New Ship for Sea Shepherd

By Michael d’Estries, Ecorazzi

While Matt Groening and James Brooks are the two names most associated with the success of The Simpsons (the longest-running American primetime, scripted television series), producer Sam Simon also had a hand in making the show a reality.

He left the show in 1993, but as one would expect, continues to receive wads of cash each year. When not pursuing other interests outside the world of television (such as being a successful and avid professional poker player), Simon has put his wealth to good use. First there’s the Sam Simon Foundation, dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating stray dogs that would otherwise be euthanized. These animals then go on to become service dogs for the disabled. His foundation also offers a free mobile spay and neutering program for low-income pet owners.

Last year, he launched the Sam Simon Foundation Feeding Families, which provides food for people and animals in need. Oh yeah – he’s also a board member for Save The Children, hosts the largest annual fundraiser for PETA, and rocks a vegan diet.

In other words, Simon is seriously committed to making the world a better place for people and animals.

So it makes sense that we’re now seeing Simon linked to news regarding the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society’s next anti-whaling vessel.

At a fundraising party several days ago in Malibu to support Captain Paul Watson and his fight against extradition to Costa Rica, Simon told the crowd that he will fully fund another ship for the SSCS fleet.

“I think this is the year we are going to end whaling once and for all,” Simon told the crowd.

“He said they needed something fast, and they needed something with a reinforced hull to battle the Japanese,” Simon said jokingly. “So next whaling season— if there is one, we’re not sure—the ‘Sam Simon’ will be bashing through ice, and hopefully we can end the atrocity of whaling in the southern ocean forever.”

Whatever the Sea Shepherd ends up getting, you can bet it won’t come cheap. The icebreaker MV Bob Barker reportedly cost somewhere around $5M. On the International Whale Protection forum, someone with knowledge of the new vessel promised “when you see it you might be surprised.”

Sam Simon – did you just purchase the Moonset? (Before people jump on me, yes – I’m kidding.) But it would still be awesome.

Image credit: Greg Bishop / Flickr

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Walter G.

3:46PM PDT on Jul 12, 2012

Oh, well, here we go again, my stuff stays unexhibited till I repeat adding the comment,
It is good to see someone of Sam Simon's financial and mindset stature finaly in Captain Paul Watson's corner. The money will be well-spent if it actually stops whaling. More atention needs to be focused on aircraft operations, parts availabilitya nd the type of aircraft, perhaps even a reconnaisance drone or two.

Gaining my impressions from watching both Capt Watson and various Greenpeace releases I have decided, that personally Greenpeace is nothing but a large sponge absorbing dontaion money.

July 12
send a green star

3:44PM PDT on Jul 12, 2012

It is good to see someone of Sam Simon's financial and mindset stature finaly in Captain Paul Watson's corner. The money will be well-spent if it actually stops whaling. More atention needs to be focused on aircraft operations, parts availabilitya nd the type of aircraft, perhaps even a reconnaisance drone or two.

Gaining my impressions from watching both Capt Watson and various Greenpeace releases I have decided, that personally Greenpeace is nothing but a large sponge absorbing dontaion money.

Mara C.

7:55PM PDT on Jul 11, 2012

Excellent news.