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I'm so incredibly happy for @madisonannhull and @lanehull 💜💜 Getting to celebrate these special moments with them keeps me humble as I'm so grateful to be a part of each of them. From them buying their home to now baby #2 💜💜 #familyphotographer #dearphotographer24 #deareststoryteller #emboldencommunity #portlanphotographer #pdxlife #pdxfam #pdxmomlife #sahm #workingmama #snapfitness #hoodtocoast #oregoncityphotographer #molalloregon #maternityphotography #newbornphotographer #studiophotography #oregoncitygude #mediabymads #lifestylephotographer #indigosprucestudio

I’m excited to share that I’m a collaborator for @cetaceans_org alongside the wonderful @sharktopia and @peggy_oki 🐋 @cetaceans_org is a non-profit endeavour created for the primary purpose of helping people take action for wild and captive cetaceans.🐬💙 Image credit: @by.jo_ #cetaceans #cetaceansorg #protectwhatyoulove #marineconservation #oceanconservation #whales #dolphins #captivity #mediabymads #orca #visualcommunication

The Strengthening Welfare in Marine Settings (SWIMS) Act would end the future capture and breeding of whales for public display. (Swipe to see all photos 💙) The SWIMS Act is a proposed legislation that would amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to prohibit the taking, importation, or exportation of orcas (killer whales), beluga whales, false killer whales, and pilot whales for the purpose of public display. It would amend the Animal Welfare Act to prohibit any breeding of these whales for future public display. Exemptions would be made for animals being transported to a sanctuary setting or released to the wild. TAKE ACTION! ⬇️ If you’re a U.S. citizen the best way to support the SWIMS Act is by writing a letter to your U.S. representative and your U.S. senator, asking them to co-sponsor the SWIMS Act. More information, a sample letter, and free downloadable stationery can be found in our bio. 🐋 Art by @sharktopia #Cetaceans #Cetacean #SwimsAct #NoMoreTanks #CetaceanConservation #Captivity #orca #killerwhale #dolphin #PilotWhale #BelugaWhale #OrigamiWhalesProject #Sharktopia #MediaByMads

Meet our Cetaceans Team 🐋 Madison O’Connell - Media by Mads Madison O'Connell is a visual communicator who uses a variety of visual media to communicate conservational, ethical and environmental topics. Her expertise consists of years of staring through the lens and editing content to help bring the viewer into the imagery. Her photos and videos are aimed at helping everyone spread awareness on behalf of cetaceans and our oceans. Madison produced ‘Tails of Confinement’, a short film that openly documented her personal journey from being taken to marine parks as a child to growing up and realising the dark truth about cetacean captivity. Madison's studies have taken her to places around the world to exhibit her photography and films, including the Galápagos Islands. During her time in the Galápagos she captured the beauty of the natural world in addition to the concerns of plastic pollution and the harm it has done. When she’s not got a camera in her hand, you’ll find Madison swimming in cold water, trail running, or hanging out with her 35 year-old rescue Shetland pony, Haymish. Orca (killer whales) are Madison's favourite cetacean. Follow Madison @mediabymads and click the link in her bio to learn more. 🐬 Image credit: @by.jo_ #cetaceans #whales #dolphins #emptythetanks #mediabymads #marineconservation #oceanconservation #protectwhatyoulove #orca #killerwhale #animalwelfare #cetaceansorg #captivecetaceans #savethewhales

As COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted and the lock down has finally come to an end, remember that for many dolphins and whales in captivity the lock down NEVER ENDS. Keeping these incredibly intelligent, complex mammals in captivity for the sake of human entertainment is BARBARIC!!! Follow @edgedolphinspirit to see how their innovative robot Delle can change the game for captive dolphins everywhere!!! *Reposted from @mediabymads* I truly hope that this year people now understand what it’s like for captive whales and dolphins. We have been living in and out of lockdowns for over a year now but for whales and Dolphins in captivity this is their life. Next time you want to visit a marine park remember how you felt during lockdown because these animals have been going through it for years and years❗️ #emptythetanks #emptythetanksworldwide #emptythetanks2021 #dontbuyaticket #saynotocaptivity #saynotothedolphinshow #dontsupportcruelty #seaworldsucks #mediabymads #dolphinproject #animalrights #thanksbutnotanks #nobeautyinstolenfreedom #freelolita

It’s a privilege to scroll through my camera roll to choose some images to share for Worlds Ocean Day and be spoilt for choice. I have seen more marine life in my 23 years on this planet, than most see in a lifetime and for that I’m extremely grateful. It’s hard to put it to words how I feel about the ocean. When I’m near or in the ocean nothing else matters, it brings me into the present moment like nothing else can. I know my fascination with marine life will never leave me, I have a lot more to see and explore yet. May we understand the power and importance of our oceans but also the fragility. I know it’s said a lot but I really do not want future generations to be without healthy thriving oceans but time is running out. Do what you can to help our oceans and then do a little more. 🌊 #worldoceansday #protectwhatyoulove #saveouroceans #protecttheocean #surfersagainstsewage #bethechange #plasticfreecoastlines #climatechange #timeisrunningout #oceanconservation #oceanlover #mediabymads

I truly hope that this year people now understand what it’s like for captive whales and dolphins. We have been living in and out of lockdowns for over a year now but for whales and Dolphins in captivity this is their life. Next time you want to visit a marine park remember how you felt during lockdown because these animals have been going through it for years and years❗️ #emptythetanks #emptythetanksworldwide #emptythetanks2021 #dontbuyaticket #saynotocaptivity #saynotothedolphinshow #dontsupportcruelty #seaworldsucks #mediabymads #dolphinproject #animalrights #thanksbutnotanks #nobeautyinstolenfreedom #freelolita

This is Skyla, a 17 year old female captive orca. 3 days ago Loro Parque in Tenerife announced she had passed away. According to Loro Parque Skyla was in perfect health prior to the quick onset of symptoms that led to her death. I hope Loro Parque decide to share the results of her post mortem exam. My heart aches for Skyla because the life of an orca was never supposed to be like this. Skyla was born at SeaWorld Orlando in 2004, her mother was Kalina and her father, Tilikum (the orca in the documentary Blackfish). When Skyla was two years old she and three other young orcas were flown 4000 miles away to Loro Parque in Tenerife on a breeding loan. At the time of the move, Kalina was so distressed at seeing Skyla being lifted out of the tank that she repeatedly began rammed herself into the gate which resulted in lacerations. Skyla and Kalina would never see her mother again. Her new life in Tenerife had its own problems, SeaWorld loaned Loro Parque four young orcas which meant there was no dominant matriarch in the constructed pod, this is not good for orcas. Think of this like leaving four 2-10 year old children to raise themselves. Skyla deserved so much better than being born into a tank, torn away from her mother, to be flown 4000 miles and placed into another tank where SeaWorld and Loro Parque had constructed such a dysfunctional pod of orcas. How many more orcas have to die in tanks for people to realise that these animals do not belong in captivity!? Photo by @mediabymads taken October 2018 #emptythetanks #thanksbutnothanks #nobeautyinstolenfreedom #captiveorca #captivekillerwhale #mediabymads #captivityiscruel #orcasdontbelongintanks #animalexploitation #animalcruelty #animalrights #animalrightsactivist #seaworldsucks #notforyourentertainment #dolphinproject #animalphotojournalism #animalrightsfilmmaker #tailsofconfinement #animalwelfare #captivedolphins #dontswimwithdolphins #bekindtoanimals #dontbuyaticket

