In 2018 we celebrated the news that the City of Barcelona had pledged to be ‘cetacean free’.
Since then many options for the dolphins future have been considered including moving the marine mammals to Attica Zoological Park in Greece. For many years Marine Connection supported the campaign to close Attica Park as, under Law 4039/2012 and 4235/2014, animals are banned for being used in performance for shows.
We were hopeful that concerns raised had been considered when, earlier this year, the Prefecture of Attiki stated they were recalling the permit for the dolphinarium in Attica Zoo and furthermore, Attica Park’s owner said they could not take additional dolphins, having already received dolphins from the closed facility in Finland.
We are therefore deeply disappointed to learn that three dolphins were transferred on 19th June, from Barcelona to Attica Park, whose license was reinstated by the authorities under the condition they do not allow performances or feeding sessions, the dolphins are however allowed to be on public display.
Marine Connection will continue to work directly with colleagues in both Greece and Spain and as members of the Dolphinaria-Free Europe coalition, on this critical issue.
