Petition Launched After Disturbing Footage Of Dolphins Held In Poor Conditions At Mediterraneo Marine Park
A fresh wave of public outrage has erupted after footage emerged showing three dolphins confined in visibly inadequate conditions at the Mediterraneo Marine Park.
The video, filmed on 16th June by Eva Galea Sammut, shows the dolphins swimming in tight circles within a small, murky tank with barely enough space to move freely. In response, Sammut launched a petition urging authorities to relocate the dolphins to a coastal sanctuary, arguing that the current setup amounts to captivity – not conservation.
Within just 18 hours, the petition gathered over 630 signatures. It highlights that dolphins are highly intelligent, social animals with complex behavioural needs. In the wild, they swim long distances daily and form intricate social structures – conditions impossible to replicate in the cramped, unhygienic tank shown in the footage.
The petition points to mounting scientific evidence that dolphins held in captivity suffer from psychological stress, increased susceptibility to illness, abnormal behaviours and shorter lifespans.
“The argument that captivity serves as conservation is misleading,” the petition states.
“True conservation involves protecting these animals in their natural habitats, not confining them to deteriorating facilities. Moving these dolphins to a coastline sanctuary will not only improve their quality of life but also raise awareness about the importance of preserving marine life in its natural setting.”
Although the petition has gained traction online, it was not submitted through official parliamentary channels—meaning government officials are not legally obligated to act on it, regardless of the number of signatures collected.
Concerns over the park are not new. Mediterraneo Marine Park has long been the subject of controversy, with activists – local and international – repeatedly calling for its closure. The deaths of three female dolphins at the facility due to lead poisoning have only intensified scrutiny, especially as the tanks appear to have deteriorated significantly.
Despite the backlash, the park insists it operates as a zoological facility – claiming this exempts it from local legislation banning animal circus performances.
To sign the petition click here.
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