on the oceans and those who call it home but I feel strongly that we must also look towards the positive outcomes of such actions. David was a well respected and dedicated dolphin trainer, yes those dolphins should not have been within a captive environment but thanks to them and him we have a deep knowledge of those dolphins as individuals, and thanks to that we can love them for who they where. I have been researching individual dolphins kept in the UK and it is so rare for anyone to talk about them as individuals and have any memory of their personalities. What David brings to the table it that respect is invaluable to those of us who want to understand the dolphins rather than the ocean parks who housed them.
The captive industry itself is a cruel mistress which I think everyone can agree on despite their personal views on its overall value to society. In my personal research I have encountered some of the most horrendous examples how just how cruel this industry and a selection of those working within it can be. Stories so unbelievable they would be given no credit without others to validate them. Money is and has always been a factor in this industry. Stories of insurance fraud and illegal imports flood the former UK industry. Activists who beg for funds publicly but have shown as much compassion for these creatures as those who slaughter them for animal feed. And yet there are countless people like David and Tracey who share with us the most heartfelt and inspirational stories of the cetaceans they have known and loved to bring us back from the brink of despair. We are able to remember those we loved as we work to protect those still tangled within this issue. Having said that some are still fighting the good fight to this day who began sparking passion in UK residents decades ago. These include former Windsor safari park dolphins Honey, Prince, Apollo and Neptune. Former Flamingo land/park dolphins Betty and Sharky. Poor Sharky is currently housed at the now closed marine land Antibes in France and so faces yet another transfer and possible separation from her daughter who is her only surviving offspring. Many of these dolphins and others where in line for sanctuary and possible release back in 1992 but sadly greed once again won the battle and now they are of an age and health condition where this is no longer considered an acceptable option for them.
Perhaps one day we will be able to brag how we were the first country to abandon such ideals as watching captive cetaceans perform not just on our home turf but abroad as well. Personally I long for the day when this industry is resigned to history with rehabilitation and sanctuaries being our only reminder. Until then knowledge of what truly takes place is a powerful resource which this blog provides unapologetically. Thank you to those who have worked so hard to share this with us all.

David C Holroyd, aka David Capello link

22/6/2025 14:34:29

Thank you for taking the time to write this fabulous and educated comment, Sahara, a comment that I urge all contributors to this blog to read. You have expertly dissected many of the dark aspects of the captive cetacean industry, going into detail that screams of knowledge and passion.

There is so much for me to comment on, so please forgive if I skip over some of your content.

As you quite rightly say, The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy is a true story and guide to how the captive cetacean industry operates. It is an industry steeped in behind-the-scenes cruelty and mired in controversy, a business that cleverly draws the bewitched into its sinister web of lies and deceit.

Like you, I was drawn into this business with the dream of embracing these magical creatures without ever questioning the morality of Atlantean captivity; a dream that, despite my perceived successes, turned into a nightmare.

You are also right to highlight the horrors of the Taiji Cove, a black stain on the Japanese nation that is fuelled by gangster elements and crooked politicians – a dreadful place that seemingly operates with impunity and is the main provider of ‘pretty’ captive cetaceans.

You also speak of the Faroese, wannabee Vikings who slaughter dolphins and whales in their infamous Grind – all in the name of so-called tradition. A country that, like Japan, is never challenged by our respective governments due to their fear of jeopardising their precious trade deals.

I thank you again for your kind words about The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy and for describing the effect it had on you. Your insight and appreciation of what Tracy and I wrote made us enormously proud, especially your reference to our skill in describing our Atlantean characters – our all-too-real people of the sea.

Your obvious knowledge of Windsor Safari Park Dolphinarium and its inmates was impressive, and very much mirrors my experiences in the Entam Leisure show pools, venues that demanded all from trainers and captive Atlanteans alike. However, the ceta abuse that took place in the UK pools, although now deemed historical, is still prevalent throughout the global aqua-circus venues, abuse that could well be reinstated in the UK if big-money foreign investors came along with an irresistible offer. We must all remember that ceta captivity has NEVER been banned in the UK.

Finally, ceta sanctuaries: I believe that due to the enormous value of captive Atlanteans, the prospect of transporting them to such places is highly unlikely. Remember, this vile industry is based on profit and profit alone - and there is no profit in releasing valuable company assets!

