Warning: Distressing content. Reader discretion is advised.

In a scene that could be mistaken for a tourist show, a swimmer expertly rides a small pilot whale by clutching its fin.

But after a few seconds, his colleagues shove a metal spike into the animal’s spine – and the water turns red with blood.

This footage comes from Europe's annual whale slaughter, which takes place off the Faroe Islands.

The video shared online is from May 8, 2023, but the grindadráp, or whaling hunt, is a tradition that dates back hundreds of years.

The whale hunt tradition off the coast of the Faroe Islands dates back hundreds of years. Credit: Francesco Ungaro/Pexels

Samuel Rostol, a Norwegian-born activist who captured the video, shared his experience of witnessing multiple grindadráp events.

He accumulated footage while working with Sea Shepherd UK, an organisation that aims to put an end to this tradition.

‘In front of us, 100 bodies of an animal whose sibling affected my childhood so strongly — Flipper — were being pulled out of the water and slapped down on the harbour to be cut open and butchered,’ Rostol told reporters.

‘The scene was absurd as their deaths were unnecessary.’

Rostol is working with an organisation that aims to end this tradition. Credit: Francesco Ungaro/Pexels

In 2021, an entire mega-pod was herded into shore, and 1,423 dolphins were killed.

However, as shocking as the video is, marine mammal biologist and Faroe Islands native Bjarni Mikkelsen said his community's traditions were being unfairly targeted.

He argued that the grindadráp is no more barbaric than the practices of slaughterhouses in Europe, the United States or Australia.

‘It's much easier to hide what's happening in your own backyard just by pointing to others,’ he said.

In defence of the tradition, Mikkelsen explained that the Faroese continue to follow old customs like slaughtering sheep at home or shooting rabbits in the mountains.

He insisted that hunting whales is no different – it has been done for generations as a source of food.

‘It just has to be done in order to get our food. There is no more to it than that...It's very bloody, it's outdoors, and we don't hide anything. Because, in my opinion, most of the Faroese are very proud of this practice,’ he added.

Those against the practice argued that the killing methods were ‘cruel’ when compared to modern slaughterhouses, which have more oversight from inspectors and don’t kill mammal species in front of each other, as it causes significant stress for the animals.

However, Mikkelson explained that killing methods have improved.

‘I don’t know how many millions of sheep are killed in Australia each year, but we kill 600 dolphins on average efficiently,’ he added.

John Hourston from the UK-based conservation group Blue Planet Society shared his thoughts on the grindadráp tradition. He reminded everyone that many of these cetacean species are otherwise protected under EU regulations and that the world is in the middle of a biodiversity crisis.

‘Why is a rich country, with a dozen supermarkets and a globalised supply chain continuing to harm wildlife in such a cruel way?’ He asked.

Hourston called on countries that import fish from the Faroe Islands to pressure the island's inhabitants to stop the whaling.

‘If they want to get it stopped, they could. It's really just a question of political will,’ he stated.

However, the locals are adamant that international pressure won't change their ways and that a change in tradition must come from within their community.

Key Takeaways

• Footage of the annual whale slaughter off the Faroe Islands in Europe has drawn criticism, with activists calling for the tradition, known as grindadráp, to be banned.
• The footage shared online showed a small pilot whale being ridden before it was brutally killed, causing the water to run red with blood.
• Faroe Islands natives argued that their tradition is no different than what happens in slaughterhouses worldwide and that methods used to kill the whales have improved.
• Advocates for ending grindadráp said it is a cruel practice that must be stopped, calling for international pressure on the Faroe Islands to bring about change.

Members, we’d love to hear your thoughts on this difficult and sensitive issue - let us know in the comments below.

 

[Keswickian]

As Mikkelsen says: ‘It's much easier to hide what's happening in your own backyard just by pointing to others,’ which is just what he is doing.
This article doesn't describe exactly how the whales are being killed but stabbing in the spine with a metal spike doesn't sound very humane.
The Faroes isn't the only country that engages in these rituals. Svalbard also has a big annual whale kill despite frequent protests from many people.
Whale meat, oil and other by-products are a vital part of the food and economy of many countries but the international community needs to put pressure on all countries to slaughter the whales in the most humane way possible.

 

[Tiaura]

Warning: Distressing content. Reader discretion is advised.

In a scene that could be mistaken for a tourist show, a swimmer expertly rides a small pilot whale by clutching its fin.

But after a few seconds, his colleagues shove a metal spike into the animal’s spine – and the water turns red with blood.

This footage comes from Europe's annual whale slaughter, which takes place off the Faroe Islands.

The video shared online is from May 8, 2023, but the grindadráp, or whaling hunt, is a tradition that dates back hundreds of years.

View attachment 21327

The whale hunt tradition off the coast of the Faroe Islands dates back hundreds of years. Credit: Francesco Ungaro/Pexels

Samuel Rostol, a Norwegian-born activist who captured the video, shared his experience of witnessing multiple grindadráp events.