Hoping to have this as my view in the not too distant future🤞Pilot whales are the species I’ve seen the most of in the wild, but they never fail to amaze me. The first post-covid whale watching trip is going to be special! 🐬🐳 Who else is missing whale watching? #emptythetanks #thanksbutnothanks #nobeautyinstolenfreedom #captiveorca #captivekillerwhale #mediabymads #captivityiscruel #orcasdontbelongintanks #animalexploitation #animalcruelty #animalrights #animalrightsactivist #seaworldsucks #notforyourentertainment #dolphinproject #animalphotojournalism #animalrightsfilmmaker #tailsofconfinement #animalwelfare #captivedolphins #dontswimwithdolphins #bekindtoanimals #dontbuyaticket #whalewatching #pilotwhales

“No aquarium, no tank in a marine land, however spacious it may be, can begin to duplicate the conditions of the sea. And no dolphin who inhabits one of those aquariums or one of those marine lands can be considered normal” - Jacques Cousteau 🐬 #emptythetanks #thanksbutnothanks #nobeautyinstolenfreedom #captiveorca #captivekillerwhale #mediabymads #captivityiscruel #orcasdontbelongintanks #animalexploitation #animalcruelty #animalrights #animalrightsactivist #seaworldsucks #notforyourentertainment #dolphinproject #animalphotojournalism #animalrightsfilmmaker #tailsofconfinement #animalwelfare #captivedolphins #dontswimwithdolphins #bekindtoanimals #dontbuyaticket

A brighter future for me starts with you. Don’t a buy a ticket 🐳 #emptythetanks #thanksbutnothanks #nobeautyinstolenfreedom #captiveorca #captivekillerwhale #mediabymads #captivityiscruel #orcasdontbelongintanks #animalexploitation #animalcruelty #animalrights #animalrightsactivist #seaworldsucks #notforyourentertainment #dolphinproject #animalphotojournalism #animalrightsfilmmaker #tailsofconfinement #animalwelfare #captivedolphins #dontswimwithdolphins #bekindtoanimals #dontbuyaticket

“There’s about as much educational benefit studying dolphins in captivity as there would be studying mankind by only observing prisoners held in solitary confinement” - Jacques Cousteau🌊 #emptythetanks #thanksbutnothanks #nobeautyinstolenfreedom #captiveorca #captivekillerwhale #mediabymads #captivityiscruel #orcasdontbelongintanks #animalexploitation #animalcruelty #animalrights #animalrightsactivist #seaworldsucks #notforyourentertainment #dolphinproject #animalphotojournalism #animalrightsfilmmaker #tailsofconfinement #animalwelfare #captivedolphins #dontswimwithdolphins #bekindtoanimals #dontbuyaticket

Reposted from @mediabymads How to help animals in 2021 🤲 🌱 Eat more plant based foods 🐬 Don’t swim with Dolphins 🐳 Don’t visit marine parks 🐶 Adopt don’t shop 🐅 Don’t visit animal circuses 🐘 Don’t ride elephants 🦊 Don’t buy animal fur clothes 🐟 Buy sustainably sourced fish (if you eat fish) 🐝 Buy organic produce 🌊 Use less single use plastic #animalwelfare #animalrights #emptythetanks #veganuary #dontswimwithdolphins #nobeautyinstolenfreedom #animalactivist #plantbased #buylocal #buyorganic #saynotosingleuseplastic #helpanimals #mediabymads #smallchanges #dontwearanimalfur #protectanimals #adoptdontshop #dontrideelephants #thanksbutnothanks # #captiveorca #captivekillerwhale #mediabymads #captivityiscruel #orcasdontbelongintanks #animalexploitation #animalcruelty #animalrights #animalrightsactivist #seaworldsucks #notforyourentertainment #dolphinproject

How to help animals in 2021 🤲 🌱 Eat more plant based foods 🐬 Don’t swim with Dolphins 🐳 Don’t visit marine parks 🐶 Adopt don’t shop 🐅 Don’t visit animal circuses 🐘 Don’t ride elephants 🦊 Don’t buy animal fur clothes 🐟 Buy sustainably sourced fish (if you eat fish) 🐝 Buy organic produce 🌊 Use less single use plastic #animalwelfare #animalrights #emptythetanks #veganuary #dontswimwithdolphins #nobeautyinstolenfreedom #animalactivist #plantbased #buylocal #buyorganic #saynotosingleuseplastic #helpanimals #mediabymads #smallchanges #dontwearanimalfur #protectanimals #adoptdontshop #dontrideelephants #thanksbutnothanks # #captiveorca #captivekillerwhale #mediabymads #captivityiscruel #orcasdontbelongintanks #animalexploitation #animalcruelty #animalrights #animalrightsactivist #seaworldsucks #notforyourentertainment #dolphinproject

Orcas belong in the ocean, not in a tank 🌊 #emptythetanks #thanksbutnothanks #nobeautyinstolenfreedom #captiveorca #captivekillerwhale #mediabymads #captivityiscruel #orcasdontbelongintanks #animalexploitation #animalcruelty #animalrights #animalrightsactivist #seaworldsucks #notforyourentertainment #dolphinproject #animalphotojournalism #animalrightsfilmmaker #tailsofconfinement #animalwelfare

How to help captive whales and dolphins (Swipe) 👉 🎫 Don’t buy a ticket to marine parks 💬 Engage with family and friends on the topic 🌊 Support whale and dolphin sanctuaries ✈️ Boycott travel companies that support the captive industry 📢 Stand up and speak up for the welfare of captive whales and dolphins #emptythetanks #dolphinproject #whalesanctuaryproject #captivityiscruel #captivitykills #wildandfree #conservation #animalrights #animalwelfare #veganuary #animalrightsactivist #whales #dolphins #dontswimwithdolphins #mediabymads #nobeautyinstolenfreedom #animalexploitation

To all the captive whales and dolphins, we see you, we are sorry, we are trying. 🐬 #mediabymads #animalrights #emptythetanks #dontbuyaticket #saynotothedolphinshow #dolphinproject #captivity #animalrightsactivism #marinemammals

