SELF Magazine has given Heroes actress Hayden Panettiere the March cover — and not surprisingly, she takes the opportunity to champion marine conservation and promote the Academy Award nominated documentary The Cove. Here are some highlights:

On her protest trip to Taiji, Japan in 2007 with the Whaleman Foundation:

“When we did the protest in The Cove, I thought I’d be scared, but when I saw what was going on, I had no fear at all. I was deeply angry. I left knowing I’m not going to let those dolphins die in vain. Their deaths will help show the world the big picture. I’ve also taken a lot of trips to D.C. and met with senators about the issue. I even met with Barack Obama, when he was campaigning. He said he grew up in Hawaii so dolphins and whales are very close to him. I knew I had two minutes to reel off what I wanted to get across. He was larger than live and so nice. Laws and politics—that’s where things change.”

On a new documentary she’s helping to film, and what it’s like to swim with whales:

We’ve been filmingour dives for stock footage [foranother documentary]. It’s about having an experience with these animals but also having a great respect for how they work and communicate—and not disrupting them. They could easily hit you with their tail and you’d be done, but they don’t. You’re trying to make sure they’re comfortable. There are just no words.”

Check out an exclusive video after the jump from SELF of Panettiere swimming with whales!

Categories: Animals
Tags: hayden panettiere.

About Michael dEstries

Michael has been blogging since 2005 on issues such as sustainability, renewable energy, philanthropy, and healthy living. He regularly contributes to a slew of publications, as well as consulting with companies looking to make an impact using the web and social media. He lives in Ithaca, NY with his family on an apple farm.

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