Phil Demers

Date: 2019-05-15 | Duration: 1h 38m

Episode Overview

Phil Demers shares a deeply personal account of his unique bond with a captive walrus named Smooshi, whom he cared for at Marineland. He describes how Smooshi, rescued as a traumatized juvenile, came to see him as a maternal figure, highlighting the emotional complexity of captive marine mammals. Phil recounts the challenges of gradually reducing his presence to encourage her independence, and the heartbreak of their separation. This relationship serves as a powerful lens through which he critiques the captivity industry, emphasizing the psychological toll on intelligent animals like walruses and orcas. The conversation also delves into Phil’s ongoing legal battle with Marineland, which he portrays as a David-and-Goliath fight against a powerful corporation determined to silence him. He details the tactics used to suppress his activism, including lawsuits and public relations maneuvers, while expressing unwavering commitment to exposing the cruelty behind the scenes. Phil discusses the broader implications of captivity, comparing it to slavery and predicting future generations will view it with the same moral clarity. Additionally, Phil touches on the plight of wild orcas, particularly the Southern Resident population, and the urgent need for conservation efforts. He reflects on the intelligence and social complexity of marine mammals, advocating for their freedom and better treatment. Throughout the episode, his passion for animal welfare and firsthand insights offer a compelling critique of captivity and a call to action for change.

About Phil Demers

Phil Demers is a former marine mammal trainer known for his deep connection with marine life, earning him the title of the "Walrus Whisperer." After a decade working at Marineland, he became an outspoken advocate for animal rights, particularly focusing on the welfare of captive marine animals. Demers gained widespread attention for his efforts to rescue and rehabilitate a walrus named Smooshi, leading to the creation of the Save Smooshi campaign, which has garnered significant public support. His compelling journey from trainer to activist highlights the ethical dilemmas surrounding marine parks, making him a fascinating figure in the conversation about animal captivity and conservation.

Key Moments

– Animal Rights
– Marine Mammals
– Walrus Rehabilitation
– Captivity Ethics
– Legal Battles
– Activism Strategies
– Orca Conservation
– Wildlife Legislation
– Animal Behavior
– Marine Parks
– Flotation Tanks
– Animal Communication
– Environmental Advocacy
– Wildlife Rescue
– Public Awareness
– Animal Welfare
– Salmon Ecosystem
– Court Litigation
– Social Media Activism
0:00:00 – Introduction with walrus and safe place mention
0:02:44 – Trauma and age of captive walrus Smushi
0:04:42 – Developing relationship with walrus Smushi
0:06:04 – Legal action taken against Phil Demers
0:10:52 – Discussion on male walrus lifespan and procreation
0:12:50 – John Lilly and flotation tank pioneer mention
0:16:38 – Comparison of captivity to slavery
0:18:15 – Worldwide attention on Marineland animal issues
0:20:26 – Permits requested for Marineland animal transfers
0:22:17 – Captivity likened to slavery duration
0:24:54 – Activism efforts and community involvement
0:26:29 – Tweet storm and political pressure tactics
0:31:22 – Marineland animals compared to orcas
0:34:49 – Race to relocate Marineland animals
0:36:44 – Refusal to delete tweets about Marineland
0:37:31 – Six and a half years of legal battle
0:40:41 – Marineland trying to restrict Phil's rights
0:42:52 – Desire to transfer walrus to another facility
0:48:45 – Demand for trial over negotiations
0:50:29 – Financial cost of legal fight
0:53:57 – Phil's humor and personality on podcast
0:56:18 – Captivity compared to alien abduction
1:09:18 – Critique of keeping bears in captivity
1:16:37 – Orca sightings and behavior in the wild
1:20:04 – National stage recognition and political support
1:22:11 – Phil's return to Joe Rogan Experience
1:24:07 – Goal to save whales and marine life
1:27:21 – Introduction of expert on wild orcas
1:30:10 – Challenges in understanding orca captivity
1:31:24 – Phil called 'Kanye West of animal training'
1:33:49 – Intelligence and relationships of marine animals
1:34:17 – Phil's social media presence as Walrus Whisperer

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 Oh! with an irregular amount of stress. With the walrus right there. Dude, you don't mind my putting it there? Starting point is 00:00:37 This is my safe place. Starting point is 00:01:12 she's still there i was told that she is still there and she's in good shape and i'm hanging Starting point is 00:02:06 account of the fact that the animals were Starting point is 00:02:23 It's important to stress that, that she thinks I'm her mom. Starting point is 00:02:44 So she comes in traumatic at the age of, we estimate about 18 months of age, which is pretty old. In fact, uh, for our, in our experience at Marine lands experience of, of acquiring these wild caught baby walruses. Starting point is 00:03:14 Well, this happened to her. Starting point is 00:03:38 I'd been gone for a month. Starting point is 00:03:53 I leave. Starting point is 00:04:06 I'd been trying to wean my presence off of her Starting point is 00:04:21 She was super skinny. Starting point is 00:04:42 my relationship with Smushi sort of took off. Starting point is 00:04:58 my having left started, people started to Starting point is 00:05:12 And also, look, I've got this relationship Starting point is 00:05:27 It should be stressed. Starting point is 00:05:48 It's like a, it's almost like a scorched earth. Starting point is 00:06:04 So they sued me. Starting point is 00:06:26 it's never going to happen. Starting point is 00:06:43 Yeah. Starting point is 00:06:52 Well, no. Starting point is 00:07:11 I wrote a piece a long time ago on my blog. Starting point is 00:07:57 There's almost a language at this point. Starting point is 00:08:18 Yeah. Starting point is 00:08:56 they're bitch-ass world they don't have any houses they can't write a letter they're fucking stupid Starting point is 00:09:31 for, and for it, and it, it enhances their Starting point is 00:09:50 The only time that male will go on is when it's matured and it will go to procreate Starting point is 00:10:27 It makes sens...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1297?

Phil Demers was the guest on JRE #1297. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1297?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1297 with Phil Demers, topics include Animal Rights, Marine Mammals, Walrus Rehabilitation, and Captivity Ethics.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #1297?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #1297 with Phil Demers is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.