Belgium will phase out the keeping of dolphins in captivity by 2037, following recent confirmation by the Flemish government to close the country’s last remaining dolphinarium.
Under the approved plan, the dolphinarium at Boudewijn Seapark must proceed with the construction of a new outdoor pool, which is expected to become operational next year. A strict ban on breeding will be introduced, and no new dolphins may be imported into the facility.
Boudewijn Seapark is currently home to seven bottlenose dolphins – six females and one male. The last calf was born in 2015.
The dolphinarium may continue operating until 2037 or choose to close earlier. What remains uncertain is where the dolphins will eventually be relocated once the facility closes.