"I will never forget the moment I saw my first wild orca, the sheer size of its 6ft straight dorsal fin breaking the water was breath-taking, I had tears running down my face." 🐬🖤 ⠀ ⠀ The latest in the Chats with Conservationist Series is now live on the blog, but this time it's a little different. Animal Photojournalist, Filmmaker and Animal Rights Activist @mediabymads shares her thoughts on Whale & Dolphin Captivity, what inspired her to take a stand and how you can help support marine life from home 🐳⠀ ⠀ 👆 BLOG LINK IN BIO 👆⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #emptythetanks #thanksbutnothanks #nobeautyinstolenfreedom #captiveorca #captivekillerwhale #mediabymads #captivityiscruel #orcasdontbelongintanks #animalexploitation #animalcruelty #animalrights #animalrightsactivist #seaworldsucks #notforyourentertainment #dolphinproject #animalphotojournalism #animalrightsfilmmaker #tailsofconfinement #voiceforthevoiceless #retirelolita #freelolita"

Are you feeling inspired to help beluga whales after watching John Bishop’s Great Whale Rescue? 🐳 There are around 300 beluga whales in captivity around the world, an estimated 210 of those are in China. Unfortunately beluga whales are one of the most exploited marine mammals in the marine park industry. Attitudes towards whale and dolphins captivity is shifting in the western world, however, the marine park industry in the eastern world is rapidly growing. Actions: 1️⃣ Don’t visit marine parks that display any whales, dolphins or porpoises. 2️⃣ Watch Blackfish, The Cove and Born to Be Free to learn more about the marine park industry. 3️⃣ Support sea sanctuaries like @belugawhalesanctuary, @whalesanctuaryproject and @dolphin_project #emptythetanks #thanksbutnothanks #nobeautyinstolenfreedom #captiveorca #captivekillerwhale #mediabymads #captivityiscruel #orcasdontbelongintanks #animalexploitation #animalcruelty #animalrights #animalrightsactivist #seaworldsucks #notforyourentertainment #dolphinproject #animalphotojournalism #animalrightsfilmmaker #tailsofconfinement #voiceforthevoiceless #belugawhale #johnbishopsgreatwhalerescue #johnbishop #captivebelugawhale

Have you watched John Bishop’s Great Whale Rescue?🐳 If you haven’t, I highly recommend watching the two part documentary on the @itv Hub. The documentary follows two captive belugas, Little Grey and Little White and their journey to freedom from a tiny tank in Shanghai, to the cold waters of a sea sanctuary in Iceland. When we think of whales and dolphins in captivity we usually think of killer whales and bottlenose dolphins, but beluga whales are actually one of the most exploited marine mammals in captivity. There is thought to be over 300 belugas in captivity around the world with an estimated 210 in China. I had never seen a beluga before I started filming for Tails of Confinement where I saw two belugas in SeaWorld Orlando. I was shocked at the sheer size and gracefulness of these creatures. I found @johnbish100 Great Whale Rescue bittersweet, while it warmed my heart to see Little White and Little Grey returned to a natural environment, it also made my heart ache for all the other belugas, orcas and dolphins that live in captivity. I hope the @belugawhalesanctuary leads the way in changing marine parks attitudes towards sea sanctuaries. Timelapse video of belugas whales at SeaWorld Orlando taken February 2019. #emptythetanks #thanksbutnothanks #nobeautyinstolenfreedom #captiveorca #captivekillerwhale #mediabymads #captivityiscruel #orcasdontbelongintanks #animalexploitation #animalcruelty #animalrights #animalrightsactivist #seaworldsucks #notforyourentertainment #dolphinproject #animalphotojournalism #animalrightsfilmmaker #tailsofconfinement #voiceforthevoiceless #belugawhale #johnbishopsgreatwhalerescue #johnbishop #captivebelugawhale

Whale and Dolphin Captivity Resources - Podcasts 🎙 A few of these podcasts only touch on captivity but they are still great sources of information about whales and dolphins 🐋 🐬 #emptythetanks #thanksbutnothanks #nobeautyinstolenfreedom #captiveorca #captivekillerwhale #mediabymads #captivityiscruel #orcasdontbelongintanks #animalexploitation #animalcruelty #animalrights #animalrightsactivist #seaworldsucks #notforyourentertainment #dolphinproject #animalphotojournalism #animalrightsfilmmaker #tailsofconfinement #learningresources #podcasts

Whale and Dolphin Captivity Resources - Books 📚 Please save and share 🙏🐳🐬 #emptythetanks #thanksbutnothanks #nobeautyinstolenfreedom #captiveorca #captivekillerwhale #mediabymads #captivityiscruel #orcasdontbelongintanks #animalexploitation #animalcruelty #animalrights #animalrightsactivist #seaworldsucks #notforyourentertainment #dolphinproject #animalphotojournalism #animalrightsfilmmaker #tailsofconfinement #learningresources

📢 Introducing my new Whale and Dolphin Captivity Resources series, starting with documentaries 🎥 Documentaries are the easiest way to consume information so please share this list far and wide. 🐳🐬 #emptythetanks #thanksbutnothanks #nobeautyinstolenfreedom #captiveorca #captivekillerwhale #mediabymads #captivityiscruel #orcasdontbelongintanks #animalexploitation #animalcruelty #animalrights #animalrightsactivist #seaworldsucks #notforyourentertainment #dolphinproject #animalphotojournalism #animalrightsfilmmaker #tailsofconfinement #learningresources

Sometimes I do get to see dolphins and whales in their natural environment which makes me ridiculously happy. I’m very aware that the content I create and share is not usually positive or particularly heart warming but please know I do try every now and then to see these beautiful creatures in the wild too. 🐬🐋 These are pilot whales in the Strait of Gibraltar last August. #mediabymads #pilotwhales #cetaceans #cetaceansofinstagram #tarifa #straitofgibraltar #whales #marinemammals #marineconservation #protectwhatyoulove #emptythetanks #wildandfree #freedom #oceanlife #dontbuyaticket #responsiblewhalewatching

There was an overwhelming amount of noise created for Lolita/Tokitae last Saturday to mark the 50th anniversary of the Penn Cove captures. It was bittersweet on Monday to find out that Little White and Little Grey (the two beluga whales from a marine park in China) had finally been moved to their sea pen in Iceland. I hope Palace Entertainment/Parques Reunidos look at what Merlin Entertainments have done and seriously consider releasing Lolita soon so she can live the rest of her years in a more natural environment of a seaside sanctuary. Thank you to @dolphin_project, @peggy_oki, @activism4life, @emptythetanksworldwide and @untillolitaishome for continuing to use your voice for Lolita 👏 Image of Lolita/Tokitae taken February 2019 #emptythetanks #thanksbutnothanks #nobeautyinstolenfreedom #captiveorca #captivekillerwhale #mediabymads #captivityiscruel #orcasdontbelongintanks #animalexploitation #animalcruelty #animalrights #animalrightsactivist #seaworldsucks #notforyourentertainment #dolphinproject #animalphotojournalism #animalrightsfilmmaker #tailsofconfinement #voiceforthevoiceless #retirelolita #freelolita

