‘From Circus To Cemetery’, Activists Say, Claiming Three Dolphins Died In Maltese Marine Park
Animal activists have claimed that three female dolphins died at Mediterraneo in the span of a month, last year.
Animal Liberation Malta made the announcement during a press conference on Saturday, adding that the deaths took place between August and September 2021.
Concern was raised over why the news was ‘kept under wraps’. ALM, however, stated that the “Maltese Veterinary Department was completely aware of what happened.”
“ALM were advised about the death of three dolphins by Margaux Dodds, Director of UK-based NGO Marine Connection,” they wrote.
The dolphins – Mar, Onda, and Melita – were all females aged seven, 20, and 25 years.
“Normally, international parks not only announce the deaths of their dolphins but also publish the results of the necropsy reports. However, this has not been the case in Malta.”
The park has failed to make any announcements on its social media nor on the official database of captive dolphins,” they added, questioning the reason behind the ‘secrecy’.
Commissioner of Animal Welfare Alison Bezzina opened an inquiry to understand how the investigation was conducted by the government veterinary department. But ALM claims further action is needed.
“ALM finds it hard to understand how the government was bold enough to ban animal circuses but has given a license for Mediterraneo to operate under a zoo license.”
“Mediterraneo is nothing but a permanent aquatic circus and now after the death of Mar, Onda, and Melita, it, unfortunately, changed from a circus to a cemetery.”
Together, the activists urged authorities to take swift and bold action, if not also “close the doors of Mediterraneo” altogether, suggesting it be made into a rehabilitation center for aquatic creatures.
At the event, ALM read their exchange with Dodds, who said that she was ‘very concerned’ upon hearing of the demise of the three dolphins.
Lovin Malta sent questions in relation to the allegations to Mediterraneo and is currently awaiting an official response