Theme park Parc Astérix in France is to permanently close its dolphinarium. Their 8 dolphins and 5 sea lions will be moved to other parks within Europe over the next two months. Managing Director Nicolas Kremer, has not however confirmed any details on where the dolphins will be relocated to or the date on which they will leave the park.
Although the dolphins will be moved to other marine parks, it’s still a boost for those including Marine Connection who tirelessly campaign to end the keeping of cetaceans in captivity in Europe, along with the very dedicated campaigners that protested regularly outside Parc Astérix, as this means there is one less facility in France holding captive cetaceans for public display.
In a news conference late last year, Barbara Pompili, France’s Minister of Ecological Transition, announced there would be no new dolphinariums built in the country and that, with immediate effect, the current three dolphinariums would no longer be able to breed or import additional dolphins or killer whales. Phasing out this cruel practice in all countries is the only way forward.
Marine Connection campaigns director Margaux Dodds comments “We wholeheartedly support the concept of seaside sanctuaries. With several in the process of planning, it is our sincere hope that in the not too distant future, as these become established, it will mean that the future for dolphins, like those at Asterix, will focus on rehabilitation, where they can enjoy a less stressful, more natural way of life, free from the demand of performing for the public – places where they can just be dolphins.”
