Dolphin Sex Scandal: When Animal Rights Activist Alan Cooper Was Accused of Sexually Assaulting Dolphin Named Freddie
In 1990, amidst a backdrop of notable events, a peculiar and salacious incident unfolded in the small fishing port of Amble, Northumberland, which has now become the subject of a podcast series by journalist Becky Milligan.
Northumberland, September 20: In 1990, amidst a backdrop of notable events, a peculiar and salacious incident unfolded in the small fishing port of Amble, Northumberland, which has now become the subject of a podcast series by journalist Becky Milligan. The story revolves around Alan Cooper, an animal rights campaigner, who was accused of engaging in inappropriate behaviour with a wild bottlenose dolphin named Freddie. Milligan, who swam with Freddie in 1990, embarked on this podcast project to revisit the curious tale.
According to the Guardian report, back in the day, Milligan, a student at the City University of London, was drawn to a story about people with mental health issues supposedly finding solace by swimming with wild dolphins. She travelled to Amble and underwent a daunting experience in the North Sea, where she was submerged with Freddie, the wild dolphin. Her underwater recording captures the adrenaline and fear she felt. Freddie's presence in Amble briefly transformed the town, attracting a diverse crowd, including new-age enthusiasts, southerners unfamiliar with the local accent, and even a didgeridoo-playing man in a kaftan. Dolphin Starved To Death As Bottle Ring Hung On Its Muzzle, Disturbing Photo Will Leave You Heartbroken.
Cooper, a vegan and animal rights activist, developed a close bond with Freddie, spending hours in the water with the wild dolphin. The podcast, titled "Hooked on Freddie," centres on a particular incident where Cooper was accused of sexually assaulting Freddie. This allegation stemmed from a report made by a boatload of people who witnessed the event and reported it to the police. Cooper and his legal team later argued that the dolphinarium's owner, Peter Bloom, encouraged this complaint. Rare Pink Dolphin Spotted Swiming in Ocean! Old Video of The Magnificent Aquatic Mammal Goes Viral, Netizens Find it Beautiful!
The story gained tabloid attention, creating a salacious narrative spread across the country, portraying Cooper as a northern oddity with an alleged perverse fetish. Despite being found not guilty in court, the accusation severely damaged Cooper's reputation, as his life's work revolved around animal rights. Milligan's podcast delves into the motivations behind the accusations and Bloom's involvement, leaving listeners to form their own conclusions about the incident.
While the story took place three decades ago, it still resonates today, offering a glimpse into a period of economic hardship, social upheaval, and scandal that feels strangely familiar in the context of contemporary challenges. Ultimately, "Hooked on Freddie" is a captivating exploration of a wild story involving a wild animal during a tumultuous era, showcasing humanity's enduring fascination with sex, scandal, and public conflicts.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 20, 2023 03:21 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).