Protest Calling To Close Down Mediterraneo Marine Park Happening This Saturday
A protest calling for the closure of the Mediterraneo Marine Park is happening this Saturday in Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq, right outside the park.
The protest is being organised by a number of organisations passionate about the matter, including Moviment Graffitti and Animal Liberation Malta, at 10.30 in front of the park.
Demands that will be made include the revocation of the park’s zoo license and its permanent closure, and the public is being encouraged to attend.
There will be a short march outside the park’s perimeter, which will end near the park entrance. The starting point will be near the ice cream kiosk on Triq il-Kosta, Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq.
“We are protesting because three of the Park’s dolphins died mysteriously last year, yet no action has been taken against the so-called Marine Park,” activists said.
“The deaths were initially kept secret, with the park even claiming the dolphins had been transferred to Spain, according to Marine Connection UK. Finally, an investigation by the Office of the Commissioner for Animal Welfare this summer revealed that the three dolphins died of lead poisoning.”
Activists have been stressing that the “death of these three dolphins is solely a result of the park’s negligence”.
“This only proves that Mediterraneo Marine Park is nothing more than a poorly disguised circus, whose interests are solely financial.”
“The park has no role in conservation or rehabilitation, much less education. Dolphins should not be held in captivity for entertainment, nor should they be bred, bought, or exchanged like a commodity.”
“The shows and performances put on at the park are poorly entertaining circus acts, devoid of any educational aspect as claimed. Anyone wishing to see dolphins can do so with reputable sea-watching tours and respectfully enjoy bottlenose dolphins in their natural home.”
Malta has had a total ban on animal circuses since 2014, therefore the park should not be allowed to continue operating. Read Lovin Malta’s investigation on the matter here.
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