Marine Connection continues to monitor the welfare of the five dolphins held at Mediterraneo Marine Park in Malta. In September 2025, after sustained pressure from Marine Connection, the Maltese Government commissioned an on-site welfare assessment. It identified multiple serious welfare concerns, many of which were classified as high or medium priority. Almost a year later, those concerns remain unresolved – and evidence suggests conditions have deteriorated. Recent footage reveals neglected enclosures, deteriorating concrete, and pools clouded with algae so dense the dolphins can barely be seen. These are not cosmetic problems; they are visible signs of poor husbandry and failures in water quality management, specifically highlighted in the assessment.
The report also identified the lack of adequate shade in the Dolphin Lagoon, where commercial dolphin swim programmes take place. Three dolphins continue to spend hours exposed to intense sunlight, with shallow concrete pools offering little protection from harmful UV radiation and its long-term effects. Despite these findings, the full assessment has never been made public. Nearly 11 months on, there has been little visible action to address the welfare concerns identified.
These dolphins cannot choose where they live. They cannot escape their conditions. THEY cannot ask for help – but WE can.
Please stand with Marine Connection and help us demand transparency, accountability, and immediate action to protect these dolphins before more time is lost.
Please urgently add your name to our letter to the Maltese authorities, who are responsible for the plight and future of these dolphins.
