IFAW Sunday, June 06, 2004

(6 June 2004) -- International star and environmentalist Pierce Brosnan today teamed up with IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare www.ifaw.org ) to launch its new research and education vessel, uniquely designed for its mission to protect marine mammals. Brosnan and his wife Keely Shaye Brosnan are committed environmentalists and IFAW supporters. Brosnan serves as honorary spokesman for IFAW’s global whale campaign. Shaye Brosnan has recently been appointed to the organization’s Board of Directors. Pierce Brosnan said: “I congratulate IFAW and its tireless fight to save whales around the world. This unique sailing ship will contribute much to IFAW’s heroic work. There is no cause I feel more passionately about than the health of our environment and I am enormously proud to launch IFAW’s flagship, Song of the Whale.” The Brosnans launched IFAW’s Song of the Whale at St Katharine’s Dock in London today, Sunday, 6th June 2004, and wished her well on her maiden voyage to Iceland, where IFAW is campaigning against a recent resumption of whaling and working to promote responsible whale watching. Keely Shaye Brosnan said: “Pierce and I joined forces with IFAW half a decade ago, during a campaign to save the last pristine breeding ground of the pacific grey whale from industrial development. Together with the help of the NRDC we were successful in protecting the world heritage site of Laguna San Ignacio, and we continue to support IFAW’s noble work to protect whales worldwide.