Thirty-three years ago, the UK’s last dolphinarium closed – a milestone worth celebrating. It marked the end of an era in which dolphins and whales were confined for entertainment. Yet despite this progress, there is still no law preventing new facilities from opening.

Between the early 1960s and the 1990s, more than 30 dolphinariums and travelling shows operated across the UK, with some even keeping orcas. While public attitudes have evolved, the law has not. It remains legal to keep dolphins, whales, and porpoises in captivity under existing legislation. We cannot allow history to repeat itself.

Captivity denies these intelligent, wide-ranging animals the freedom and complexity of their natural lives. It is inherently cruel and ethically indefensible. No cetacean should ever again face a lifetime of confinement within UK borders.

For years, Marine Connection has urged the Government to introduce a clear ban. The response has been that existing laws, including the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 and the Animal Welfare Act 2006, are sufficient. They are not.

Regulation is not prevention. As long as it remains legal, there is always a risk that a new facility could be established. A ban is the only way to close this loophole permanently. It is long overdue, and it’s time to close the door for good.