On December 23rd, the City Council of Barcelona announced their intention to shut down their dolphinarium and exlpore retirement options for the remaining dolphins.
In November, the International Marine Mammal Project joined scientists, organizations and individuals from around the world to call on Mayor Ada Colau to close the aging dolphinarium in the Barcelona Zoo and retire the dolphins to sanctuaries. The campaign, led by the local group FAADA (Fundación para el Asesoramiento y Acciónen Defensa de los Animales), garnered much public support and will reportedly assist in exploring seaside sanctuary options for the four dolphins who remain at the dolphinarium.
We applaud Mayor Colau, the people of Barcelona, and everyone who helped make this important decision a reality. Barcelona has set an important example for the rest of the world as cetacean captivity becomes increasingly seen for what it is: unethical and cruel.
Photo credit Roser Vilallonga