50 Years of Stolen Freedom for Lolita! Today marks 50 years since Lolita/Tokitae was captured and enslaved for human entertainment! It’s time to #FreeLolita and #RetireLolita See my previous post to learn about Lolita’s story and way to take action! 🐳 #mediabymads #freelolita #retirelolita #animalrightsphotograher #animalphotojournalist #emptythetanks #stolenfreedom #nobeautyinstolenfreedom #lolitatheorca #lolitathekillerwhale #miamiseaquarium #unitedforlolita #penncovecaptures

Have you seen animals in zoos pace up and down their cages? Captive orcas do the same thing. Captive orcas often exhibit repetitive behaviours, such as circling their tanks in one direction, surfacing in the same areas, sliding out and beaching themselves (this is a highly concerning behaviour). Time-lapse video taken February 2019. #emptythetanks #thanksbutnothanks #nobeautyinstolenfreedom #captiveorca #captivekillerwhale #mediabymads #captivityiscruel #orcasdontbelongintanks #animalexploitation #animalcruelty #animalrights #animalrightsactivist #seaworldsucks #notforyourentertainment #dolphinproject #animalphotojournalism #animalrightsfilmmaker #tailsofconfinement

Two orcas at Marineland in France. I sat and watched the orcas at Marineland for around 6 hours when I visited to film for ‘A Captive Audience’ (link in my bio to watch). They repeated behaviours over and over, to the point I could predict where and when they would surface. 🎥 Video filmed October 2018. #emptythetanks #thanksbutnothanks #nobeautyinstolenfreedom #captiveorca #captivekillerwhale #mediabymads #captivityiscruel #orcasdontbelongintanks #animalexploitation #animalcruelty #animalrights #animalrightsactivist #seaworldsucks #notforyourentertainment #dolphinproject #animalphotojournalism #animalrightsfilmmaker #tailsofconfinement #acaptiveaudience #natgeo #bbcearth

The majority of captive orcas have severe damage to their teeth, largely due to them grinding their teeth on the tank walls/concrete. They do this so much that the nerves are exposed leaving open cavities. ⁠ ⁠ Open cavities can be seen on the front teeth of the lower jaw of the orca photographed above. Open cavities are highly susceptible to infection so trainers need to regularly flush out the cavity. ⁠ ⁠ Teeth are an orcas most vital body part, they are apex predators capable of killing whales (hence their name). This is just another example of how orcas do NOT thrive in captivity!⁠ ⁠ Image taken February 2019 at SeaWorld Orlando.⁠ ⁠ #emptythetanks #thanksbutnothanks #nobeautyinstolenfreedom #captiveorca #captivekillerwhale #mediabymads #captivityiscruel #orcasdontbelongintanks #animalexploitation #animalcruelty #animalrights #animalrightsactivist #seaworldsucks #notforyourentertainment #dolphinproject #animalphotojournalism #animalrightsfilmmaker #tailsofconfinement

This is the reality when the music stops, the lights turn off, the crowds go home and trainers come out of character. A powerful apex ocean predator confined to a fish bowl, waiting for the next performance. Image taken February 2019 #emptythetanks #thanksbutnothanks #nobeautyinstolenfreedom #captiveorca #captivekillerwhale #mediabymads #captivityiscruel #orcasdontbelongintanks #animalexploitation #animalcruelty #animalrights #animalrightsactivist #seaworldsucks #notforyourentertainment #dolphinproject #animalphotojournalism #animalrightsfilmmaker #tailsofconfinement

This is what the orcas do pre showtime in the Shamu Stadium at SeaWorld Orlando. Video taken February 2019. #emptythetanks #thanksbutnothanks #nobeautyinstolenfreedom #captiveorca #captivekillerwhale #mediabymads #captivityiscruel #orcasdontbelongintanks #animalexploitation #animalcruelty #animalrights #animalrightsactivist #seaworldsucks #notforyourentertainment #dolphinproject #animalphotojournalism #animalrightsfilmmaker

Two orcas locked in one of the back pools at SeaWorld Orlando before ‘showtime’. Image taken February 2019. #emptythetanks #animalrights #animalphotojournalism #animalrightsphotograher #tailsofconfinement #mediabymads #nobeautyinstolenfreedom #thanksbutnotanks #orca #captiveorca #voiceforthevoiceless #seaworldsucks #animalrightsfilmmaker #captivitysucks #animalphotojournalist #dolphinproject

WORLD ORCA DAY 🌎🐳 Maybe I’m biased but I think Orcas, also known as killer whales are the best species! Here are some orca facts⬇️ 🌊 Orcas are actually dolphins, not whales! 🌊 Orcas do not thrive in captivity 🌊 Orca live in extremely socially complex pods headed by a matriarch, it’s a Grandma is boss kind of situation 🌊 Male orcas are massive mummy’s boys, they usually only leave their mothers side to mate before returning 🌊 Female orcas can live to around 80 years old but the beloved orca, Granny (J2) from the southern resident pod was thought to be around 100 years old 🌊 Female orcas go through menopause 🌊 Orcas are found in every ocean 🌊 There are several kinds of orcas (ecotypes) that are all genetically different, they all look slightly different and behave differently 🌊 The live captures in the 1960-70s for the marine park industry was detrimental for the southern resident population who were heavily targeted. This pod are now endangered due to lack of food, toxic pollution and noise pollution 🌊 Russia and China are still capturing wild orcas for thee rapidly growing eastern marine park industry ⬇️HOW YOU CAN HELP ORCAS⬇️ 🐳 Don’t visit marine parks that display captive orcas 🐳 Try to reduce the amount single-use plastic you consume 🐳 Watch #TailsOfConfinement (link in my bio) and #Blackfish to learn about cetacean captivity 🐳 If you eat fish make sure you are eating as sustainably as possible. Check out @mcs_uk good fish guide 🐳 Choose responsible whale watching companies 🐳 Use your voice, sign petitions and attend protests 🐳 Engage in talks about orcas with your friends and family 🐳 Support the @whalesanctuaryproject

Two years ago I travelled to British Columbia where I spent a couple of weeks on Vancouver Island in Victoria. From the moment I arrived I knew I was going love the place, there were orca murals, orca hedges, orca statues and, of course, wild orcas! I know it sounds cliché to say but the trip was life changing. Me and my partner want to return and spend a longer period of time on Vancouver Island and there’s not a day that goes by where we don’t dream of it.🇨🇦 . . . #vancouverisland #victoriabc #victoria #travelcanada #visitbc #visitvictoria #orca #wildorca #srkw #killerwhale #orcamural #canada #vancouverislandbc #mediabymads #britishcolumbia