He accumulated footage while working with Sea Shepherd UK, an organisation that aims to put an end to this tradition.

‘In front of us, 100 bodies of an animal whose sibling affected my childhood so strongly — Flipper — were being pulled out of the water and slapped down on the harbour to be cut open and butchered,’ Rostol told reporters.

‘The scene was absurd as their deaths were unnecessary.’

View attachment 21328

Rostol is working with an organisation that aims to end this tradition. Credit: Francesco Ungaro/Pexels

In 2021, an entire mega-pod was herded into shore, and 1,423 dolphins were killed.

However, as shocking as the video is, marine mammal biologist and Faroe Islands native Bjarni Mikkelsen said his community's traditions were being unfairly targeted.

He argued that the grindadráp is no more barbaric than the practices of slaughterhouses in Europe, the United States or Australia.

‘It's much easier to hide what's happening in your own backyard just by pointing to others,’ he said.

In defence of the tradition, Mikkelsen explained that the Faroese continue to follow old customs like slaughtering sheep at home or shooting rabbits in the mountains.

He insisted that hunting whales is no different – it has been done for generations as a source of food.

‘It just has to be done in order to get our food. There is no more to it than that...It's very bloody, it's outdoors, and we don't hide anything. Because, in my opinion, most of the Faroese are very proud of this practice,’ he added.

Those against the practice argued that the killing methods were ‘cruel’ when compared to modern slaughterhouses, which have more oversight from inspectors and don’t kill mammal species in front of each other, as it causes significant stress for the animals.

However, Mikkelson explained that killing methods have improved.

‘I don’t know how many millions of sheep are killed in Australia each year, but we kill 600 dolphins on average efficiently,’ he added.

John Hourston from the UK-based conservation group Blue Planet Society shared his thoughts on the grindadráp tradition. He reminded everyone that many of these cetacean species are otherwise protected under EU regulations and that the world is in the middle of a biodiversity crisis.

‘Why is a rich country, with a dozen supermarkets and a globalised supply chain continuing to harm wildlife in such a cruel way?’ He asked.

Hourston called on countries that import fish from the Faroe Islands to pressure the island's inhabitants to stop the whaling.

‘If they want to get it stopped, they could. It's really just a question of political will,’ he stated.

However, the locals are adamant that international pressure won't change their ways and that a change in tradition must come from within their community.

Key Takeaways

• Footage of the annual whale slaughter off the Faroe Islands in Europe has drawn criticism, with activists calling for the tradition, known as grindadráp, to be banned.
• The footage shared online showed a small pilot whale being ridden before it was brutally killed, causing the water to run red with blood.
• Faroe Islands natives argued that their tradition is no different than what happens in slaughterhouses worldwide and that methods used to kill the whales have improved.
• Advocates for ending grindadráp said it is a cruel practice that must be stopped, calling for international pressure on the Faroe Islands to bring about change.

Members, we’d love to hear your thoughts on this difficult and sensitive issue - let us know in the comments below.

I couldn’t care less about so-called tradition it’s a gruesome and unnecessary of animals that needs to be stopped. And comparing this slaughter to that of farmed animals is nothing less than a cop-out from someone whose profession should be on the side of conservation - not obliteration.

 

[KSS]

Warning: Distressing content. Reader discretion is advised.

In a scene that could be mistaken for a tourist show, a swimmer expertly rides a small pilot whale by clutching its fin.

But after a few seconds, his colleagues shove a metal spike into the animal’s spine – and the water turns red with blood.

This footage comes from Europe's annual whale slaughter, which takes place off the Faroe Islands.

The video shared online is from May 8, 2023, but the grindadráp, or whaling hunt, is a tradition that dates back hundreds of years.

View attachment 21327

The whale hunt tradition off the coast of the Faroe Islands dates back hundreds of years. Credit: Francesco Ungaro/Pexels

Samuel Rostol, a Norwegian-born activist who captured the video, shared his experience of witnessing multiple grindadráp events.

He accumulated footage while working with Sea Shepherd UK, an organisation that aims to put an end to this tradition.

‘In front of us, 100 bodies of an animal whose sibling affected my childhood so strongly — Flipper — were being pulled out of the water and slapped down on the harbour to be cut open and butchered,’ Rostol told reporters.

‘The scene was absurd as their deaths were unnecessary.’

View attachment 21328

Rostol is working with an organisation that aims to end this tradition. Credit: Francesco Ungaro/Pexels

In 2021, an entire mega-pod was herded into shore, and 1,423 dolphins were killed.

However, as shocking as the video is, marine mammal biologist and Faroe Islands native Bjarni Mikkelsen said his community's traditions were being unfairly targeted.

He argued that the grindadráp is no more barbaric than the practices of slaughterhouses in Europe, the United States or Australia.

