NGOs to protest against dolphins' 'dire conditions' at Mediterraneo park
Waves not Walls campaign calls for revocation of marine park's zoo license
A number of NGOs have joined forces to protest against the “dire conditions” in which five dolphins are being kept at Mediterraneo Marine Park.
In a statement on Thursday launching their campaign entitled “Waves not Walls”, the NGOs called for “an end to the exploitation of marine mammals and immediate action to address the dire conditions of the five remaining captive dolphins” at the marine park.
They also called for the revocation of the park's zoo license.
Backed by marine biologists and conservation groups, Waves Not Walls is demanding an independent-transparent investigation to assess the current standards of animal husbandry at the park, particularly regarding the functionality and maintenance of vital infrastructure such as sand filters, UV sterilisation systems and frequent bacterial testing.
The campaign, which will kick off with a protest on Saturday August 2, is also calling for legislative change including breeding and importation of marine animals, as well as interaction with the public, stronger welfare regulations- assessments, and the support of sea sanctuaries as alternatives.
The campaign is led by Earth Systems Association together with Animal Liberation Malta, Friends of the Earth Malta, Marine Connection, Dolphin Project, and TideBreakers.
“Triggered by resurfaced disturbing footage and whistleblower reports, the campaign urges government, tourism operators, schools, and the public to reject entertainment that imprisons intelligent, sentient sea creatures behind concrete walls,” Katya Borg said on behalf of the NGOs.
They noted that, while similar campaigns have been ongoing in Malta for years, “the situation has reached a critical tipping point”, adding the dolphins’ life was “a far cry from what nature intended”.
“This park has been criticised on multiple levels for years — including the limited and artificial living conditions of the animals, their exploitation in shows for profit, and the lack of transparency regarding their physical and mental health,” campaign coordinator from Earth Systems Association Justine Previ said.
Borg added the animals “are not circus clowns to be exploited for profit”.
The NGOs have also delivered a letter to Animal Rights Minister Anton Refalo, parliamentary secretary Alicia Bugeja Said and the Veterinary Regulation Directorate acting director Duncan Chetcuti Ganado.