Achievement
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interdiction delphinium en Belgique
20 November 2024

Belgium becomes the 7th country in the world and the 4th in Europe to permanently ban dolphinariums. This milestone marks a major victory for GAIA, which has been fighting for over 30 years to end the captivity of these sensitive and intelligent animals.

The last dolphinarium in Belgium, located in Bruges, will soon have to close its doors.

After Wallonia (2018) and Brussels (2021), Flemish Animal Welfare Minister Ben Weyts (N-VA) announced today that Flanders will permanently and irrevocably end the operation of dolphinariums.

Belgium's last remaining dolphinarium, the Boudewijn Seapark in Bruges, will be required to close its doors and cease housing dolphins by 2037 at the latest. However, Ben Weyts informed GAIA that the closure could occur much sooner.

GAIA pour combatte les dauphins captifs
Campagne de GAIA pour les dauphins
Dauphins - delphinarium - GAIA
Ric O'Barry - militant pour les dauphins captifs
GAIA pour l'interdiction des delphinariums en Belgique

A 30-Year Fight for Dolphin Freedom 

For GAIA, this milestone represents the culmination of decades of advocacy, which began in the 1990s with the support of renowned figures such as anthropologist Jane Goodall and Richard O’Barry, the former trainer of Flipper who became a prominent activist against dolphin captivity.

Over the past 30 years, we have achieved significant milestones, including the closure of the Antwerp Zoo dolphinarium in 1999, and more recently, championing an end to dolphin captivity during hearings in the Flemish Parliament..

“This is a historic moment for all animal rights advocates. Ending the captivity of these sensitive and intelligent animals is not only a measure of animal welfare but also a powerful statement to society: animals should not suffer for our entertainment, and captivity belongs in the past. Dolphinariums must recognize this reality.”

Sébastien de Jonge
Operations Director at GAIA
La Belgique 4e pays européen qui interdit les dephinariums

Fourth Country in Europe to Ban Dolphin Captivity 

The closure of Belgium's last dolphinarium, Boudewijn Seapark in Bruges, aligns with the views of Belgian citizens, as 91% of Walloons and 85% of Brussels residents support such a ban (Ipsos for GAIA, April 2024). With this decision, Belgium joins the ranks of countries like India, Costa Rica, Chile, Croatia, Slovenia, and Cyprus, which have already implemented strict bans on dolphin captivity.

Sanctuaire marin pour dauphins

GAIA Calls for Humane Living Conditions for the Last Captive Dolphins

GAIA extends an offer to Boudewijn Seapark, proposing the transfer of the park's remaining dolphins to a sanctuary, such as the planned project on the Greek island of Lipsi, which we support, or another reserve that provides dignified living conditions in a semi-natural marine environment for these dolphins still in captivity.

dauphins dans delphinarium

The End of Dolphinariums: A Sensible Decision for Sentient Beings

Dolphins, highly sensitive, intelligent, and social marine animals, suffer immensely in captivity. Confined to artificial tanks thousands of times smaller than their natural habitat, they are deprived of space, stimulation, and meaningful social interactions.

In the wild, these tireless swimmers travel up to 100 kilometers a day and dive to depths of 200 meters. In captivity, they endure significant stress and often develop stereotypical behaviors. Their well-being is severely compromised, preventing them from thriving or flourishing as they would in the freedom of their natural environment.

A Collective Victory for Belgium’s Cetaceans

GAIA extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported the fight for dolphin freedom: renowned anthropologist and UN Messenger of Peace Jane Goodall; Koen Margodt, president of the Scientific Advisory Commission of the Jane Goodall Institute; Ric O’Barry; and all the organizations involved in this battle, including Bite Back.

This victory was achieved through the tireless efforts and unwavering commitment of countless individuals dedicated to the cause of animal welfare.