The symbolic creatures in each country／about Whale research fishing; "Mottainai"

What is your image of representative creatures in each country in the world? For example, what come up in my mind when I think of Japan are 柴犬（Shiba）, Akita dog, Japanese monkey, a  salmon or a whale. Talk about insects, here first comes a firefly（蛍） or a (japanese) beetle.

In case of America, I fancy an image of an eagle or a grizzly bear. As for China, of course a giant panda. As for Australia, needless to say, a koala or a kangaroo. How about Mexico? in my case, somehow an ailen or bats come up in my mind. And beautiful and long-tailed birds or colorful butterflies.

Speaking of whales, I'm concerned about Japanese whale-fishing for research. And dolphin fishing in some regions in Japan. Usually they seldom ever appear on the tables of a supermarket. Most Japanese haven't had them in their lives. But my grandfather, who is a fisherman, said he had caught some dolphins by chance. In his youth, it seems that their oil was used as a lamp.

What I can't make sense is why western people (or "Sea Shepherd") get very angry at such fishing. They say whales and dolphins are very intelligent animals so it's too cruel to get caught. But don't they eat meat or eggs of other animals? Don't they make use of fur or leather products at all? Or do they think animals like pigs or cattle deserve to be food of humans? Or do pigs or cattles have no brains? no souls? They are all mammals.

I would make more sense if they were perfect vegetarians. But maybe they are not.
Sea Shepherd is too aggressive, but actually I'm not sure whather the whale research fishing is really necessary and valid or not.

I feel sorry or guilty to eat other animals. I don't want to eat meat as much as possible. But actually I often eat meat. Maybe two or three times in a week. Because I think some meat is necessary to keep a good shape. And It's usually cheaper than vegetables and delicious. Moreover, Japanese have a feeling of "mottainai". Once dishes are served in front of us, it's bad not to eat them completely. If we leave them, they'll become a waste. So we should eat all the dishes with gratitude as much as possible. If we do so, their lives will continue with us. Maybe it's a concept of Shintoism. Most Japanese don't think so exaggeratedly. But the "mottainai" spirit is lying under Japanese mind, I believe. And I think it's one of virtues of us.