The Madrid Zoo Aquarium dismisses its dolphins, transferring them to a zoo in China with more modern facilities and “advanced technical means.” The Great Ape Project calls for the definitive closure of the dolphinarium, stating that the transfer was due to the facilities not meeting international requirements.
The Madrid Zoo Aquarium has ended the presence of dolphins in its facilities. The animals that inhabited the dolphinarium for decades were evacuated in January, as reported by the center in a statement. Their new home will be Hainan Ocean Paradise, a recently created zoo in China.
The officials of the Madrid zoo explained that they are dismissing their dolphins and that the decision was made following a recommendation from the dolphin conservation program of the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA), with the aim of ensuring the highest technical standards to keep the group together. The dolphins arrived at their destination in perfect condition and were accompanied by their caretakers during the first weeks of adaptation.
The transfer was carried out in compliance with international legislation requirements, to a location on Hainan Island, south of China, with modern facilities and the most advanced technical means. There, the dolphins have access to five connected pools, including a medical pool, where cetaceans from other zoological centers in Europe are already swimming. The officials ensure that the dolphins will continue to be part of the European population to ensure the best possible genetic diversity and a self-sustaining population.
Although the dolphinarium will not close immediately, it will be used as a center for temporary accommodation for dolphins from other parks or institutions when necessary. In addition, the Madrid Zoo Aquarium is working to resume educational activities in this space and is considering adapting it for other marine species.
The news has sparked reactions from the animal rights organization Great Ape Project, which demands the definitive closure of the dolphinarium and that it not be used as temporary accommodation for dolphins from other parks. They also indicate that the transfer demonstrates that the Madrid zoo did not meet international expectations.
The Great Ape Project calls for the permanent closure of the dolphinarium in line with the general sentiment of citizens, who oppose circus shows that denigrate dolphins and keep them in small pools, forcing them to perform behaviors that are inappropriate for their species, accustomed to swimming hundreds of marine miles in freedom. They also recall that in 2020 they denounced the use of injured dolphins in circus performances and in 2025 they dismiss their dolphins.
Countries that have banned dolphinariums
France, which was home to Marineland d’Antibes, Europe’s largest water park, has definitively closed, marking a milestone in the transition to a world without cetacean shows.
Belgium has become the seventh country in the world and another in Europe to permanently and irreversibly ban the keeping of dolphins in captivity. This historic decision represents a milestone in the fight for animal rights and marine conservation.
Spain, the EU country with the most dolphinariums, continues to maintain 11 active dolphinariums and is building more, such as in Lanzarote, despite the global trend of eliminating them. While California bans the breeding and exhibition of orcas, Spain has over 100 individuals in its tanks, including six orcas.
Although some European countries have closed dolphinariums or have strict regulations, Spain remains seventh in the world in captive cetaceans, with over 100 individuals in its tanks, including six orcas.
Experts claim that these shows do not meet educational objectives and focus on activities that are unnatural for the animals.
Cyprus, Slovenia, Croatia, Costa Rica, Chile, and India have banned keeping cetaceans in captivity. Switzerland and Hungary prohibit the import of cetaceans and the construction of new dolphinariums.
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