R E Q U E S T TO RELEASE TAIJI 5 ORCAS

Most of you will have received information about the orcas captured at Taiji on February 7th. Most of you also have the first message I sent about this terrible situation on February 9th. If you don't have it & want it, please let me know. This is mostly to update you about the situation and to ask you to send ANOTHER ROUND OF MESSAGES, this time PHONE CALLS AS WELL AS FAXES

Of the 10 orcas captured, 5 have been released. Three Japanese aquariums have purchased the 5 remaining captives, for about $250,000 USD each. One has already been transported to Shirahama Adventure World. The remaining four are apparently still in Taiji, in ocean pens.

The Japan Whale and Dolphin Action Network (Sakae Fujiwara & co.) are working incredibly hard for the whales & still hope to achieve their release. They believe the most effective protest is from overseas (though I am sure that concern expressed within Japan is very helpful too) and want more messages sent to the government, Taiji, and the aquariums involved.

THERE IS STILL A CHANCE TO CONVINCE THE GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN TO RELEASE THE WHALES!!

It's VITAL that the international (& national) protest continues and grows. Even if you've sent fax message already, it will help a lot to send another. Here is a list of fax numbers for people & places to send your messages to (it's arranged in a sort of priority... if you're constrained by cost & have to choose, send your message to the Prime Minister first, then the others):

Mr. Ryutaro Hashimoto, Prime Minister
81 3 5511 8855

Mr Michio Shimada, Director of National Fishery Agency
81 3 3502 0794

Mr Isamu Nishiguchi, Governor of Wakayama Prefecture
81 734 22 4032

Wakayama Prefecture Government Fishery Section
81 734 31 2244

Tourist Section
81 734 32 8313

Tour Office of Taiji
81 7355 9 3375

Taiji Fishermans Union
81 7355 9 2821

If possible, please fax a copy of your message to
Ms Sakae Fujiwara, Dolphin & Whale Action Network:
Fax: 81 298 511 637
If it's easier, send your copy to Mark Berman at Earth Island Institute:
Fax: (415)788-7324

Here are the numbers for the 3 aquariums that have bought the whales:

* Shirahama Adventure Sea World
    Tel:81-739-43-3333      Fax:81-739-43-3345

* Izu Mito Sea Paradise
    Tel:81-559-43-2331      Fax:81-559-43-2336

* Kujira no Hakubutsukan (Taiji Town Whale Museum)
    Tel:81-7355-9-2400       Fax:81-7355-9-3823

It would be great if you could send a  message to them as well!

I know this is a lot to ask, but the situation is still desperate, and we still have a chance to help the whales regain their freedom.

PLEASE ACT NOW!!!

With many thanks & all best wishes to you all,