As part of the progress towards the definitive closure of the site, five sea lions are being transferred from the Mar del Plata Aquarium to Dominican Republic.
The Undersecretary of Environment of the Nation, led by Fernando Brom, participated through the Environmental Control Brigade (BCA) in the operation to transfer the South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens) to Ezeiza International Airport.
Transfer of sea lions and evaluation of wild fauna at the aquarium
During the operation, the BCA commission also assessed the conservation status of other specimens of wild fauna housed at the aquarium. Among them are ten bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus).
After the evaluation, specialists confirmed that the animals are in good conservation condition, taking into account health and animal welfare parameters.
International authorizations
The undersecretary reported that the specimens have the corresponding permits for their transfer, including the authorization of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), as well as other necessary permits for their evacuation out of the country.
Regarding the five transferred sea lions, two originally came from Spain. While three were born at the Mar del Plata aquarium, as part of a breeding program developed at the institution.
The closure of the Mar del Plata Aquarium
After 32 years, the Mar del Plata Aquarium is closing down, as announced on their official channels through a statement last year.
It is a definitive closure, as they did not reach an agreement with the landowners to renew the lease contract.
“We announce with deep regret the definitive closure of the Mar del Plata Aquarium, a cornerstone of tourism and recreation in our city since its opening in 1993,” the company expressed at the time.
Throughout these years, the place played “a fundamental role in education, research, and rehabilitation of marine fauna” and operated on the same premises under a long-term lease contract, which expired in 2022.
The park, located next to the Punta Mogotes Lighthouse, has been operating in the same place since its opening, under a 30-year lease contract that expired in 2022.
Faced with this scenario of impossibility to reach an agreement, the Mar del Plata Aquarium was forced to “close definitively as of March 31.”
One of the key aspects of the closure of the Mar del Plata Aquarium is the destination of the animals in its facilities.
Mar del Plata Aquarium closes after 32 years.
In this regard, the center belonging to The Dolphin Company outlined its future. “All park animals, born under human care, will be relocated to aquariums and zoos both nationally and internationally,” it was stated.
Regarding the dolphins, there was a clarification. “Our seven dolphins, along with their Caribbean native parents, will be transferred to an oceanarium in that region,” they reported.
