Merlin Entertainments acquire Tussauds Group & Heide Park

On 13 November 2006, Merlin Entertainments, operators of Sea Life Centres, announced their acquisition of Italian theme park, Gardaland, which runs one of Europes largest captive dolphin shows (further information here)

Merlin Entertertainments have recently acquired the Tussauds Group whose facilites include Heide Park in Germany which currently houses a dolphin pool. The Marine Connection met with Tussauds when they first gained control of the park in 2002 to discuss possibilities for the dolphins they hold, however after initial talk it was clear that Tussauds were not open to further discussion, saying they were happy to continue keeping the dolphins at the park as their marketing enquiries had revealed that visitors wanted them to remain.

Merlin Entertainments have issued The Marine Connection with the following comment. "Major business acquisitions such as this are routinely subject to close scrutiny from European ‘competitions & monopolies’ watchdogs prior to final ratification; a process which takes approximately three months and during which neither party – in this case Merlin and Tussauds – can in any way influence the activities or operations of the other. Suffice to say at this stage that Merlin’s attitude to performing dolphin shows, as witnessed by our approach and planning with regard to the recently acquired dolphinarium at Gardaland, remains unaltered. We would be very grateful for your patience and forbearance during the current ratification process and promise that once this is concluded we will consult you fully in respect of process going forward.”

In the meantime, the Marine Connection are delighted to also continue negotiations with Merlin regarding the dolphins at Gardaland, giving hope for the future of these animals.