Author: Margaux Dodds

Travel group Expedia recently released their new, updated animal policy and it was with disappointment that we noted they have stated they will only promote zoos and aquariums which are members of AMMPA, WAZA and/or of WAZA’s recognised regional and national association members.

This new policy falls short of reflecting current opinion on the keeping of cetaceans in captivity and allows Expedia Group to continue profiting from cetaceans in captivity for entertainment through ticket sales and promotions. In view of this, Dolphinaria-Free Europe has issued a statement, urging Expedia to look again at their policy with a view to revising and supporting the phasing out of shows featuring whales and dolphins.

Read the DFE Statement here

 

 

Following the death of her calf in January this year, Marineland has today reported that Lotty the bottlenose dolphin has died.

The facility report Lotty to be 40 years old and she was one of the last three dolphins moved from the UK when Flamingoland, Yorkshire closed its’ doors in 1993.

Further details via our members Marine Connection

In December 2019 Dolphinaria-Free Europe (DFE) reported on information received on the potential export of four orcas currently held at Marineland, Antibes in France.

This had been highlighted to Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi who subsequently contacted the facility requesting further information.  Marineland Director-General, Pascal Picot replied stating they have no plans to transfer their orcas to China in 2020.  DFE will, however, continue to monitor the situation closely given the direction France has been taking towards ending the display of cetaceans for entertainment in the country, Marineland owners Parques Reunidos may well decide to move the whales at a later date.

Although the coalition’s goal is to end the keeping and breeding of dolphins and whales in Europe, moving the orcas at Marineland to China would be totally unacceptable, as previous investigations of a selection of marine parks in the country showed the animals suffer shocking abuse and cruelty with welfare given little priority.

Dolphinaria-Free Europe (DFE) members One Voice (France), have advised the coalition that the owners of Marineland, Antibes are planning to transfer the four orcas currently held at the facility to China.

Inouk, Wikie, Moana and Keijo were all born at Marineland and the plans may also involve the transfer of Inouk’s sister, Shouka (sent to Six Flags Worlds of Adventure in May 2002 then to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in April 2004 before being moved to her current location, SeaWorld San Diego in August 2012.  DFE fully supports the campaign and have written to President Macron asking him to intervene to stop the move.  We are appealing to the new owners of Parques Reunidos, who have the means to invest in the establishment of an orca sanctuary, to consider this as an alternative to moving the orcas to China.

Please support the campaign by signing the petition today and help stop this transfer, planned for January 2020.

Dolphinaria-Free Europe is calling on the public to support our appeal to the Canadian Government to stop the transfer of two beluga whales from Marineland, Canada to L’Oceanogràfic, Spain.

In October, DFE contacted the then Fisheries Minister for Canada, Jonathan Wilkinson, on this issue.  Mr Wilkinson had stated that when Bill S-203 went into place, there were two exemptions when it came to exporting whales from Canada (1) if it is in the best interest of the whales and (2) to conduct scientific studies/research. This being the case, the federal government had approved the transfer on the basis that L’Oceanografic was better equipped to care for the belugas and the two exemptions had been met.

DFE believes this is not the case and today, 22 November, has written to the new Fisheries Minister for Canada, Hon Bernadette Jordan, asking her to consider our concerns and to halt any permits which have been approved.

Please email Minister Bernadette Jordan, voicing your concern over the Canadian Government’s decision to allow these two belugas to be transported into the EU and request that the transfer is denied.   Bernadette.Jordan@parl.gc.ca

Background details can be found on our Beluga Import Press Release.

The Fjord & Bælt facility in Denmark has for many years held harbour porpoises obtained via bycatch or stranding for use as part of an ongoing study programme.

The facility is authorized under license by the Danish Nature Agency to hold up to 4 harbour porpoises for study/research purposes and currently holds one female, Freja – the male Eigil having died in 2016.   Despite this facility operating under license for research, the public is able to view the porpoises being fed/trained and the animals have been allowed to breed (although none of the 4 calves born at the facility has survived.)

We understand that the facility now plans to apply to take at least two further harbour porpoises to add to their collection. DFE have written on 19 November 2019 to the Danish Minister of Environment, Lea Wermelin and also the Danish Nature Agency, requesting that in future any porpoises obtained via stranding/bycatch are not retained at Fjord & Bælt, and that the Ministry consider phasing out the keeping of harbour porpoises at the facility in favour of focusing on wild studies, such as the existing research being carried out on the wild population annually as part of Denmark’s NOVANA survey programme.