Award for a lifetime of saving dolphins

By Helene O’Barry

Our Campaign Director Richard O’Barry was named the winner of the Lifetime AchievementAward presented by The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

"The ASPCA is proud to honor those who have demonstrated extraordinary compassion, bravery and commitment to furthering the human-animal bond," said ASPCA President & CEO Edwin Sayres.

O’Barry was chosen as recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for his tireless efforts to end cruelty against dolphins and educate the world about the plight of dolphins in captivity. Among his most outstanding achievements in recent years are the rescue and release of captive dolphins in Colombia, Guatemala, Brazil, Nicaragua and Haiti. The significance of his work has been further highlighted with the award-winning film documentary The Cove, which features his efforts to expose and stop the slaughter of dolphins in Japan.

Joining us at the banquet ceremony in New York on October 29th were Save Japan Dolphins Coalition supporters Sara Rosen and Casey Burgess with the Regina Frankenberg Foundation, artist Temple St. Clair Carr with her son Archer and dolphin protector Taffy Williams.

"I am truly honored to receive the ASPCA award and accept it on behalf of the Save Japan Dolphins Coalition, my wife Helene O'Barry who participated in the dolphin rescue and release projects, and all other individuals I have worked with over the years," said O’Barry.

Ric O’Barry addresses the ASPCA awards luncheon in New York.
Photography by Patrick McMullan.

Richard O’Barry with ASPCA President and Chief Executive Officer Edwin Sayres.
Photography by Patrick McMullan.