After 30 years of displaying captive dolphins, the aging Shinagawa Aquarium in Tokyo, Japan is ending its dolphin shows. A vital factor for the decision was if the facility were to keep their dolphins after the up-and-coming planned renovation works to the aquarium, a larger pool would have to be built for the marine mammals, as currently five dolphins are held in three small tanks.
Over the years there has also been a decline in visitors to see the dolphins and other marine life. In 1992 visitor numbers were around 1.65 million, dropping to 380,000 in 2019 before the spread of the coronavirus. The new facility is expected to open sometime in 2027, however, it’s not been confirmed when the dolphin shows will actually stop or where the dolphins will be relocated to. Marine Connection is now investigating further to confirm the exact timing and plans for this change.
