As part of its ongoing campaign, Marine Connection continues to monitor the five dolphins held at Mediterraneo Marine Park, where little has improved over the past year. During Malta’s summer heat, which reaches 30°C, the dolphins’ tanks remain completely without shade, despite shaded seating being provided for visitors. This failure to protect the animals from direct sunlight places them at risk of serious skin and eye damage and shows a disregard for their most basic welfare needs.
In response to concerns raised by Marine Connection and others, the Government commissioned an independent welfare assessment in September 2025. Despite assurances that a panel of specialists would conduct the review, it was carried out by a single veterinarian with links to the captive marine mammal industry. While a full report was completed, authorities have released only a delayed summary, raising serious concerns about transparency.
The assessment confirmed and formally acknowledged issues we have long identified and actively pressed to address: deteriorating concrete, exposed materials that pose foreign-body risks, and unstable water quality caused by ageing infrastructure. Crucially, it also verified that both the Dolphin Lagoon – used for swim-with-dolphin programs – and the main show tank provide no adequate shade, leaving dolphins exposed to prolonged sunlight and foreseeable long-term health harm.
These findings require immediate corrective action. Captive dolphins are entitled to protection, transparency, and environments that meet their fundamental physical and psychological needs. Anything less constitutes a failure of the duty of care.
These dolphins are suffering. They have no voice – until you use yours.