‘It's much easier to hide what's happening in your own backyard just by pointing to others,’ he said.

In defence of the tradition, Mikkelsen explained that the Faroese continue to follow old customs like slaughtering sheep at home or shooting rabbits in the mountains.

He insisted that hunting whales is no different – it has been done for generations as a source of food.

‘It just has to be done in order to get our food. There is no more to it than that...It's very bloody, it's outdoors, and we don't hide anything. Because, in my opinion, most of the Faroese are very proud of this practice,’ he added.

Those against the practice argued that the killing methods were ‘cruel’ when compared to modern slaughterhouses, which have more oversight from inspectors and don’t kill mammal species in front of each other, as it causes significant stress for the animals.

However, Mikkelson explained that killing methods have improved.

‘I don’t know how many millions of sheep are killed in Australia each year, but we kill 600 dolphins on average efficiently,’ he added.

John Hourston from the UK-based conservation group Blue Planet Society shared his thoughts on the grindadráp tradition. He reminded everyone that many of these cetacean species are otherwise protected under EU regulations and that the world is in the middle of a biodiversity crisis.

‘Why is a rich country, with a dozen supermarkets and a globalised supply chain continuing to harm wildlife in such a cruel way?’ He asked.

Hourston called on countries that import fish from the Faroe Islands to pressure the island's inhabitants to stop the whaling.

‘If they want to get it stopped, they could. It's really just a question of political will,’ he stated.

However, the locals are adamant that international pressure won't change their ways and that a change in tradition must come from within their community.

Key Takeaways

• Footage of the annual whale slaughter off the Faroe Islands in Europe has drawn criticism, with activists calling for the tradition, known as grindadráp, to be banned.
• The footage shared online showed a small pilot whale being ridden before it was brutally killed, causing the water to run red with blood.
• Faroe Islands natives argued that their tradition is no different than what happens in slaughterhouses worldwide and that methods used to kill the whales have improved.
• Advocates for ending grindadráp said it is a cruel practice that must be stopped, calling for international pressure on the Faroe Islands to bring about change.

Members, we’d love to hear your thoughts on this difficult and sensitive issue - let us know in the comments below.

Ah yes. Tradition and culture - the Japanese defense.

 

[Luckyus]

One can only hope a great white is the area?

 

[Go Cats]

Warning: Distressing content. Reader discretion is advised.

In a scene that could be mistaken for a tourist show, a swimmer expertly rides a small pilot whale by clutching its fin.

But after a few seconds, his colleagues shove a metal spike into the animal’s spine – and the water turns red with blood.

This footage comes from Europe's annual whale slaughter, which takes place off the Faroe Islands.

The video shared online is from May 8, 2023, but the grindadráp, or whaling hunt, is a tradition that dates back hundreds of years.

View attachment 21327

The whale hunt tradition off the coast of the Faroe Islands dates back hundreds of years. Credit: Francesco Ungaro/Pexels

Samuel Rostol, a Norwegian-born activist who captured the video, shared his experience of witnessing multiple grindadráp events.

He accumulated footage while working with Sea Shepherd UK, an organisation that aims to put an end to this tradition.

‘In front of us, 100 bodies of an animal whose sibling affected my childhood so strongly — Flipper — were being pulled out of the water and slapped down on the harbour to be cut open and butchered,’ Rostol told reporters.

‘The scene was absurd as their deaths were unnecessary.’

View attachment 21328

Rostol is working with an organisation that aims to end this tradition. Credit: Francesco Ungaro/Pexels

In 2021, an entire mega-pod was herded into shore, and 1,423 dolphins were killed.

However, as shocking as the video is, marine mammal biologist and Faroe Islands native Bjarni Mikkelsen said his community's traditions were being unfairly targeted.

He argued that the grindadráp is no more barbaric than the practices of slaughterhouses in Europe, the United States or Australia.

‘It's much easier to hide what's happening in your own backyard just by pointing to others,’ he said.

In defence of the tradition, Mikkelsen explained that the Faroese continue to follow old customs like slaughtering sheep at home or shooting rabbits in the mountains.

He insisted that hunting whales is no different – it has been done for generations as a source of food.

‘It just has to be done in order to get our food. There is no more to it than that...It's very bloody, it's outdoors, and we don't hide anything. Because, in my opinion, most of the Faroese are very proud of this practice,’ he added.

Those against the practice argued that the killing methods were ‘cruel’ when compared to modern slaughterhouses, which have more oversight from inspectors and don’t kill mammal species in front of each other, as it causes significant stress for the animals.

However, Mikkelson explained that killing methods have improved.

‘I don’t know how many millions of sheep are killed in Australia each year, but we kill 600 dolphins on average efficiently,’ he added.

John Hourston from the UK-based conservation group Blue Planet Society shared his thoughts on the grindadráp tradition. He reminded everyone that many of these cetacean species are otherwise protected under EU regulations and that the world is in the middle of a biodiversity crisis.

