As part of its ongoing campaign, Marine Connection continues to monitor the five dolphins held at Mediterraneo Marine Park. Disturbingly, little has improved for these marine mammals over the past year, especially over the summer months when temperatures in Malta can reach 30°C and still, no shade is provided over the tank areas. It’s deeply troubling that the dolphins in both the show and interaction tanks are left without any shelter from the sun. Shade has, however, been provided for the public seating, indicating the facility’s awareness of the dangers of strong sunlight.
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. Captive dolphins should have the right to an environment that supports both their physical and psychological well-being. What we are witnessing at Mediterraneo Marine Park is a disgrace.
In response to mounting concerns raised by Marine Connection and colleagues in Malta, the Maltese Government commissioned an independent investigation in September 2025 into the welfare conditions of the dolphins at Mediterraneo Marine Park. The scope of the investigation included living conditions such as water quality, enclosure size, and enrichment activities. Contrary to prior indications that a panel of specialists would conduct the investigation, it was in fact carried out by a single expert working within the captive marine mammal industry. Although the report has now been completed, and despite assurances that a summary of the findings and recommendations would be provided to us by no later than 20 December 2025, the authorities continue to obstruct our access requests. We therefore call for the immediate release of the report summary, as this is essential to ensuring transparency and accountability in matters relating to animal welfare at Mediterraneo Marine Park.
These dolphins are suffering. They cannot speak for themselves — but you can speak for them. They deserve more than a life of forced entertainment. Justice for them is long overdue.