Flocke, a female captive polar bear held at Marineland, Antibes, France. . Since this video was taken in October 2018, Flocke has had triplet cubs and Rasputin, the male polar bear has been relocated to the Yorkshire Wildlife Park. . . #captivity #mediabymads #animalrights #animalwelfare #animalrightsphotographer #visualcommunicator #captivepolarbear #emptythetanks #emptythecages #nobeautyinstolenfreedom #saynotocaptivity

This is one of the most poignant pieces of footage I shot for my first film ‘A Captive Audience’. This is an incredibly unnatural position for an orca to be in and for obvious reasons is not a behaviour you would find them doing in wild. I will continue to always ask the question why this is being deemed educational. This is animal exploitation. . Video taken October 2018 . #emptythetanks #thanksbutnothanks #nobeautyinstolenfreedom #captiveorca #captivekillerwhale #mediabymads #captivityiscruel #orcasdontbelongintanks #animalexploitation #animalcruelty #animalrights #animalrightsactivist #seaworldsucks #loroparque #notforyourentertainment #dolphinproject

I’ve seen a few posts online comparing life in lockdown to that of a captive animal. Please understand that your isolation/captivity/restricted freedom is temporary. I’m not underestimating how difficult some people are finding lockdown, however, it is incomparable to the life of a captive animal. . Your captivity is temporary, theirs isn’t❗️ . Photo taken at Marineland Antibes, France, October 2018. . #mediabymads #captivepolarbear #captivity #captiveanimals #animalrights #animalwelfare #emptythecages #bornfreefoundation #visualcommunicator #animalrightsphotographer #animalrightsfilmmaker #compassionateliving #polarbear #againstcaptivity #emptythetanks #nobeautyinstolenfreedom

I’m currently supposed to be in Australia with @evielewisphotography photographing/filming blue whales, sea lions and quokkas, but we had to cancel for obvious reasons. So I’ll be switching up the ocean themed content for the foreseeable future or at least I won’t be producing any new whaley content for a little while. . HOWEVER... a few weeks before we went into lockdown I purchased a wildlife camera trap to have a little snoop at what goes on at night in my garden. The first night I put the camera outside, the footage showed a glimpse of badger but it has been I little illusive since then, until the early hours of this morning 🦡🤩 . Like many people, I have a new found love for my garden and the local wildlife that can be observed on our daily exercise routes or from our gardens/windows. I find it comforting to watch nature thriving, blooming and continuing to work its magic in these incredibly strange times.🌷🦋🐝🌳 . . . #mediabymads #badger #wildlifecameratrap #cameratrap #wildlifecamera #nightvision #badgers #somerset #somersetnature #nightvisioncamera #cameratrapping #protectbritishwildlife #britishwildlife #britishwildlifephotography #winscombe #whatsinyourgarden #countryside #lovewhereyoulive #isolationcreation #mothernature

I loved seeing the creativity that had gone into creating signs, placards and outfits for the @bristolys4c climate march. Top marks to this person who provided a lot of entertainment while people were waiting around in the rain ☔️ You were GRATE! . . . #bristolyouthstrikeforclimate #bristol #bristolclimatemarch #donaldtrump #mediabymads #climatecrisis #climatechange #climatechangeisreal #visualcommunicator #bristolfilmmaker #bristolphotographer #noplanetb #changeiscoming #gretathunberg #gretathunbergforpresident

Today is the 10th anniversary of Dawn Brancheau’s death. 10 years ago Dawn tragically lost her life when she was killed by an orca called Tilikum. A year ago today I took this video when I was in SeaWorld filming for Tails of Confinement. . In many ways the 24th February 2010 was the day that SeaWorld changed forever, however I also feel saddened, angry and frustrated that 10 years later many factors still remain the same. SeaWorld still holds orcas for entertainment, no matter how many times they try to rebrand their ‘shows’ as ‘education’. It’s not education, it’s exploitation. I can’t express enough how much I hope things change in the next 10 years. . Rest in peace Dawn 💙 . . #mediabymads #dawnbrancheau #emptythetanks #cetaceancaptivity #notforyourentertainment #timeforchange #saynototheorcashow #anticaptivity #seaworldsucks #blackfish #killerwhale #marinemammals #nobeautyinstolenfreedom #thanksbutnotanks #animalrights #fightforanimalrights #voiceforthevoiceless

Wishing this was today’s view 🤿 . . . #throwbackthursday #mediabymads #oceanoptimism #oceanlover #salty #freedom #filmmaker #oceanphotography #wildandfree #lovetheocean #wildandfreelikethesea #noplanetb #conserve #oceanwaves #protecttheocean

I was hoping to be sharing lots of new content throughout January but I feel stuck in a bit of a rut at the moment. I have ideas for content I want to create but I feel so overwhelmed by the state of World right now. Countries on fire, crazy amounts of consumption, pollution, animal cruelty and welfare issues are just some of the topics I see on my social feeds several times a day. I take an interest in these topics so I choose to consume information about them but I’m finding it difficult to process at the moment. 🤯 . I’ve always considered myself to be an optimist, I believe that media has the power to help influence and drive change but right now I feel as if we are shouting in the middle of a crowded room but no one can hear us. 🔊 . I want to be an account that can inspire people, make people feel hopeful about certain topics, but I also want to be open and honest with how I’m feeling, because chances are I’m not the only one who’s feeling like this. 🥺 . How to you cope with feeling like this? I’d love to know in the comments⬇️ . 📷: Beautiful ocean mural in Haiti 🇭🇹 . . . #mediabymads #ecoanxiety #stuckinarut #oceanoptimism #noplanetb #helptheenvironment #mentalhealthmatters #visualcommunicator #activist #animalwelfare #letstalk #openandhonest #media #environmentalmedia #planetearth #takecareofmotherearth #noplacelikehome

Moving into a new year always calls for some time to reflect. I talk a lot about reflection as I think it’s really important to take time to celebrate what you have achieved and to use it to push us forward. In 2019 I have... 🐳 Produced a film on whale and dolphin captivity that has reached over 20,000 people. 🐋Put my all into trying to raise awareness for captive cetaceans. 🤝Met some incredible people also trying to do the same. 🐬Spoken at several events, conquering my fear of public speaking. 🎓Graduated from university. 🎥Got my first graduate job as a production assistant for a company I love. ♻️ Tried my very best to live a lower plastic and organic lifestyle. 🌊 Spent time working with my absolute favourite organisation @citytosea_ / @refillhq. 👭Watched my friends excel in their lives, which fills me with so much joy. 💙Celebrated a 5 year anniversary with the most loving, supportive partner any one could ever ask for @jackpopey. . Wishing you all a very happy and healthy new year. Here’s to a new decade of change🙌🏼 . . . #mediabymads #newyear #celebrateyou #achievements #visualcommunicator #wavesofchange #changemakers #hello2020 #hellonewyear #emptythetanks #anticaptivity #dontbuyaticket #plasticfree #oceanoptimism #filmmaker #animalrights #animalwelfare #voiceforthevoiceless #goodbye2019

