#1076 - Phil Demers

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00:00

  Phil the Walrus Whisperer: From Marine Land Trainer to Animal Rights Advocate

  • Phil discusses his past as a killer whale trainer at Marine Land and his unique bond with a walrus named who he refers to as his 'daughter'.
  • The deterioration of animal care at Marine Land led Phil to quit when unsafe levels of chlorine were used instead of proper water treatment.
  • Phil reveals the impact of his relationship with the walrus, including her unusual imprinting on him as her caregiver amidst troubling health issues at the facility.
• 00:05:32

  Phil vs. Marine Land: Legal Battles over Animal Cruelty Allegations

  • Marine Land has initiated a series of lawsuits against Phil and others who have spoken out about animal treatment, including allegations of plotting to steal a walrus.
  • Phil details the extensive legal proceedings that have allowed Marine Land to leverage their financial power to intimidate former employees and activists.
  • Despite the legal struggles, a significant twist occurs as Marine Land faces 11 counts of animal cruelty, raising awareness about their practices and Phil's fight for animal welfare.
• 00:11:24

  Marine Land's Meltdown: John Holler Faces Legal Battles Over Animal Cruelty Allegations

  • Marine Land sues the OSPC for $21 million over alleged malicious prosecution after animal cruelty charges are dropped.
  • The relationship between Marine Land and the government has been established for decades, leading to complacency regarding animal treatment.
  • Key individual John Holler, Marine Land's owner, was honored by the Niagara Falls Humane Society before allegations surfaced.
• 00:16:30

  Kiska's Tragic Fate: Unveiling the Dark Secrets of Marine Land's Killer Whale Treatment

  • Kiska, the last killer whale in Canada, faces severe health issues and is heavily medicated due to poor living conditions.
  • Marine Land staff discuss the dangerous behaviors of killer whales, emphasizing the emotional and physical risks of captivity.
  • The use of psychoactive medication like Valium on marine animals raises serious concerns about ethical treatment in marine parks.
• 00:21:50

  The Tragic Fate of Killer Whales: Tillicum's Violent History at SeaWorld

  • Tillicum, a killer whale, killed multiple trainers and caused SeaWorld significant public relations issues.
  • SeaWorld's attempts to distance themselves from MarineLand and their handling of dangerous orcas.
  • The use of Valium and other drugs to manage the behavior and eating habits of captive killer whales, leading to concerns about their mental health.
• 00:29:21

  MarineLand's Dark Secrets: Captivity and Illegal Whale Trade Exposed

  • MarineLand used illegal practices to capture wild whales and breed them for profit, sending them to facilities like SeaWorld.
  • The Canadian government’s failures to implement effective legislation against the breeding and capture of marine mammals, particularly during Justin Trudeau’s term.
  • The complex communication and deep social structures of killer whales and dolphins are severely affected by their confinement, likening their treatment to slavery.
• 00:33:09

  SeaWorld's Controversial Practices: Exposing the Truth Behind Orca Captivity and Breeding

  • SeaWorld has been accused of keeping killer whales inhumanely through starvation and drugging.
  • California has passed a law banning the breeding of orcas, while Florida continues to allow SeaWorld to breed them.
  • SeaWorld's business strategy suggests plans to send orcas to China, where demand for such attractions is booming.
• 00:35:08

  Local Reactions and Deteriorating Conditions: The Struggle of MarineLand Amidst Tourism Growth

  • MarineLand in Niagara Falls is experiencing a significant decline in attendance due to public awareness of its practices.
  • Despite booming tourism in the area, MarineLand struggles to attract visitors, leading to concerns about its future.
  • The sole owner of MarineLand has substantial financial resources, which may allow him to resist pressure for reform despite declining business.
• 00:41:53

  John Reveals Dark Secrets of Marineland's Animal Treatment and Deaths

  • Discussion of a 84-year-old defiant owner of Marineland who may jeopardize the lives of animals and staff.
  • Insight into the intelligence of various whales, particularly comparing beluga whales to dolphins and killer whales.
  • Disclosure of the traumatic experience involving the burial of a dead killer whale and questionable practices at Marineland.
• 00:49:30

  Tragic Accounts of Animal Cruelty and the Law’s Indifference at Marineland

  • Narration of the shooting of two Labradors by the Marineland owner, raising serious ethical concerns.
  • Revelation of mass graves for various animals buried on-site, including deer and bears, indicating poor animal management.
  • Criticism of local authorities for enabling Marineland, which allegedly protects the park from protests and scrutiny.
• 00:52:54

  Phil's Legal Battle Against Marine Land: A 5-Year Fight for Justice

  • Phil discusses being embroiled in lawsuits with Marine Land since Valentine’s Day 2013, facing ongoing attempts to silence him.
  • Marine Land has a history of suing outspoken critics, leading to a culture of fear and silence among those who knew about the corporation's conditions.
  • Despite the legal pressure, Phil remains determined to reveal the truth and seeks to corner Marine Land's owner for court examinations.
• 01:01:53

  From Rosie O'Donnell to GoFundMe: Phil’s Advocacy for his Walrus Smoothie

  • Phil narrates his emotional encounter with Rosie O'Donnell, who expressed interest in helping to rescue his walrus, Smoothie, from Marine Land.
  • His campaign has garnered support from diverse groups, transcending political divides, yet he faces continuous harassment from Marine Land.
  • Phil highlights the toll of stress and legal battles on his mental health, whilst leveraging social media support and a documentary to raise awareness.
• 01:13:47

  Animal Rights Activist Takes on MarineLand: Lawsuits and Whistleblower Struggles

  • The activist discusses ongoing legal battles with MarineLand, detailing multiple counts of animal abuse.
  • There is a concern over MarineLand's use of lawsuits to intimidate whistleblowers and the media.
  • The chapter highlights a lack of public interest and media coverage regarding MarineLand's controversies.
• 02:23:18

  Hope for Orcas: The Future of MarineLand's Whales and a New Sanctuary Proposal

  • Plans to create a whale sanctuary where MarineLand's captive whales can be rehabilitated and live in a natural environment.
  • The activist expresses optimism about legislative changes that might force MarineLand to release its whales.
  • Discussion of the differences in well-being between wild and captive dolphins, with a vision for offering freedom and care.
• 01:13:47

  Influencer Insight: The Impact of 'Blackfish' on Dolphin and Orca Captivity Advocacy

  • Discussion on the misconception that hunters hate animals, emphasizing their love for wildlife.
  • Critique of dolphin and orca captivity, referencing cultural differences in perception between the U.S. and China.
  • Call to action for raising awareness and supporting marine life protection through the documentary 'Blackfish' and related initiatives.
• 01:56:12

  Emotional Appeal: The Future of Marine Life Protection and Public Awareness

  • The emotional toll of captivity on marine mammals, urging viewers to experience the film 'Blackfish'.
  • Assertion that society will reflect poorly on current practices of marine animal captivity in the future.
  • Encouragement to follow developments on social media and support fundraising efforts to help promote awareness.