In line with the trend that has been imposed worldwide for years in the field of rights, a museum in Mar del Plata will stop exhibiting live animals.
Specifically, this decision affects the aquarium of the Lorenzo Scaglia Museum of Natural Sciences.
The municipal government of Guillermo Montenegro has decided to remove the specimens that were living in captivity. Many of them will be transferred in the coming days to the Batán biopark.
End of an era: no more live animals will be exhibited in a museum
The decision was announced through Resolution 244/25 of the Mar del Plata tourism entity (Emturyc), published recently in the Official Gazette.
In this resolution, the authorities instruct the General Directorate of Culture to carry out the necessary procedures to transform the Scaglia Museum’s aquarium into “a modern and interactive space.”
Furthermore, they will ensure “the continuity of its investigative, educational, and scientific dissemination functions.”
Additionally, they are authorized to enter into agreements or agreements with entities for the relocation of the live specimens currently housed in the aquarium. Ensuring their proper reintegration into suitable habitats through competent organizations in the field, as stated in the text.
Among the reasons highlighted in the resolution by Emturyc, the integrity of the animals stands out.
The transformation of the Mar del Plata Museum of Natural Sciences. (Photo: Instagram).
“The reintegration of live specimens into suitable habitats will contribute to their well-being and align the museum with ethical principles and conservation, ensuring that environmental education continues through advanced technological resources,” it reads in the text.
Regarding the future of the animals currently in captivity, some already have a destination.
“This is part of a process. We will work with specialized organizations to relocate the specimens currently there responsibly, many of which will move to the Batán biopark,” explained the authorities.
“The museum is transforming”
The municipal government clarified to the 0223 news outlet that the museum’s aquarium will not close, only “transform.” With this measure, they will promote a modernization process.
“We will leave behind the model of exhibiting animals in captivity to move towards a new educational space, with technology, interactive experiences, and content that allows us to continue teaching and raising awareness about marine ecosystems, but in a different way,” they stated.
This is also reflected in the resolution, which indicates that agreements will be promoted for the implementation of new technologies.
The idea is to allow the continuity of the educational and scientific mission of the aquarium through innovative formats.
“The incorporation of digital simulations, virtual reality and interactive experiences will offer visitors an innovative and dynamic approach, enhancing learning without affecting the balance of marine ecosystems,” the authorities emphasized.