‘Why is a rich country, with a dozen supermarkets and a globalised supply chain continuing to harm wildlife in such a cruel way?’ He asked.

Hourston called on countries that import fish from the Faroe Islands to pressure the island's inhabitants to stop the whaling.

‘If they want to get it stopped, they could. It's really just a question of political will,’ he stated.

However, the locals are adamant that international pressure won't change their ways and that a change in tradition must come from within their community.

Key Takeaways

• Footage of the annual whale slaughter off the Faroe Islands in Europe has drawn criticism, with activists calling for the tradition, known as grindadráp, to be banned.
• The footage shared online showed a small pilot whale being ridden before it was brutally killed, causing the water to run red with blood.
• Faroe Islands natives argued that their tradition is no different than what happens in slaughterhouses worldwide and that methods used to kill the whales have improved.
• Advocates for ending grindadráp said it is a cruel practice that must be stopped, calling for international pressure on the Faroe Islands to bring about change.

Members, we’d love to hear your thoughts on this difficult and sensitive issue - let us know in the comments below.

This cruel practice against these beautiful gentle creatures needs to STOP. It is barbaric and just not on in this day and age. And before I get shutdown or told that this inhumane practice has been going of for hundreds and hundreds of years well,we are now living in 2023 and if whales need to be killed for " cultural food sources" then it should be done in a more humane manner (actually I prefer not at all) and NOT a metal spiked slammed into their spine. And the sea turns red from all the blood which distresses the other whales and I'm sure other sea creatures too. Or find another food source that doesn't involve such cruelty It reminds me of years ago a picture of a Canadian white seal being butchered in front of its mother and she actually had tears running down her face and was soooo distressed. For those who are old enough to remember her,the famous actress Brigitte Bardot was a huge activist against the Canadian Seal slaughter and fought for it to be banned which I think it was. Anyway,that's my thoughts and I stand by them and I will ALWAYS stand up for innocent animals who cannot speak up for themselves.

 

[Mr Chips]

You have to ask yourself what is the difference between a sheep and a cow, a cow and a goat, a goat and a deer, a deer and a cod, a cod and a salmon, a salmon and a tuna, a tuna and a dolphin, a dolphin, and a shark. Whilst I am somewhat upset by the traditional killing method in this article one has to ask are we that much different?

 

[Go Cats]

You have to ask yourself what is the difference between a sheep and a cow, a cow and a goat, a goat and a deer, a deer and a cod, a cod and a salmon, a salmon and a tuna, a tuna and a dolphin, a dolphin, and a shark. Whilst I am somewhat upset by the traditional killing method in this article one has to ask are we that much different?

Yes,you are right and I advocate for all those animals too. I just commented on the dear dolphins because that what the article was about. Don't worry I hear what your saying about all the other animals you mentioned as well. And I'm very aware of the barbaric practices used here in Australia to end beautiful animals lives for our food chain. I just wish there was a better way.

 

[888D.C888]

Warning: Distressing content. Reader discretion is advised.

In a scene that could be mistaken for a tourist show, a swimmer expertly rides a small pilot whale by clutching its fin.

But after a few seconds, his colleagues shove a metal spike into the animal’s spine – and the water turns red with blood.

This footage comes from Europe's annual whale slaughter, which takes place off the Faroe Islands.

The video shared online is from May 8, 2023, but the grindadráp, or whaling hunt, is a tradition that dates back hundreds of years.

View attachment 21327

The whale hunt tradition off the coast of the Faroe Islands dates back hundreds of years. Credit: Francesco Ungaro/Pexels

Samuel Rostol, a Norwegian-born activist who captured the video, shared his experience of witnessing multiple grindadráp events.

He accumulated footage while working with Sea Shepherd UK, an organisation that aims to put an end to this tradition.

‘In front of us, 100 bodies of an animal whose sibling affected my childhood so strongly — Flipper — were being pulled out of the water and slapped down on the harbour to be cut open and butchered,’ Rostol told reporters.

‘The scene was absurd as their deaths were unnecessary.’

View attachment 21328

Rostol is working with an organisation that aims to end this tradition. Credit: Francesco Ungaro/Pexels

In 2021, an entire mega-pod was herded into shore, and 1,423 dolphins were killed.

However, as shocking as the video is, marine mammal biologist and Faroe Islands native Bjarni Mikkelsen said his community's traditions were being unfairly targeted.

He argued that the grindadráp is no more barbaric than the practices of slaughterhouses in Europe, the United States or Australia.

‘It's much easier to hide what's happening in your own backyard just by pointing to others,’ he said.

In defence of the tradition, Mikkelsen explained that the Faroese continue to follow old customs like slaughtering sheep at home or shooting rabbits in the mountains.

He insisted that hunting whales is no different – it has been done for generations as a source of food.