Thank you again for your fantastic comment, Sahara. Could I please ask you to check out my Mirror Online exclusive interview, as I think that you and all others commenting on this blog will find it brutally informative.

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/uks-secret-dolphin-pool-horrors-35288505

Tracy J Holroyd link

24/6/2025 11:04:50

We cannot thank enough Mirror Online features writer, Emmeline Saunders, for granting David C Holroyd, aka David Capello, an international media platform. Her feature was powerful and to the point, perfectly relaying David’s no-nonsense attitude when dealing with an industry that indulges in Atlantean suffering. Everything exposed in her feature is TRUE and has been authenticated by the Flippa (Herb’e) dolphin logbooks, long since thought destroyed.

This hard-hitting feature also went through the Mirror Online’s legal offices before publication to check for possible legal actions against its revelations … and, once again, David’s testimony came back clean. In other words, there is NOTHING revealed in this feature that can be legally challenged by individuals or named aqua-circus venues.

So, it appears that, once again, David’s dogged determination to expose the true horrors of global dolphinaria has been validated, despite the constant hate campaign directed against him by the UK charity Marine Connection and its supporters.

Speaking of our caring ceta charities and their high-profile celebrity endorsers, NOT ONE had the courage to make comment, nor did they retweet on X or share on Facebook. Only Dominic Dyer cared enough to promote the hard-hitting feature – so thank you again, Dominic Dyer, for putting the welfare of the world’s dolphins and whales first! The UK arm of the WDC also offered their congratulations on a job well done via private message.

Here is the link for those who missed it:

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/uks-secret-dolphin-pool-horrors-35288505

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David c holroyd & tracy j holroyd

Cover of The Perfect Pair: The Enchanted Mirror with a portrait of the perfect pair dolphins on a black background.

The Perfect Pair: The Enchanted Mirror (Dolphin Book One)

The cover of The Perfect Pair: The Mirror Cracks with image of the perfect pair dolphins separated by a zigzag crack.

The Perfect Pair: The Mirror Cracks (Dolphin Book Two)

Cover of The Perfect Pair: Shards from the Mirror with red-wash image of a boy comforting a dolphin on a stretcher

The Perfect Pair: Shards from the Mirror (Dolphin Book Three)

Belinda Fellgate: HellCat book cover, with red baroque HellCat mask on a black background.

Belinda Fellgate: HellCat (Book 1 in the Belinda Fellgate YA book series)

Belinda Fellgate: The Kiss of Flauros cover with red winged cat against a black background.

Belinda Fellgate: The Kiss of Flauros (Book 2 in the Belinda Fellgate YA fantasy series).

Belinda Fellgate: Malamok book cover with colourful face of an evil grinning clown against a black background.

Belinda Fellgate: Malamok (Book 3 in the Belinda Fellgate YA fantasy book series)

Children's History of Manchester

Children's History of Lancashire

Belinda Fellgate Monster Colouring Book

THE PERFECT PAIR DOLPHIN TRILOGY’S TRAINER CHALLENGES 'A REVIEW OF DOLPHINARIA' BY KLINOWSKA AND BROWN

DAVID CAPELLO, HEAD TRAINER:
THE TRAINER THE UK CETA CHARITIES WOULD HAVE YOU BELIEVE NEVER EXISTED.

I PUBLICLY CHALLENGE THE KLINOWSKA AND BROWN REPORT!

WHY DID THE UK CHARITIES CHOOSE TO BLACKLIST CAPELLO'S VITAL EXPOSE?

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THE PERFECT PAIR DOLPHIN TRILOGY’S TRAINER CHALLENGES 'A REVIEW OF DOLPHINARIA' BY KLINOWSKA AND BROWN

​DAVID CAPELLO, HEAD TRAINER:THE TRAINER THE UK CETA CHARITIES WOULD HAVE YOU BELIEVE NEVER EXISTED.

I PUBLICLY CHALLENGE THE KLINOWSKA AND BROWN REPORT!

WHY DID THE UK CHARITIES CHOOSE TO BLACKLIST CAPELLO'S VITAL EXPOSE?

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DAVID CAPELLO, HEAD TRAINER:
THE TRAINER THE UK CETA CHARITIES WOULD HAVE YOU BELIEVE NEVER EXISTED.