Following the death of a young dolphin calf at the above facility, reportedly during a live performance, Marine Connection immediately contacted the Mayor of Varna Municipality, to voice our concern and requesting his response on this. We also asked him to investigate general conditions at the facility as the tanks are clearly in a condition that would be unacceptable to international standards established for housing cetaceans. To date, we have received no acknowledgement or response to our concerns raised.
The autopsy showed the young calf to be in good general health but was said to have a ‘brain problem’. We believe that to date 6 other marine mammals have died there, which raises questions over the general husbandry and welfare of the five remaining dolphins and two sealions. We are delighted that animal advocates in Bulgaria working on this issue are also demanding answers to these concerns and are calling for the closure of this facility. Marine Connection wholeheartedly supports their campaign effort.
Due to the escalating international exposure and pressure they undoubtedly are now facing, Festa Dolphinarium Varna has denied that the dolphin and its’ mother were present during the show and had been separated – a claim that must be investigated by the authorities further. If the facility is found to have included the mother and calf in the main performance pool during a show, they should face legal action.