‘It just has to be done in order to get our food. There is no more to it than that...It's very bloody, it's outdoors, and we don't hide anything. Because, in my opinion, most of the Faroese are very proud of this practice,’ he added.

Those against the practice argued that the killing methods were ‘cruel’ when compared to modern slaughterhouses, which have more oversight from inspectors and don’t kill mammal species in front of each other, as it causes significant stress for the animals.

However, Mikkelson explained that killing methods have improved.

‘I don’t know how many millions of sheep are killed in Australia each year, but we kill 600 dolphins on average efficiently,’ he added.

John Hourston from the UK-based conservation group Blue Planet Society shared his thoughts on the grindadráp tradition. He reminded everyone that many of these cetacean species are otherwise protected under EU regulations and that the world is in the middle of a biodiversity crisis.

‘Why is a rich country, with a dozen supermarkets and a globalised supply chain continuing to harm wildlife in such a cruel way?’ He asked.

Hourston called on countries that import fish from the Faroe Islands to pressure the island's inhabitants to stop the whaling.

‘If they want to get it stopped, they could. It's really just a question of political will,’ he stated.


However, the locals are adamant that international pressure won't change their ways and that a change in tradition must come from within their community.

Key Takeaways

• Footage of the annual whale slaughter off the Faroe Islands in Europe has drawn criticism, with activists calling for the tradition, known as grindadráp, to be banned.
• The footage shared online showed a small pilot whale being ridden before it was brutally killed, causing the water to run red with blood.
• Faroe Islands natives argued that their tradition is no different than what happens in slaughterhouses worldwide and that methods used to kill the whales have improved.
• Advocates for ending grindadráp said it is a cruel practice that must be stopped, calling for international pressure on the Faroe Islands to bring about change.

Members, we’d love to hear your thoughts on this difficult and sensitive issue - let us know in the comments belming to the core! Whales are beautiful sea creatires tgey are intelligemt sentiemt beings and there are mamy accounts of them.sabing human lives over the decafes

Warning: Distressing content. Reader discretion is advised.

In a scene that could be mistaken for a tourist show, a swimmer expertly rides a small pilot whale by clutching its fin.

But after a few seconds, his colleagues shove a metal spike into the animal’s spine – and the water turns red with blood.

This footage comes from Europe's annual whale slaughter, which takes place off the Faroe Islands.

The video shared online is from May 8, 2023, but the grindadráp, or whaling hunt, is a tradition that dates back hundreds of years.

View attachment 21327

The whale hunt tradition off the coast of the Faroe Islands dates back hundreds of years. Credit: Francesco Ungaro/Pexels

Samuel Rostol, a Norwegian-born activist who captured the video, shared his experience of witnessing multiple grindadráp events.

He accumulated footage while working with Sea Shepherd UK, an organisation that aims to put an end to this tradition.

‘In front of us, 100 bodies of an animal whose sibling affected my childhood so strongly — Flipper — were being pulled out of the water and slapped down on the harbour to be cut open and butchered,’ Rostol told reporters.

‘The scene was absurd as their deaths were unnecessary.’

View attachment 21328

Rostol is working with an organisation that aims to end this tradition. Credit: Francesco Ungaro/Pexels

In 2021, an entire mega-pod was herded into shore, and 1,423 dolphins were killed.

However, as shocking as the video is, marine mammal biologist and Faroe Islands native Bjarni Mikkelsen said his community's traditions were being unfairly targeted.

He argued that the grindadráp is no more barbaric than the practices of slaughterhouses in Europe, the United States or Australia.

‘It's much easier to hide what's happening in your own backyard just by pointing to others,’ he said.

In defence of the tradition, Mikkelsen explained that the Faroese continue to follow old customs like slaughtering sheep at home or shooting rabbits in the mountains.

He insisted that hunting whales is no different – it has been done for generations as a source of food.

‘It just has to be done in order to get our food. There is no more to it than that...It's very bloody, it's outdoors, and we don't hide anything. Because, in my opinion, most of the Faroese are very proud of this practice,’ he added.

Those against the practice argued that the killing methods were ‘cruel’ when compared to modern slaughterhouses, which have more oversight from inspectors and don’t kill mammal species in front of each other, as it causes significant stress for the animals.

However, Mikkelson explained that killing methods have improved.

‘I don’t know how many millions of sheep are killed in Australia each year, but we kill 600 dolphins on average efficiently,’ he added.

John Hourston from the UK-based conservation group Blue Planet Society shared his thoughts on the grindadráp tradition. He reminded everyone that many of these cetacean species are otherwise protected under EU regulations and that the world is in the middle of a biodiversity crisis.

‘Why is a rich country, with a dozen supermarkets and a globalised supply chain continuing to harm wildlife in such a cruel way?’ He asked.

Hourston called on countries that import fish from the Faroe Islands to pressure the island's inhabitants to stop the whaling.

