The use of dolphins in captivity in the EU and developments towards sea refuges for stranded and captive dolphins GAIA ANGELINI-HEAD WILD ANIMALS AREA g.angelini@lav.it
14 MS with dolphinaria: Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Spain and Sweden 14 MS- without dolphinaria Finland, Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Luxembourg, Poland, Republic of Ireland, Slovakia, Slovenia, UK --3 MS: law prohibiting dolphinaria: Croatia, Cyprus and Slovenia 33 dolphinaria in the EU, displaying a reported 309 cetaceans of five different species, mainly bottlenose dolphins No captive cetacean in the EU has the freedom to express normal behaviour: life in a swimming pool cannot reproduce life at sea. Dolphinaria are required a zoo licence but their contribution to conservation, education and research (pillars of the EU Zoo Directive) is minimal. No reintroduction to the wild recorded in Europe. Dolphinaria are commercial facilities primarily using animals in shows and exhibition (circus like) RECENT CLOSURES (VOLUNTARY OR BY AUTHORITIES) FINLAND: 1 (NOW DOLPHINARIA - FREE COUNTRY) ITALY: 2 (CLOSED BY AUTHORITIES FOR LACK OF COMPLIANCE) GERMANY: 2
31 dolphinaria give shows or presentations where dolphins perform trained behaviour to public audiences. 12 dolphinaria offer opportunities for visitors to get into the water with dolphins to participate in trainer for the day - style programmes or to swim with dolphins. 12 dolphinaria provide opportunities for visitors to get close to or touch the dolphins and a fee is charged for a photograph to be taken. 2 offer so-called Dolphin Assisted Therapy
ITALY - CASE STUDY LAV and Born Free Foundation More than 70% of citizens in favour of a ban on animals in circuses and more than 45% in dolphinaria 3 dolphinaria (5 in 2013) 2: closed by public authorities for lack of compliance ( Fasano and Rimini) and mistreatment of dolphins ( Rimini) ; 1: ( Gardaland) voluntary closure Rimini:1 st judicial case of mistreatment of dolphins in EU; based on criminal legal grounds ( ongoing); dolphins seized and transferred. 2 Complaints to EU Comm. for lack of compliance 2 reports to Ministry of the Environment LAV recognised as civil party at the Rimini judicial case 1 report published on violation of national law by 2 facilities ( 2015) Oct 2016: Ministry of Environment confirms in writing the use of animals in shows and performances is against law (Italian law= EU law
Towards sea refuges for captive dolphins A SEA REFUGE IN ITALY BY 2020 When a dolphinarium shuts down or its dolphins are seized by the public authorities, it is practically impossible to locate a permanent accommodation for the animals. A sea refuge is the solution to the progressive phasing out of dolphinaria in EU The refuge will host dolphins originating from the captivity industry and, whenever needed and possible, dolphins that have been rescued after stranding. The refuge should be considered a permanent accommodation for all animals deemed to be unfit for release Feasibility Study starts in March 2017 ONGOING INDUSTRY INITIATIVES Aquarium of Baltimore USA ( stop shows) and a sea refuge for their dolphins to be opened by 2020 Merlin Entraitement Group ( in collaboration with WDC) moved out of dolphinaria and expected to open a sea refuge anytime soon Sea World Group: end orca in captivity program with this generation of captive animals
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN ANIMAL SANCTUARIES EMBEDDED IN PROTECTED AREAS Growing realities; Based on ethical values and respond to real needs (responsibility towards species, conservation, and when possible, release in nature). Thousands of animals today in EU circuses, dolphinaria, illegal keeping, trafficking in need to rehoming. Increase renevues and visitors to protected areas through eco tourism and provide money for rehabilitation and conservation Provide education on respect of biodiversity and nature; fuel funding to local areas worldwide boom of wildlife watching tourism Case study: Belitsa National Park (Sofia; Bulgaria): every year double num. visitors to national park thanks to a bear sanctuary ( ex- dancing bear; Four Paws Int.Program)