For many years various groups and individuals have worked to end the whale and dolphin captivity program at the Vancouver Aquarium. Keeping these beings imprisoned for human fun, education and profit is an archaic and barbaric practice. It is cruel and inhumane. The Coalition for No Whales in Captivity and Life Force were the two most active organisations on this issue.

In 1998, the Whale Friends initiative was launched to get a referendum on this issue in Vancouver. The tourism industry, the Vancouver Parks Board and City Council, and the Aquarium oppose the referendum idea because they know that the majority of people are opposed to more whales being brought into the Aquarium.

When people are denied the opportunity to express their views within the democratic process on a unique moral issue other avenues of expression are sought.

From September 24, 7:00 A.M. until September 29 th 6:00 P.M. (approximately 130 hours) a non-stop caged protest was held to vividly demonstrate that keeping whales and dolphins in captivity is no different than keeping people in cages and to demand that a Whale Referendum be held in Vancouver.