To Free a Dolphin

by Keith Coulbourn, Keith Coulbourn

In his memorable first book, Behind the Dolphin Smile, Richard O'Barry told the inspiring story of his personal transformation from world-famous dolphin trainer (Flipper was his pupil) to dolphin liberator. Now, in To Free a Dolphin, he passionately recounts the dramatic story of his heart-breaking campaign to release captive dolphins back into the wild. With wit and insight he chronicles the extreme opposition he has faced from bureaucrats, major players in the captive-dolphin industry, rival wildlife groups, and well-meaning sentimentalists. He introduces readers to famous show animals he has helped, including Bogie and Bacall of Key Largo. And, most fascinating, he describes his struggles to deprogram and rehabilitate dolphins emotionally scarred from years of captivity--struggles that become battles for the animals' souls.

O'Barry is nothing if not controversial--passionate about his mission, adamant in his beliefs. And it is some measure of the incredible strength of the opposition to animal rights that it requires all the cunning, all the persistence, and all the strength of character O'Barry possesses to undo even a part of what the billion-dollar captive-animal establishment has created. In the movie, it may be child's play to free a killer whale like Willy. In real life, doing what is right is not so easily accomplished. Whatever one's beliefs about animal rights, one has to admire O'Barry as an authentic American original with a distinctly American dream.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals

280 pages, Hardcover

First published October 20, 2000

Reviews

[Mattie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read Coulborn's Behind The Dolphins Smile, I had definitely built this release up in my head. Although it is a must-read for anyone interested in dolphin captivity, I was really disappointed as much of the book felt like it was written for the pure purpose of attacking key members of the anti-captivity movement simply for having a different approach which tended to follow legal regulations. Coulbourn remains incredibly defensive. However, what does come across is the authors desire for change and reasonable reflections on the event. Keith Coulbourn does solidify his place as the leader in captive dolphin rehabilitation and release.

[Therese Brink · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rick O'Barry used to train dolphins. No more. Know he works to eliminate the dolphin captivity industry. Find out why in this highly interesting and informative book. And don't go to a dolphin show!

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lol.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have very mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand dolphins do not belong in captivity only to live to do stupid tricks to get the food they need to live. On the other hand often times I felt that the author was being ver childish. I guess that can happen though when you are so passionate about a cause. The book is about the struggles to free some dolphins that were captured and held in private nongovernmental facilities. It is interspersed with O'Barry's other exploits to free dolphins that were being tortured by captivity around the world. It often seems that you only got one side of the story and that there might be more to it. O'Barry often seemed to throw little tantrums when he didn't get his way. The only losers seemed to be the dolphins and the winners all teh people who got publicity. I wish there was a way the dolphins were not stuck in the middle. Read it just for the history of policy regarding captive dolphins because that is really the only thing that changed because of this man.

[Elena Traduzioni Oceano Mare · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you open this book you will not be able to put it down, hoping, page after page, that things will start going the right way. It is infuriating to see how easy it is to boycott those who are trying to do good for the sake of animals, and how those in power will always get their way, in the name of 'science' or some other heartless reason . A real eye opener. All my respect to Mr O'Barry. And to those who criticize him, what are you doing to save the dolphins? Italian version coming out soon.

[Elena Traduzioni Oceano Mare · Rating 5 out of 5]

I delfini in cattività soffrono in modi che il business dell'intrattenimento nasconde dietro il 'sorriso' che la fisionomia di questi animali gli ha stampato in faccia. Ric O'Barry sta dedicando l'esistenza ad aprire gli occhi della gente affinché tutti boicottino i delfinari, le prigioni dove l'uomo confina i mammiferi marini per il proprio divertimento.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bellissimo libro che mostra le sofferenze dei delfini in cattività e fa capire come sia necessario boicottare tutti i delfinari!

[Milena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Di lettura scorrevole pur trattando un argomento profondo e toccante. Avvicina sensibilmente a una realtà sconosciuta di sofferenza degli animali - in questo caso i delfini - in cattività.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book! Everyone should read it. So well written and so informative. Excellent book!!