Two aquariums in Japan said they have canceled their memberships with the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums due to its decision to forbid the acquisition of dolphins caught through controversial drive hunts off the town of Taiji in Wakayama Prefecture.
Enoshima Aquarium in Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, and Shimonoseki Marine Science Museum Kaikyokan, in Yamaguchi Prefecture, said Sunday that they withdrew from JAZA on Friday because of their opposition to the decision, which was made in May 2015.
JAZA banned members from acquiring Taiji dolphins after the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums urged it not to take animals caught in drive hunts amid international criticism that the practice is cruel and threatened it with expulsion from the global body.