One of dolphin tanks at SeaWorld Orlando. This particular pool is used for dolphin encounters, where paying customers stand at the edge of pool and touch, feed and interact with the dolphins. I spent a lot of time at this underwater viewing platform, watching people bang the glass, pose for photos and quickly loose interest in watching these beautiful creatures confined to a tank. . Photo taken February 2019 while filming for Tails of Confinement 🐬 . . #tailsofconfinement #dolphins #emptythetanks #captivedolphins #mediabymads #dontbuyaticket #saynotothedolphinshow #visualcommunicator #filmmaker #animalrights #animalwelfare #captivity #thanksbutnotanks #voiceforthevoiceless #wildandfree #nobeautyinstolenfreedom

Apologies for the lack of content being shared on here at the moment. I have been a little preoccupied since I started my new job as a video production assistant a few weeks ago. I’m trying to embrace all the exciting changes that are happening in my life. As this year comes to a close I’ve been reflecting what a rollercoaster of a year it’s been for Media by Mads. I’ve also been thinking about how Media by Mads can grow and evolve next year, I will still be sharing lots of marine mammal related content as that’s my true passion. However, I am thinking of what wider content to create, I have a few ideas but if there is anything you would particularly like to see from me then please do let me know. It will mostly be themed around ocean, wildlife, climate, eco and sustainability etc.🌍💙 . . . . #mediabymads #visualcommunication #visualcommunicator #videoproductionassistant #marinemammalphotographer #filmmaker #emptythetanks #bigwildthought #cetaceanlover #contentcreator #movingforward #wildlifefilm #whalewarrior #whalelover #orcaholic

Over the weekend the news broke about a young girl who was attacked by two dolphins at a swim with dolphin facility in Mexico. . “A FAMILY’S dream holiday turned into a nightmare when a young girl was attacked by two crazed dolphins.” - The Sun newspaper (Apologies to share this shoddy excuse of journalism). . The first thing I’d like to say about this is that I’m wishing Lexi a speedy recovery from this sad but unfortunately inventible event. . The second thing is that believe it or not these dolphins DON’T want to to swim with you. They are simply doing it for food. They may look happy to you but a dolphins smile is the biggest deception. . These attacks are not that uncommon and in most cases you will sign a waiver that explains the risks, before entering the water with the dolphins. . These are highly intelligent animals, that in some cases have been taken from the wild and put into tanks so people can profit from them. . If you were taken from your family and locked in a small room for the rest of your life, your mental health would most definitely suffer. It’s no different for the dolphins. . Video of me filming the swim with dolphin facility at Miami Seaquarium in February 2019. . . . #mediabymads #dontswimwithdolphins #miamiseaquariumsucks #dontbuyaticket #tailsofconfinement #cetaceancaptivity #emptythetanks #nobeautyinstolenfreedom #notforyourentertainment #dolphinsdontbelongintanks #animalrights #animalwelfare #animalexploitation

Today I saw something that I found incredibly disturbing. A beluga whale wearing lipstick. If you’ve seen my story you’ll know what I’m referring to. I have seen some horrible things in the captivity cetacean industry but that video hit me hard. . Photos of beluga whales at SeaWorld Orlando. Taken February 2019 while filming for Tails of Confinement. . . #belugawhale #belugas #mediabymads #cetaceancaptivity #cetaceans #emptythetanks #tailsofconfinement #animalrights #dontbuyaticket #whales #whalewarrior #boycottseaworld #thanksbutnotanks #nobeautyinstolenfreedom

I have been craving the ocean lately. Having lived in Cornwall for the past three years I really miss being so close to the ocean. Like many people, I find the ocean powerful, healing and calming. The ocean is fierce yet so fragile. Are you lucky enough to live by the ocean?🌊 . . . #ocean #lovetheoceans #blueplanet #livingbythecoast #mediabymads #ocean #oceanlover #bythesea #mentalwellbeing #nature #naturelover #atlanticocean #dreamingofthesea #vitaminsea #protecttheoceans #myhappyplace

There’s one item I use everyday that has drastically reduced the amount of single use plastic I consume and that’s my reusable water bottle💧 . It’s become routine to make sure I have my keys, phone, purse and bottle when I leave the house. I don’t want to imagine how many single use water bottles I would have used if I didn’t have this bottle 😱 . I’m SAVING so much money, staying hydrated and preventing plastic pollution❗️The @refillhq app makes it so easy to find taps/water refill points when I’m out and about and ABOARD! 🙌🏼 . Do you carry a reusable water bottle? . #ivegotthebottle #preventplasticpollution #refillrevolution #chillyseverywhere #chillysbottle #choosetoreuse #mediabymads #sustainability #ecoliving #treadlighter #saynotosingleuse #plasticpollution #plasticsucks #conciousliving

WORLD KINDNESS DAY . On this World Kindness Day I’m thinking about different types of kindness. The kindness we give each other, the kindness we give ourselves, the kindness we need to give to our planet. The kindness that we give animals and the lack of kindness we give animals. . There is nothing kind about this photo. It’s not ‘being cruel to be kind’, it’s just cruel. . We shouldn’t need a day to recognise kindness. We should always be kind to each other, ourselves, animals of all species and our planet that so desperately needs all the love and kindness it can get right now. . . . #worldkindnessday #bekind #bekindtoanimals #emptythetanks #doesthislookkindtoyou #mediabymads #kindness #filltheworldwithkindness #visualcommunicator #campaigner #cetaceans #killerwhale #animalrights #animalwelfare #kindnesstoanimals

Following on from my last post about plastic free fruit and veg, I thought I’d share this. I popped into @asda yesterday and saw these reusable bags. I have a similar bags that I use in supermarkets to pop my loose items in. When I first saw these bags on the shelves I was really pleased but then I walked around the store and saw no more than 10 items that you could actually buy loose 🤷🏼‍♀️ . I know @sainsburys have also started selling reusable bags since they have removed their plastic produce bags. I do think it’s great to see these bags in the big chains however, they would be a lot more useful if there were more loose fruit/veg options in the aisles. . I am also very aware that you don’t need a fancy bag to put your loose produce in but I find them handy for things like mushrooms and tomatoes🍅 . . #asda #sainsburys #reusablebags #bigchains #produce #buylooseproduce #plasticfree #shopplasticfree #conciousliving #sustainability #simpleswaps #singleuseplastic #choosetoreuse #mediabymads #eco #ecoliving

Wishing I was back spending time with Pilot Whales🌊 . . . #tarifa #straitofgibraltar #pilotwhale #saltyhair #dolphins #emptythetanks #watchwildwhales #tarifawhalewatch #cetaceans #cetaceanlover #wildandfree #oceanoptimism #mediabymads

