Experts to investigate conditions at Mediterraneo Marine Park

Experts are to be brought in to investigate the conditions at the Mediterraneo Marine Park following protests by NGOs over what they described as the “dire conditions” in which dolphins are being kept.

The Junior Minister for Aquaculture and Animal Right Alicia Bugeja Said announced on Monday that the ministry had commissioned "an investigative study" by "foreign experts".

“The evaluation will include several aspects related to the facilities as well as to the care and health of the dolphins kept there,” she said.

Bugeja Said explained that the experts would present a report with recommendations once their evaluation is concluded. Based on that report, the ministry will then draw up a plan outlining the next steps to be taken.

Times of Malta was informed that data collection will take place this month, while the ministry expects to have the results by October.

“I will be closely following this investigation to ensure that every animal is kept in appropriate conditions and that the highest standards of welfare are observed," Bugeja Said concluded. 

Concerns over animal welfare at Mediterraneo Marine Park have been ongoing for years.

At the end of July, several NGOs held a joint protest calling for “an end to the exploitation of marine mammals and immediate action to address the dire conditions of the five remaining captive dolphins.”

The NGOs also called for the park’s zoo licence to be revoked and demanded a “transparent and independent” investigation.

They insisted that the probe assess current standards of animal husbandry at the facility, including the state of its sand filters, UV sterilisation systems, and bacterial testing practices.

Last month, 29 NGOs protested outside the park, calling for its immediate closure.

They also urged a suspension of all shows and swim-with-dolphins experiences, along with urgent veterinary care, independent oversight, and a plan to rehome the animals and end marine mammal captivity in Malta.