An investigation into the deaths of three bottlenose dolphins which were previously kept at the Mediterraneo Marine Park in Malta showed levels of “negligence and mismanagement” and that the matter concerning the death of the dolphins (Onda, Mar, and Melit) at the facility were met with delayed action and lethargy from the Veterinary Regulations Directorate (VRD). Animal Welfare Commissioner Alison Bezzina with who we have been corresponding, said that despite the unconventional way in which these dolphins had died, the VRD was slow to act and when it did, did not exhibit any particular urgency in its search for answers. Upon learning that the cause of death for all three dolphins was lead poisoning, the Office of the Commissioner launched an official investigation on 9 July 2022 which Marine Connection welcomed.
Margaux Dodds, captivity lead for Marine Connection comments ” In late 2021 our organisation was alerted about the disappearance of three dolphins at Mediterraneo Marine Park in the area of Baħar ic-Cagħaq, Malta. We immediately contacted authorities in both Malta and Spain, where the park had stated that the animals had been moved to originally, and discovered that all three dolphins had actually died at the park within the span of 20 days and had not been moved as the park personnel claimed.”
The Animal Commissioner has presented a number of recommendations in the report, to be taken on following this incident including that responses to CAW in queries and investigations regarding the welfare of dolphins should be replied to within a maximum of 72 hours, whereas in this case it took 86 days and countless emails, for the VRD to inform CAW that the dolphins had died due to lead poisoning. We will continue to work alongside colleagues and the authorities in Malta regarding action to be taken over this issue.
