Marine Connection is delighted that a dolphinarium in southwestern Turkey has been closed and the two dolphins which were kept in a pool smaller than a tennis court in horrendous conditions, containing damaging levels of chlorine and harmful bacteria have been rescued.

The charity applauds local campaigners Dolphin Angels for first bringing this facility to the attention of NGO's and being instrumental in its closure. Nichola Chapman of Dolphin Angels said that it has been an intense but effective campaign and she, along with her colleagues, are very happy with the outcome.

The dolphins, Tom and Misha, were brought to the facility by businessman Alexandr Kuznetzov who along with a group of investors rented land in the resort of Hisaronu from Ölüdeniz Municipality in the southwestern province of Mugla earlier in 2010. The plan was to charge tourists to swim with the animals but protests were held and the Turkish government lobbied. Some travel companies boycotted the dolphinarium and "Free the Ölüdeniz Dolphins" Facebook group was created which attracted over 20,000 members. After several months of negotiations with the facility's owners and the local authority the dolphins were secured.

Margaux Dodds Captivity Director comments "Having been involved in the captivity issue for many years, I have seen dolphins (and whales) in abominal conditions. Our charity totally supports this venture and are delighted that, mainly due to the determination of local people, the result everyone wish for has been realised with the removal of the dolphins from this facility. The Dolphin Angels are a small, dedicated team of people (mainly ex pats), who worked tirelessly for the release of these dolphins and after working closely with the authorities, park owners, and NGO’s, their hard work has been rewarded. They deserve the global recognition they have received and the wonderful outcome of the past weekend. We are hopeful that not only will these dolphins get back the life that is their birthright, but this will result in other facilities who condone the keeping of animals in sub-standard conditions to be challenged in the future."

The dolphins have now been transported to a sea reserve where they will be rehabilitated and eventually released into the wild.