‘If they want to get it stopped, they could. It's really just a question of political will,’ he stated.

However, the locals are adamant that international pressure won't change their ways and that a change in tradition must come from within their community.

Key Takeaways

• Footage of the annual whale slaughter off the Faroe Islands in Europe has drawn criticism, with activists calling for the tradition, known as grindadráp, to be banned.
• The footage shared online showed a small pilot whale being ridden before it was brutally killed, causing the water to run red with blood.
• Faroe Islands natives argued that their tradition is no different than what happens in slaughterhouses worldwide and that methods used to kill the whales have improved.
• Advocates for ending grindadráp said it is a cruel practice that must be stopped, calling for international pressure on the Faroe Islands to bring about change.

Members, we’d love to hear your thoughts on this difficult and sensitive issue - let us know in the comments below.

Sickening to the core!
Whales are beautiful sea creatures, highly intelligent and there many recorded accounts of them saving humans lives intentionally. Some humans make me sick.

 

[Go Cats]

Sickening to the core!
Whales are beautiful sea creatures, highly intelligent and there many recorded accounts of them saving humans lives intentionally. Some humans make me sick.

Bravo. Well said.

 

[Shane/#]

Warning: Distressing content. Reader discretion is advised.

In a scene that could be mistaken for a tourist show, a swimmer expertly rides a small pilot whale by clutching its fin.

But after a few seconds, his colleagues shove a metal spike into the animal’s spine – and the water turns red with blood.

This footage comes from Europe's annual whale slaughter, which takes place off the Faroe Islands.

The video shared online is from May 8, 2023, but the grindadráp, or whaling hunt, is a tradition that dates back hundreds of years.

View attachment 21327

The whale hunt tradition off the coast of the Faroe Islands dates back hundreds of years. Credit: Francesco Ungaro/Pexels

Samuel Rostol, a Norwegian-born activist who captured the video, shared his experience of witnessing multiple grindadráp events.

He accumulated footage while working with Sea Shepherd UK, an organisation that aims to put an end to this tradition.

‘In front of us, 100 bodies of an animal whose sibling affected my childhood so strongly — Flipper — were being pulled out of the water and slapped down on the harbour to be cut open and butchered,’ Rostol told reporters.

‘The scene was absurd as their deaths were unnecessary.’

View attachment 21328

Rostol is working with an organisation that aims to end this tradition. Credit: Francesco Ungaro/Pexels

In 2021, an entire mega-pod was herded into shore, and 1,423 dolphins were killed.

However, as shocking as the video is, marine mammal biologist and Faroe Islands native Bjarni Mikkelsen said his community's traditions were being unfairly targeted.

He argued that the grindadráp is no more barbaric than the practices of slaughterhouses in Europe, the United States or Australia.

‘It's much easier to hide what's happening in your own backyard just by pointing to others,’ he said.

In defence of the tradition, Mikkelsen explained that the Faroese continue to follow old customs like slaughtering sheep at home or shooting rabbits in the mountains.

He insisted that hunting whales is no different – it has been done for generations as a source of food.

‘It just has to be done in order to get our food. There is no more to it than that...It's very bloody, it's outdoors, and we don't hide anything. Because, in my opinion, most of the Faroese are very proud of this practice,’ he added.

Those against the practice argued that the killing methods were ‘cruel’ when compared to modern slaughterhouses, which have more oversight from inspectors and don’t kill mammal species in front of each other, as it causes significant stress for the animals.

However, Mikkelson explained that killing methods have improved.

‘I don’t know how many millions of sheep are killed in Australia each year, but we kill 600 dolphins on average efficiently,’ he added.

John Hourston from the UK-based conservation group Blue Planet Society shared his thoughts on the grindadráp tradition. He reminded everyone that many of these cetacean species are otherwise protected under EU regulations and that the world is in the middle of a biodiversity crisis.

‘Why is a rich country, with a dozen supermarkets and a globalised supply chain continuing to harm wildlife in such a cruel way?’ He asked.

Hourston called on countries that import fish from the Faroe Islands to pressure the island's inhabitants to stop the whaling.

‘If they want to get it stopped, they could. It's really just a question of political will,’ he stated.

However, the locals are adamant that international pressure won't change their ways and that a change in tradition must come from within their community.

Key Takeaways

• Footage of the annual whale slaughter off the Faroe Islands in Europe has drawn criticism, with activists calling for the tradition, known as grindadráp, to be banned.
• The footage shared online showed a small pilot whale being ridden before it was brutally killed, causing the water to run red with blood.
• Faroe Islands natives argued that their tradition is no different than what happens in slaughterhouses worldwide and that methods used to kill the whales have improved.
• Advocates for ending grindadráp said it is a cruel practice that must be stopped, calling for international pressure on the Faroe Islands to bring about change.

Members, we’d love to hear your thoughts on this difficult and sensitive issue - let us know in the comments below.

