Popoto or Maui’s Dolphins are endangered dolphins found in New Zealand waters: There are only about 110 Maui’s Dolphins left. The most significant dangers are entanglement in fishing nets and by-catch (being caught in fishing gear meant for other species). But other human activities are also a target in current conservation efforts.

In 2005, a group of activists found a powerful way to bring attention to an additional danger disrupting the dolphin’s life: invasive research methods. These activists co-habit the coastal area where the dolphins live, Whaingaroa Raglan on New Zealand’s North Island. Most of the activists are parents, and they want their children to grow up with the dolphins in their shared future of humans, nonhumans and the land. Many are involved with the Whaingaroa Environment Centre. To protest the research actions, they created a dance.