In November 2025, the French government announced support for a new Centre for Dolphin Research, Scientific Study and Rescue at Beauval Zoo – set to open in March/April 2027. The facility will house 20–30 bottlenose dolphins in seven artificial seawater pools, likely relocating 11 dolphins from Planète Sauvage and possibly some from Marineland Antibes. The project will comply with the 2021 French Animal Welfare Law, which bans cetacean performances and reproduction, but a loophole does exist, which sadly allows some research-focused facilities to retain dolphins.
In early 2016, Beauval Zoo made waves when it unveiled plans for a new dolphinarium, described as a cutting-edge “study and research centre.” But what began as a bold vision quickly turned into controversy. Animal welfare organisations, including Marine Connection, sounded the alarm, warning that such a facility would mark a step backwards for animal ethics. The criticism spread rapidly, and within weeks, the zoo bowed to public pressure, announcing the cancellation of the project; therefore, this new project risks reversing animal ethics standards and could potentially lead to dolphins being sent to China for breeding and entertainment purposes at a later stage. Stopping the breeding of captive dolphins is critical towards ending their keeping in captivity. Without calves, captivity will fade.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2026 at a cost of €25–30 million, and according to Mathieu Lefèvre, the Minister Delegate for Ecological Transition, it will be a responsible, sustainable, and beneficial project that improves conditions for captive dolphins— we strongly dispute this.
Marine Connection’s captivity director comments, “While the initial plans for this facility appeared to represent meaningful progress – excluding breeding, performances, close public interactions, and trade—the recent decision by the owner to reverse these commitments fundamentally alters the nature of the project. Under the revised conditions, the facility will now be authorised to allow reproduction and trade. As a result, the dolphins from both Planète Sauvage and Marineland will be relocated to an upgraded dolphinarium rather than a genuine sanctuary. We cannot support any initiative that continues to uphold the exploitative model of dolphinariums. This decision represents a serious failure of responsibility by the authorities towards the welfare of these animals.”
We are joining our colleagues at One Voice to drive change—sign their petition and make your voice heard!
No to Beauval Zoo and yes to dolphin sanctuaries. No tanks! No breeding!