No greenies there fighting for the whale's hmmmm interesting might be a life threatening event to protest

 

[Go Cats]

No greenies there fighting for the whale's hmmmm interesting might be a life threatening event to protest

Mmmmm! Not quite sure what you meant.??

 

[Kaylee]

Sea Shepherd does protest against this horrendous act

 

[kevinwoodtufftyke52@gmail]

A lot of vegan replies here. It is a traditional way of getting food for their communities. I don't hear any outrage of the commercial fishing practices or the meat industrial practices.

 

[Col@45]

Warning: Distressing content. Reader discretion is advised.

In a scene that could be mistaken for a tourist show, a swimmer expertly rides a small pilot whale by clutching its fin.

But after a few seconds, his colleagues shove a metal spike into the animal’s spine – and the water turns red with blood.

This footage comes from Europe's annual whale slaughter, which takes place off the Faroe Islands.

The video shared online is from May 8, 2023, but the grindadráp, or whaling hunt, is a tradition that dates back hundreds of years.

View attachment 21327

The whale hunt tradition off the coast of the Faroe Islands dates back hundreds of years. Credit: Francesco Ungaro/Pexels

Samuel Rostol, a Norwegian-born activist who captured the video, shared his experience of witnessing multiple grindadráp events.

He accumulated footage while working with Sea Shepherd UK, an organisation that aims to put an end to this tradition.

‘In front of us, 100 bodies of an animal whose sibling affected my childhood so strongly — Flipper — were being pulled out of the water and slapped down on the harbour to be cut open and butchered,’ Rostol told reporters.

‘The scene was absurd as their deaths were unnecessary.’

View attachment 21328

Rostol is working with an organisation that aims to end this tradition. Credit: Francesco Ungaro/Pexels

In 2021, an entire mega-pod was herded into shore, and 1,423 dolphins were killed.

However, as shocking as the video is, marine mammal biologist and Faroe Islands native Bjarni Mikkelsen said his community's traditions were being unfairly targeted.

He argued that the grindadráp is no more barbaric than the practices of slaughterhouses in Europe, the United States or Australia.

‘It's much easier to hide what's happening in your own backyard just by pointing to others,’ he said.

In defence of the tradition, Mikkelsen explained that the Faroese continue to follow old customs like slaughtering sheep at home or shooting rabbits in the mountains.

He insisted that hunting whales is no different – it has been done for generations as a source of food.

‘It just has to be done in order to get our food. There is no more to it than that...It's very bloody, it's outdoors, and we don't hide anything. Because, in my opinion, most of the Faroese are very proud of this practice,’ he added.

Those against the practice argued that the killing methods were ‘cruel’ when compared to modern slaughterhouses, which have more oversight from inspectors and don’t kill mammal species in front of each other, as it causes significant stress for the animals.

However, Mikkelson explained that killing methods have improved.

‘I don’t know how many millions of sheep are killed in Australia each year, but we kill 600 dolphins on average efficiently,’ he added.

John Hourston from the UK-based conservation group Blue Planet Society shared his thoughts on the grindadráp tradition. He reminded everyone that many of these cetacean species are otherwise protected under EU regulations and that the world is in the middle of a biodiversity crisis.

‘Why is a rich country, with a dozen supermarkets and a globalised supply chain continuing to harm wildlife in such a cruel way?’ He asked.

Hourston called on countries that import fish from the Faroe Islands to pressure the island's inhabitants to stop the whaling.

‘If they want to get it stopped, they could. It's really just a question of political will,’ he stated.

However, the locals are adamant that international pressure won't change their ways and that a change in tradition must come from within their community.

Key Takeaways

• Footage of the annual whale slaughter off the Faroe Islands in Europe has drawn criticism, with activists calling for the tradition, known as grindadráp, to be banned.
• The footage shared online showed a small pilot whale being ridden before it was brutally killed, causing the water to run red with blood.
• Faroe Islands natives argued that their tradition is no different than what happens in slaughterhouses worldwide and that methods used to kill the whales have improved.
• Advocates for ending grindadráp said it is a cruel practice that must be stopped, calling for international pressure on the Faroe Islands to bring about change.

Members, we’d love to hear your thoughts on this difficult and sensitive issue - let us know in the comments below.

What a horrible practice.....these beautiful animals deserve better than this. I am appalled that humans can sink this low as to slaughter these Dolphins.....they are very intelligent animals. That country should be totally banning this practice.....absolutely disgraceful.

 

[Raven57]

In australia,we slaugter lamb,beef,pigs,chicken,goats,rabbits,kangaroo,crocodile,water buffalo.We are the second largest meat eaters in the world,just behind america.I dont have a problem with what there doing,thats there way of life.They are bought up on whale meat.I dont read people outside of australia complaining about what we eat,so we shouldnt either.This is what i think.

