Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the transformation of a former whale trainer, Shao Ran, into an advocate for marine animal rights, highlighting the ethical concerns surrounding the captivity and performance of marine mammals [5][8][32]. Group 1: Background and Personal Experience - Shao Ran became a whale trainer at the age of 25, initially believing it to be a fulfilling career, but later experienced traumatic events that led her to question the ethics of animal performances [11][12]. - During her time as a trainer, she witnessed distressing behaviors in the animals, including aggression and even suicide, which prompted her to reconsider her role and the treatment of these creatures [6][21][22]. Group 2: Ethical Concerns and Advocacy - The article emphasizes the psychological and physical toll on marine animals in captivity, noting that they are often subjected to harsh training methods and perform under extreme stress [20][39]. - Shao Ran's advocacy work includes raising awareness about the natural behaviors of marine animals and the need for legislative changes to protect them from captivity and performance exploitation [29][32]. Group 3: Impact of Personal Transformation - Following the death of a whale named Sophie, Shao Ran reflects on her past actions and the broader implications of animal captivity, leading her to adopt a more aggressive stance in her advocacy [36][37]. - The article highlights the importance of empathy and compassion in understanding the value of life, both for animals and humans, as Shao Ran transitions to a vegan lifestyle and promotes animal welfare [40][41].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the transformation of Shao Ran from a whale trainer to an advocate for marine animal rights, highlighting her experiences and the ethical implications of animal performances in marine parks [5][20]. Group 1: Personal Transformation - Shao Ran's career shift was triggered by a near-death experience during a performance with a beluga whale named Sophie, which made her question the morality of exploiting these animals [2][16]. - After witnessing the suicide of a captive dolphin, Shao Ran began to realize the emotional and psychological suffering of marine animals in captivity [3][16]. - In 2016, she left the marine park and founded a nature conservation community, advocating for the cessation of animal performances [5][20]. Group 2: Animal Welfare Concerns - The article details the harsh realities faced by captive marine animals, including the physical and mental stress caused by constant performances and inadequate living conditions [15][25]. - Shao Ran describes the training methods used, which often involve coercion and punishment, leading to a cycle of fear and compliance among the animals [10][11]. - The death of Sophie, who only lived into her twenties while wild belugas can live up to seventy or eighty years, underscores the detrimental effects of captivity [5][25]. Group 3: Advocacy and Education - Shao Ran emphasizes the importance of educating the public about the realities of marine animal captivity and the ethical implications of animal performances [20][29]. - She has focused her efforts on schools, aiming to instill a sense of empathy and respect for all forms of life among students [22][29]. - The article highlights the societal resistance to changing perceptions about animal performances, as many people prioritize personal enjoyment over animal welfare [24][27].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the transformation of a former whale trainer, Shao Ran, into an advocate for marine animal rights, highlighting the ethical implications of animal captivity and performance in marine parks [4][5][8][30]. Group 1: Background and Transformation - Shao Ran's career as a whale trainer began at the age of 25, where she initially found joy in her work, believing it to be a fulfilling profession [9][10]. - A near-death experience with a beluga whale named Sophie prompted Shao Ran to reevaluate her role and the treatment of marine animals in captivity [4][21]. - The death of a dolphin she trained, named Huahua, who committed suicide after being neglected, further deepened her awareness of the emotional and psychological suffering of these animals [20][30]. Group 2: Ethical Concerns and Advocacy - Shao Ran's awakening led her to establish the "Ran Ai Tong Sheng" nature protection community in 2016, advocating against animal performances and promoting awareness of animal rights [8][27]. - She emphasizes the cruel conditions under which marine animals are kept, including the physical and psychological toll of constant performances and training [19][30]. - The article highlights the legislative changes in various regions that have begun to prohibit the captivity and performance of marine mammals, indicating a shift in societal attitudes towards animal rights [24][30]. Group 3: Personal Reflections and Future Actions - Following Sophie's death, Shao Ran reflects on her past actions and the impact of her work, feeling a sense of despair for not being able to save the animals she cared for [30][35]. - She has transitioned to a more direct and passionate approach in her advocacy, aiming to awaken empathy and compassion in others regarding animal welfare [31][35]. - Shao Ran's journey has also led her to adopt a vegan lifestyle, advocating for animal welfare in all aspects of life, including food choices [35].