The Joe Rogan Experience #1590 - Phil Demers
Jan 7, 2021
Phil Demers, a former marine mammal trainer and the focus of "The Walrus and the Whistleblower," shares compelling insights on animal captivity. He discusses the emotional toll on trainers and the ethical dilemmas surrounding captive marine mammals. The conversation highlights advocacy efforts for orca and dolphin rights in Canada, the impact of legal battles, and personal anecdotes about a walrus named Smushi. Demers emphasizes the urgent need for legislative change and public awareness about animal suffering, stirring both compassion and calls for action.
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Podcast Origin
- Phil Demers recounts how Joe Rogan invited him on the podcast after seeing a headline calling Demers "the Kanye West of animal training".
- This led to Demers' first appearance and began their long-standing support of his cause.
Captivity as Slavery
- Joe Rogan believes that keeping orcas and dolphins in captivity is morally wrong and will be viewed as horrific as slavery in the future.
- He argues their intelligence is comparable to humans, making captivity inhumane.
Force-Feeding Sam
- Rogan's documentary experience highlighted the cruelty of force-feeding dolphins, particularly a Russian dolphin named Sam.
- Demers filmed Sam's rejection of captivity, recognizing the future value of the documentation.