 

[Go Cats]

What a horrible practice.....these beautiful animals deserve better than this. I am appalled that humans can sink this low as to slaughter these Dolphins.....they are very intelligent animals. That country should be totally banning this practice.....absolutely disgraceful.

 

[Go Cats]

What a horrible practice.....these beautiful animals deserve better than this. I am appalled that humans can sink this low as to slaughter these Dolphins.....they are very intelligent animals. That country should be totally banning this practice.....absolutely disgraceful.

In australia,we slaugter lamb,beef,pigs,chicken,goats,rabbits,kangaroo,crocodile,water buffalo.We are the second largest meat eaters in the world,just behind america.I dont have a problem with what there doing,thats there way of life.They are bought up on whale meat.I dont read people outside of australia complaining about what we eat,so we shouldnt either.This is what i think.

 

[Go Cats]

A lot of vegan replies here. It is a traditional way of getting food for their communities. I don't hear any outrage of the commercial fishing practices or the meat industrial practices.

How do you know that there are " A lot of vegan replies here" ??????? I didn't see any replies that mentioned whether the people were vegan or not.?????? And why should that even matter if they are or they are not.????

 

[POG]

Warning: Distressing content. Reader discretion is advised.

In a scene that could be mistaken for a tourist show, a swimmer expertly rides a small pilot whale by clutching its fin.

But after a few seconds, his colleagues shove a metal spike into the animal’s spine – and the water turns red with blood.

This footage comes from Europe's annual whale slaughter, which takes place off the Faroe Islands.

The video shared online is from May 8, 2023, but the grindadráp, or whaling hunt, is a tradition that dates back hundreds of years.

View attachment 21327

The whale hunt tradition off the coast of the Faroe Islands dates back hundreds of years. Credit: Francesco Ungaro/Pexels

Samuel Rostol, a Norwegian-born activist who captured the video, shared his experience of witnessing multiple grindadráp events.

He accumulated footage while working with Sea Shepherd UK, an organisation that aims to put an end to this tradition.

‘In front of us, 100 bodies of an animal whose sibling affected my childhood so strongly — Flipper — were being pulled out of the water and slapped down on the harbour to be cut open and butchered,’ Rostol told reporters.

‘The scene was absurd as their deaths were unnecessary.’

View attachment 21328

Rostol is working with an organisation that aims to end this tradition. Credit: Francesco Ungaro/Pexels

In 2021, an entire mega-pod was herded into shore, and 1,423 dolphins were killed.

However, as shocking as the video is, marine mammal biologist and Faroe Islands native Bjarni Mikkelsen said his community's traditions were being unfairly targeted.

He argued that the grindadráp is no more barbaric than the practices of slaughterhouses in Europe, the United States or Australia.

‘It's much easier to hide what's happening in your own backyard just by pointing to others,’ he said.

In defence of the tradition, Mikkelsen explained that the Faroese continue to follow old customs like slaughtering sheep at home or shooting rabbits in the mountains.

He insisted that hunting whales is no different – it has been done for generations as a source of food.

‘It just has to be done in order to get our food. There is no more to it than that...It's very bloody, it's outdoors, and we don't hide anything. Because, in my opinion, most of the Faroese are very proud of this practice,’ he added.

Those against the practice argued that the killing methods were ‘cruel’ when compared to modern slaughterhouses, which have more oversight from inspectors and don’t kill mammal species in front of each other, as it causes significant stress for the animals.

However, Mikkelson explained that killing methods have improved.

‘I don’t know how many millions of sheep are killed in Australia each year, but we kill 600 dolphins on average efficiently,’ he added.

John Hourston from the UK-based conservation group Blue Planet Society shared his thoughts on the grindadráp tradition. He reminded everyone that many of these cetacean species are otherwise protected under EU regulations and that the world is in the middle of a biodiversity crisis.

‘Why is a rich country, with a dozen supermarkets and a globalised supply chain continuing to harm wildlife in such a cruel way?’ He asked.

Hourston called on countries that import fish from the Faroe Islands to pressure the island's inhabitants to stop the whaling.

‘If they want to get it stopped, they could. It's really just a question of political will,’ he stated.

However, the locals are adamant that international pressure won't change their ways and that a change in tradition must come from within their community.

Key Takeaways

• Footage of the annual whale slaughter off the Faroe Islands in Europe has drawn criticism, with activists calling for the tradition, known as grindadráp, to be banned.
• The footage shared online showed a small pilot whale being ridden before it was brutally killed, causing the water to run red with blood.
• Faroe Islands natives argued that their tradition is no different than what happens in slaughterhouses worldwide and that methods used to kill the whales have improved.
• Advocates for ending grindadráp said it is a cruel practice that must be stopped, calling for international pressure on the Faroe Islands to bring about change.

Members, we’d love to hear your thoughts on this difficult and sensitive issue - let us know in the comments below.

This is an unnecessary MURDER of these intelligent animals, this tradition must stop.