Photo and words from @danabjarner of @keiko_conservation_ecuador who just came back from the Galapagos Islands! This trip simply exceeded each and every one of my expectations, not only I was able to dive with many of my favorite animals, but I had the opportunity of free diving with false killer whales for the first time. You can even hear their vocalizations from above the surface while sitting in the dingy (the panguita that takes you to the place of diving) while waiting to jump in the water to swim with them. Then, when you actually put your face in the water, it is like listening to an entire orchestra and they look at you, straight into your eyes 💚. Having the opportunity to interact with these animals in places like this, really puts many things about your life in perspective . . . False killer whales are still hunted in places like Japan, usually entire pods are slaughtered for their meat or as a form of "pest control" while the most "attractive" looking ones are sold to marine parks for huge sums of money for our fun and enjoyment . An example of this type of life is #Kina, the false killer whale that has been living at Hawaii's @sealifepark. She is from a fishery in Japan and, after watching her entire pod slaughtered in the 1980s, she was sold off and spent the last few decades being moved around different facilities, eventually ending up auctioned off to this small amusement park in Hawaii #sealifepark, where she has been hidden behind the scenes without shade or much stimuli or company. You can go to (justiceforkina.org) to learn more about her story and how to help! #JusticeForKina #KeepThemWild #keikoconservation #keikoecuador #falsekillerwhale #falsekillerwhales https://www.instagram.com/p/Bnhy8lulsv0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=9jcp6lyk4qrd