Marine Connection recently reviewed footage of the five dolphins held at Mediterraneo Marine Park, Malta. Disturbingly, it is clear that nothing has improved for these marine mammals.
During the summer months, temperatures can reach 30°C. While shade has been thoughtfully provided for the public seating around the interaction tank – indicating the facility’s awareness of the dangers of strong sunlight – it’s deeply troubling that the dolphins in both the show and interaction tanks are left without any shelter from the sun. Access to shade is a fundamental welfare requirement for any captive animal, especially in such intense heat. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight not only causes significant distress but also poses serious risks to the dolphins’ physical health, including skin and eye damage. This oversight reflects a concerning disregard for the most basic needs of these intelligent and sensitive marine mammals.
Under animal welfare laws, every captive animal has the right to an environment that supports both their physical and psychological well-being. What we are witnessing at Mediterraneo Marine Park is a blatant violation of that standard.
These dolphins are suffering. They cannot speak for themselves — but we can speak for them.
We call on the public, the authorities, and all those who care about animal welfare to take immediate action.
- Demand a full, independent investigation into the conditions and practices at Mediterraneo Marine Park.
- Call for a permanent ban on dolphin captivity in Malta.
These dolphins deserve more than a life of forced entertainment. Justice for them is long overdue.
Please email the Minister for Animal Rights, the Parliamentary Secretary for Animal Welfare, the Chief Veterinary Officer and the Director of Animal Welfare Directorate, voicing your concern
(sample letter below)
anton.refalo@gov.mt / alicia.bugeja-said@gov.mt / duncan.chetcuti.ganado@gov.mt / joseph-john.vella@gov.mt
Subject: Urgent Concern Regarding Dolphin Welfare at Mediterraneo Marine Park
Dear Minister Anton Refalo, Dr Alicia Bugeja Said, Dr Chetcuti Ganado and Mr Joseph-John Vella
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the ongoing conditions experienced by the dolphins held at Mediterraneo Marine Park, Malta. Recent footage viewed by Marine Connection shows that the dolphins continue to be kept in tanks with poor water quality, inadequate maintenance, and most distressingly, without access to any shade. Given the high summer temperatures—regularly reaching 30°C or more—it is unacceptable that these intelligent and sensitive marine mammals are left without shelter from the sun. This poses a serious risk to their physical and psychological well-being. Despite repeated appeals over the past months from advocacy groups and individuals, no meaningful improvements appear to have been made. A previous response received from Dr. Chetcuti Ganado of the Veterinary Regulation Department in October 2024 stated the conditions were “adequate.” This assessment does not align with basic animal welfare standards, nor with legal and ethical obligations in Malta toward animals kept in captivity.
I respectfully urge your department to:
- Immediately investigate the current conditions at Mediterraneo Marine Park.
- Enforce the implementation of shaded areas in all dolphin enclosures.
- Conduct independent water quality assessments and ensure proper maintenance.
- Reassess the welfare status of the animals using updated and internationally recognised welfare standards.
Malta has an opportunity to demonstrate true leadership in marine animal protection. I sincerely hope that you will act swiftly and decisively to protect these dolphins from further neglect and suffering.
Thank you for your time and attention to this critical matter.
Yours faithfully,
