To celebrate World Oceans Day (June 8), we are hosting a special screening of "The Cove," the hard-hitting documentary that won the Oscar for Best Documentary in 2010. This film has profoundly changed the public’s perception of dolphins and captivity. 

A documentary thriller in the service of truth 

Directed by Louie Psihoyos, a National Geographic photographer and co-founder of the Oceanic Preservation Society, "The Cove " unfolds like a true spy thriller. A team of activists, free divers, special effects experts, and filmmakers carries out a covert operation to infiltrate a remote cove in Taiji, Japan. 

What they discover there is unbearable: every year, between September and March, nearly 23,000 dolphins are captured and slaughtered in this small cove, hidden behind barbed wire and “No Trespassing” signs. 

Richard O’Barry: From Trainer to Whistleblower 

At the heart of the film is Richard O’Barry, a former dolphin trainer who played Flipper in the cult 1960s TV series. Today, he dedicates his life to exposing the captivity industry, for which he feels partly responsible. 

His testimony sheds light on a disturbing reality: the dolphin is not an animal for entertainment, but a wild, intelligent, and social mammal, deeply affected by captivity. The death of Kathy, one of the dolphins playing Flipper, which occurred in his arms and which he describes as linked to extreme stress, marked an irreversible turning point for him. 

A reality we cannot ignore 

The film reveals a deeply troubling system: 

• The most “spectacular” dolphins are sold to dolphinariums for sums of up to $150,000 per animal 
• The others are slaughtered for their meat, which is sold locally 
• This meat contains mercury levels dangerous to human health 
• During the slaughter, the bay turns red—images that are difficult but essential to see 
• The water park industry directly fuels this commercial hunt 

A film that resonates with the mission of the Aquarium-Museum 

As a scientific institution committed to biodiversity conservation and animal welfare, the Aquarium-Museum is fully aligned with the issues raised by this documentary: 

• Rejection of unethical captivity and advocacy for rigorous care standards 
• Protection of cetaceans, true indicators of ocean health 
• Education through knowledge, even when it is uncomfortable 
• A scientific approach, reminding us that dolphins are social, intelligent, and sentient mammals 

The film raises fundamental questions that we must collectively address: 

• What is our responsibility toward wild animals? 
• Can entertainment and ethics be reconciled? 
• What is the true cost of our wonder? 

A film that changed minds… but a fight that remains relevant today 

Since its release, The Cove has received major international recognition: the Oscar for Best Documentary (2010), the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival, and exceptional ratings on review platforms. 

Its impact has been tangible, with a significant drop in demand for dolphin meat in Japan. Yet, more than fifteen years later, the captures continue, and many dolphinariums around the world still source their animals from Taiji. The fight led by Richard O’Barry remains as relevant as ever. 

Viewer Advisory 

This documentary contains images of animal cruelty that may be disturbing to some viewers. Although the film is edited with restraint, certain scenes may be difficult to watch. We have chosen to screen it because facing reality head-on is an essential step toward transforming it. 

The film is not recommended for young children (recommended for ages 13 and up). Parents are encouraged to use their discretion. 

Practical Information

Doors open: 6:00 PM
Introduction: 6:30 PM
End of the evening: 8:30 PM 

Reservations required. Ages 13 and up.

Watch the trailer