Watch Defensores de ballenas
- 2009
- 1 Season
Defensores de ballenas, or Whale Wars in English, is a compelling TV show that documents the efforts of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society's campaign to stop Japanese whaling in Antarctica. The series is produced by Discovery Communications, a global media and entertainment company that is renowned for its non-fiction programming.
The show is set in some of the most frigid and remote waters on the planet, where the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society risks everything to save the whales. The series primarily follows the flagship vessel, the Steve Irwin, captained by Paul Watson, and the Bob Barker, captained by Alex Cornelissen. Both ships are equipped to engage in direct action to hinder the Japanese whaling fleet's efforts; they will go to great lengths to disrupt the hunt, whether it means putting their own crew in harm's way or using aggressive tactics to disable the whalers' vessels.
The series is both informative and entertaining, and it has managed to capture the attention of viewers worldwide, sparking an active interest in marine conservation. The breathtaking cinematography showcases the looming presence of the ice caps and rugged nature of the Antarctic terrain. The show also takes a critical look at the politics behind whaling, showing the bureaucratic web that enables the Japanese whaling industry to continue unchecked despite worldwide condemnation for decades.
One of the crucial strengths of the show is its ability to highlight the bravery and sacrifice of the Sea Shepherd crew members. Although the campaign has been successful in the past, it is not without risks, and the show highlights the perils that the crew faces at sea. Notably, in 2010, the Ady Gil, one of Sea Shepherd's vessels, was controversially destroyed by the Japanese whaling vessel Shonan Maru 2, following a collision that left the Ady Gil sunk.
The series also aims to raise public awareness about the environmental problems that the world is facing, particularly the rapidly declining world's whale population due to illegal poaching and commercial whaling. Throughout the show, the use of harpoon guns on whales is shown in graphic detail, with blood and gore being a regular feature of the episodes.
Despite the significant obstacles and challenges faced by the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and their campaign, the show documents the group's successes. The show illustrates how the crew's tireless commitment to saving the whales has resulted in fewer whales being killed each season in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary.
Throughout the series, it's clear that the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is not only a group of passionate individuals; it is an organization with a clear strategy and tactical approach to disrupting and ending the Japanese government's whaling operations. Viewers can appreciate the crew's determination and the organization's unique structure as their team of marine specialists, ex-military, and campaigners coordinate the efforts necessary to execute the campaign.
Defensores de ballenas is an inspiring TV series that documents both the highs and lows of a modern-day David and Goliath-style struggle for animal rights. The show illustrates the power of collective action and determination, inspiring viewers to take action in defense of marine animals throughout the world.
In sum, Defensores de ballenas is a must-watch for anyone interested in marine conservation, animal welfare, and environmentalism. The series' emphasis on direct action and non-violent tactics offers an unprecedented glimpse into the bravery required to combat illegal whaling in one of the world's most remote and inaccessible places.