“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,” the park said.

“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.”

It continued by claiming that the exercises practised by dolphins at the park are crucial to their well-being.

“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 socialisation activities) and behaviours that allow the veterinarian to check the health status of the animal (blood sampling, ultrasound scans, biometric measurements, etc).”

Referring to the tragic accident that happened last year which resulted in the death of three dolphins, the park reiterated that this was not a 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.”

However, the Office for the Commissioner of Animal Welfare had hit back in a report following the deaths, saying that the accident was not a pure accident, stressing that it “merited far more scrutiny, attention, a more immediate response, and much more in-depth examination by the Veterinary Regulations Directorate”. 

“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,” the park continued.

“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.”

It continued by saying that the park helps to raise awareness about these magnificent creatures and educate even young children on how best to care for and protect dolphins.

“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.”

Regarding freeing the dolphins, the park said that this would be an act of “ultimate cruelty”.

“Our five dolphins include four who were born in the park (Ninu, Cha, Ulisse and Luqa) and Sol who 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.”

However, dolphins can be rehabilitated before being released back into the wild, in order to make sure that they can live outside of captivity.

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

It concluded by saying that the park is committed to keep giving the five dolphins “an active and enjoyable life while raising awareness about these glorious creatures among hundreds of thousands of visitors”.

Over the last months, Lovin Malta has been investigating the life of dolphins, their emotional well-being, why they’re better off in the wild, and how Malta has banned circuses but dolphins are still being forced to perform tricks.

What do you make of the park’s statement?