Happy Halloween 🎃 Here’s a few of my favourite ocean themed halloween illustrations from the talented @lizclimo 🦈🐬 . . . #happyhalloween #lizclimo #mediabymads #oceanoptimism #halloween #oceanthemedhalloween #sharksarefriends #visualcommunicator #illustration #orcas #marinemammals #funnyillustration #thelittleworldoflizclimo

A little video I took on my phone of two humpbacks in the Salish Sea last July. Gentle giants 🐋💙 . . . #mediabymads #gentlegiants #humpbackwhale #humpbacks #whales #salishsea #conservationsucess #ocean #oceanoptimism #pacificnorthwest #canada #vancouverisland

Since graduating university back in July my life has been a little hectic and uncertain. Over the past couple of weeks I’ve had to make some big decisions about what I will do for the next year. While I feel content about the decision I’ve made, I have taken some time to reflect on the past 4/5 years of my creative journey. . I first delved into the world of visual communication back in 2015 where I choose to do a photography project on captive animals, this was my favourite image from that project. Little did I know then that I would shift away from photography and into the world of filmmaking to work on a project similar for my final degree project. . The future will always be uncertain, there are times that I doubt myself, my abilities and my decisions. I find it helpful to take time to reflect on the past and the decisions that got me to where I am now. . #visualcommunication #reflection #mediabymads #creativejourney #naturalworld #visualcommunicator #captiveanimals #zoo #animalwelfare #animalrightsphotography #postunilife #bristolfilmmaker #somersetfilmmaker #bornfree

When I think of orcas, I think of their power, sentience, intelligence, I think of them swimming wild and free catching prey. I don’t think of this photo. I believe that captive orcas are incomparable to wild orcas, whilst they look like the same animal they behave so differently due to the environment they are in. I struggle to look at this photo and understand how people think this is education, conservation, or acceptable. . Photo taken by me in October 2018 at Marineland France. . #mediabymads #captiveorcas #dontbuyaticket #emptythetanks #theresnobeautyinstolenfreedom #tailsofconfinement #voiceforthevoiceless #animalrights #animalwelfare #orca #killerwhale #visualcommunicator

One year ago today I walked into a marine park that displayed orcas. Little did I know at this point that it would be first of four parks I’d visit to make my film ‘Tails of Confinement’. The night before I visited this park I was extremely anxious, I didn’t know how I was going to feel about being a in a place that I disliked so much, I didn’t know how I would react to seeing these intelligent, sentient beings ‘perform’, but I filmed myself as I tried to process what I was seeing. . . . #mediabymads #tailsofconfinement #captiveorcas #dontbuyaticket #filmmaker #anticaptivity #captivityiscruel #killerwhale #captivekillerwhales #visualcommunicator #campaigner #animalrights #animalwelfare #bristolfilmmakers #animalrightsfilm

I’ve recently found a new species at my local reservoir... plastic. I love walking around the reservoir but I keep finding more and more plastic around and in the reservoir. Luckily this plastic bottle was near the edge so I could pick it up. I want to see swans and nothing but swans 🦢 @2minutebeachclean . . #2minutesbeachclean #reservoirclean #plasticpollution #plasticbottle #protectlocalwildlife #somerset #mediabymads #conservation #wildlifeconservation #cheddarreservoir #plasticsucks #somersetwildlife

Beautiful whale graffiti on the streets of Tarifa 🐋 Tarifa stole my heart, I can’t wait to return next year🐬 . . #mediabymads #cetaceans #whalelover #whales #humpbackwhale #whaleart #graffiti #tarifa #whaleobsessed #marinemammals #ocean #oceanoptimism #oceanartwork #visittarifa

Today I found myself looking back through the behind the scenes photos I took on my iPhone while filming for ‘Tails of Confinement’. I found this photo I took from the Sky Tower at SeaWorld Orlando. I went up in the tower to get a birds-eye view of the pools/tanks and this is what I saw. . It’s hard to put into words how this photo makes me feel. . #tailsofconfinement #mediabymads #emptythetanks #dontbuyaticket #cetaceancaptivity #campaigner #killerwhale #captivekillerwhale #notforyourentertainment #captivityiscruel #captiveorcas #visualcommunicator #animalrightsphotographer

I am super excited to be running a workshop at @oceansfestuk next Saturday 🐬 . I will be screening my film ‘Tails of Confinement’, there will then be an opportunity to ask me any questions about the film or on the topic of whale and dolphin captivity. If you are in the south west area please come along and celebrate our blue planet, it’s going to be fantastic 🌊🐋 . . #oceansfestuk #mediabymads #ourblueplanet #tailsofconfinement #emptythetanks #bristol #bristolbasedfilmmaker #somerset #southwestukevents #oceansfestival #marinemammals #visualcommunicator #campaigner #wildandfree #protectouroceans

Mumma pilot whale and her calf 🐋 . I couple of days ago I travelled to Tarifa to go whale watching, it had been far too long since I had since wild whales. I knew orcas were in the area but unfortunately I didn’t see them. I did see lots of beautiful pilot whales, including this mum and calf. I also saw a sunfish, bottlenose dolphins and striped dolphins 🐬 . Every time I go whale watching I am reminded what a privilege it is to see these incredible animals in their natural habitat. There is honestly no better feeling than seeing them wild and free 💙 . . #mediabymads #tarifa #turmarestarifa #pilotwhale #dolphin #wildandfree #emptythetanks #whalewatchingtarifa #dontbuyaticket #wildandfreelikethesea #pilotwhalecalf #wilddolphins #straightofgibraltar #wildwhales

It was a year ago today I started my collecting information and footage on various marine parks. I’ve taken some time to reflect on the past year, I never would have imagined that I would have created two films on captive cetaceans. I also never would have thought Tails of Confinement would reach as many people as it has. . I sat in this particular marine park one year ago crying behind big sunglasses, I didn’t know how I was going to go about making my films, all I knew was that I needed to tell the stories of these animals. . Over the past year, I have visited 6 marine parks, 4 of those displaying orcas. I didn’t get numb to seeing the horrific sights of these animals in tanks, the pain of seeing them only got worse. I will be completely transparent in saying that having to pay to enter these places was incredibly difficult for me, I was the last person who wanted to hand over my money. Unfortunately, as a filmmaker covering this topic, there was no other option, I had to do something I wasn’t comfortable with in order to get footage. I needed to get as close to the subject as possible, which is why I went into these parks and to see what paying customers saw. My hope was that for me buying a ticket I would potentially prevent 10,20,30 people buying tickets. I have had so many lovely messages of support, I have had people of all ages tell me that I have changed their opinion of these parks and that they will no longer visit. . This project is by no means over, I am making it my mission to keep the momentum going. I want to say a big thank you again to everyone who has supported me over the past year, to everyone who has sent me messages, liked, commented and shared my film & videos online. To the wonderful people I have had the pleasure of meeting at various protests who dedicate so much of their time to being a voice for these animals. What a year it’s been 🐬🐳🐋 . Madison 💙 . . #mediabymads #emptythetanks #tailsofconfinement #dontbuyaticket #dolphincaptivity #cetaceancaptivity #dolphinsdontbelongintanks #visualcommunicator #campaigner #bristolfilmmaker #somersetfilmmaker #animalrightsphotographer #animalsrightsfilmmaker #animalrightsfilm #animalwelfare

