1. All five dolphins at Mediterraneo Marine Park are well-fed, given top veterinary treatment and never mistreated. Food deprivation and other forms of cruel training are totally banned and this is a highly regulated sector, which means our process is regularly monitored.

2. Capturing dolphins from the wild is a practice that is totally banned in Europe. The only way the park can source dolphins is by breeding them or taking one from another European park through an exchange programme.

3. The exercises practiced by dolphins at the park are crucial to their wellbeing. Dolphins have evolved in the wild to avoid showing illness or weakness, so it is only through regular contact that our carers can tell if there is something wrong with them. The behaviours we practice belong both to the dolphins’ natural repertoire (different types of swimming, jumping, games, communication and socialization activities) and behaviours that allow the veterinarian to check the health status of the animal (blood sampling, ultrasound scans, biometric measurements, etc).

4. The tragic incident that happened last year which resulted in three dolphins dying was not the result of mistreatment. As confirmed by the authorities that investigated the case, this was a pure accident. After 25 years in operation, we had one incident where an external diver cleaning the pools used strictly-forbidden lead weights, which intoxicated the water. This was a huge tragedy for the park.

5. Thankfully, our efforts helped us save three dolphins who despite also being poisoned by this incident, were able to survive and be nursed back to optimum health. We cooperated with the authorities from day one and have always been true to our legal obligations and willing to improve our processes.

6. We understand that there are many people who believe all animals should live in the world with barely any human contact. But the reality is that human actions have for centuries impacted natural habitats to the point that some seas pose an actual danger to dolphins. Our work helps to raise awareness about these magnificent creatures and educate even young children on how best to care for and protect dolphins.

7. The park is committed to providing more opportunities for education, research, conservation awareness and providing better access to children with disadvantages who may never be able to see a dolphin except via the park.

8. Our five dolphins include four which were born in the park (Ninu, Cha, Ulisse and Luqa), and Sol which has been with us for 25 years. Emptying the tanks would be the ultimate act of cruelty for such animals who are not used to living in the wild. It would be condemning them to a great disadvantage when it comes to finding food or reproducing. It would surely condemn them to attack by other dolphins. At the very least, it would condemn them to assured solitude (being social animals), since outsiders are not welcome in dolphin groups.

9. Reproduction and longevity are both unmistakable signs of animal welfare at the marine park, in accordance with internationally described standards.

10. We are committed to keep giving our five dolphins an active and enjoyable life while raising awareness about these glorious creatures among hundreds of thousands of visitors.

Do you think the marine park should close down?