Statement from Merlin Entertainments Group

Dolphins at Gardaland

As owner and operator of the Sea Life aquarium network Merlin has long made clear through a public 'mission statement' that it opposes the keeping of dolphins in captivity.

This position has not changed. Merlin's objective was to acquire the most successful theme park in Italy. The dolphinarium just happened to be one small attraction within that park.

Our immediate priority in connection with this facility will be to end its operation as a performance spectacle as quickly as practicable, without causing the five dolphins any undue stress or anxiety as a result.

An investigation to determine their long-term future has already begun, and will examine all possibilities including 'rehabilitation' before final decisions are made.

Merlin remains categorically opposed to dolphinaria and can confirm that its Sea Life centres will never incorporate any such facility.

In the meantime we hope to work in consultation with leading veterinary experts and the existing dolphin care team at Gardaland to wean the dolphins away from 'tricks' and activities designed purely for human entertainment to activities which will enrich their daily lives as much as can feasibly be achieved in their captive environment.

Provided it can be achieved without compromising the dolphins' welfare we may continue to allow the public to observe these animals when the Park re-opens, but all talks and interpretation will be refocused to deliver a powerful conservation message, and indeed to convince visitors that such facilities - however well designed and run - can never be justified.

On the subject of rehabilitation it will be recalled that the Sea Life network has already actively participated in the freeing of two captive dolphins from the former Brighton Aquarium some 15 years ago.

It should be cautioned, however, that the current weight of expert opinion points to rehabilitation being an unlikely option for the Gardaland dolphins, some of which were actually born in captivity.

Whatever their future, Merlin can categorically state that the dolphins' welfare will be the overriding consideration governing all decisions on their behalf.