Free Lolita 🐋 One of my favourite clips from Saturday, quite literally flying the flag for Tokitae/Lolita💙 . . #mediabymads #liberationforlolita #liberation4lolita #freelolita #retirelolita #tokitae #emptythetanks #dontbuyaticket #retiretheorcas #nobeautyinstolenfreedom #animalrightsphotographer #tailsofconfinement #animalrightsfilm #animalwelfare

RETIRE TOKITAE 🐳 I’m still on such a high from Saturday. I’ve spent the week reflecting on the day. It’s amazing to think we marched through Oxford street, one of the busiest places in London with three inflatable orcas, banners and megaphones, making as much noise as possible for Lolita/Tokitae. It was such a special atmosphere. 💙 I will be sharing a little video from the day on the weekend. . . #mediabymads #freelolita #freetokitae #retiretokitae #orca #killerwhale #liberationforlolita #liberation4lolita #emptythetanks #animalrightsphotographer #animalrights #dontbuyaticket #tailsofconfinement #animalrightsfilm

Yesterday I spoke at the Liberation 4 Lolita march in London. It was incredible to see so many people walk the streets of London raising awareness for Lolita, informing the public of her tragic story. I spoke about my personal heartbreaking experience of seeing Lolita earlier this year while filming for Tails of Confinement. The whole day left me feeling hopeful for Lolita's future.🐳 . Photo credit: @activism4life . #mediabymads #liberationforlolita #liberation4lolita #liberation4lolitalondon #animalrights #visualcommunicator #tailsofconfinement #freelolita #retirelolita #tokitae #lummination #emptythetanks #dontbuyaticket #animalrightsfilm #filmmaker #animalrightsactivism #bigwildthought

This Saturday I’m speaking at Liberation 4 Lolita in London. I’ll be speaking about my experience of seeing Lolita earlier this year, the reasons for making my film and how I went on to make Tails of Confinement. We are meeting at 1pm in Soho Square for those who are local to London and want to come along. If you aren’t local to London or the U.K. then check out @activism4life to see where else there are events being held. Let’s make as much noise as possible for Lolita. • • #mediabymads #untillolitaishome #liberationforlolita #liberation4lolita #theorcanetwork #visualcommunicator #lolita #tokitae #tailsofconfinement #filmmaker #animalrightsphotographer #animalrightsfilm #weanimals #emptythetanks #dontbuyaticket #notforyourentertainment

Not my normal Whaley post but I wanted to share that I’m now a Marine & Natural History Photography Graduate 🎓 • I spent three wonderful years at Falmouth University, but it was of course not without its struggles. There were times when I felt the course wasn’t right for me because I didn’t want to do landscape photography or work in a studio environment. When we were introduced to wildlife filmmaking, I panicked, I was terrified that I wasn’t technically competent enough. I went away for summer after finishing my second year and gave my final project lots of thought. I went from being terrified of filmmaking to creating two films in a year on a topic I’ve been so incredibly passionate about since I was in my early teens. I did something that was a little unconventional, I took a risk, but I am so glad I took the leap and created ‘Tails of Confinement’. I am proud of myself for graduating but I’m prouder of the work I created, I didn’t do it to try and get a good grade, I did it to create IMPACT and try to give a voice to the voiceless.🐬 • So thank you to everyone who I had the pleasure of meeting over the past three years, thank you for helping and believing in me and my Whaley ideas. I’m excited to see what this next chapter of my life will bring. • #mediabymads #mnhp #classof2019 #falmouthuniversity #marineandnaturalhistoryphotography #tailsofconfinement #graduate #graduation #cornwall #filmmaker #bristolfilmmaker #visualcommunicator #animalrightsphotographer

#repost @mediabymads ・・・ Today is #WorldOrcaDay . This is a clip taken from my film ‘Tails of Confinement’, you can watch the whole film by clicking the link in my bio. . I dream of a #WorldOrcaDay where there are no orcas in captivity 🙏🏼 Please share this film and help its message spread far and wide. . #mediabymads #tailsofconfinement #killerwhale #orca #lolita #tokitae #miami #cetaceancaptivity #emptythetanks #dontbuyaticket #bristolfilmmaker #bbcnhu #bbcearth #dolphinproject #liberationforlolita #thanksbutnotanks

Today is #WorldOrcaDay . This is a clip taken from my film ‘Tails of Confinement’, you can watch the whole film by clicking the link in my bio. . I dream of a #WorldOrcaDay where there are no orcas in captivity 🙏🏼 Please share this film and help its message spread far and wide. . #mediabymads #tailsofconfinement #killerwhale #orca #lolita #tokitae #miami #cetaceancaptivity #emptythetanks #dontbuyaticket #bristolfilmmaker #bbcnhu #bbcearth #dolphinproject #liberationforlolita #thanksbutnotanks

Last nights private view of the @mnhpgraduateexhibition was incredible. I am so pleased with how my film was received. I am yet again overwhelmed by all the lovely comments. . The exhibition closes tomorrow Saturday 13th at 5pm so if you are in the Bristol area please do come and visit. . #mediabymads #mnhpgraduateexhibition #mnhp #tailsofconfinement #orca #killerwhales #visualcommunicator #falmouthuniversity #wethecurious #bristol #bristolfilmmakers #independentfilmmaker #bbc #bbcnhu #cetaceancaptivity #bigwildthought #emptythetanks

This week from Thursday-Saturday my film ’Tails of Confinement’ will be exhibited at @wethecurious_ in Bristol. I am exhibiting along with 60 other talented marine and natural history photographers and filmmakers. You can check out our page @mnhpgraduateexhibition to see the range of work that will be on display. . I am really excited to have the opportunity to show the film to a new audience this week. I’m hoping to raise more awareness for captive whales and dolphins. Please come along if you are in the Bristol area. . This video of Lolita was taken at Miami Seaquarium back in February. This is no life for an orca. . #mediabymads #tailsofconfinement #lolita #tokitae #wethecuriousbristol #bristolfilmmakers #bristol #whatsonbristol #miami #captivecetaceans #dontbuyaticket #liberationforlolita #killerwhale #orca #captivekillerwhale #emptythetanks #animalrightsphotographer #animalwelfare #visualcommunicator #animalrightsfilm