The Marine Connection is delighted to report that the only remaining facility in New Zealand housing captive marine mammals, Marineland in Napier is to close.

This decision has been made following Napier City Council's vote to accept mayor Barbara Arnott’s recommendation that the facility be closed when their last remaining dolphin, 38 year old Kelly, dies. Believed to be the oldest surviving captive dolphin, Kelly has been at Marineland since 1974 and has been the sole dolphin at the facility since the death of of Shona in 2006.

Mrs Arnott said the decision was prompted by the parliamentary committee's report that didn't allow the keeping of dolphins in New Zealand. The council is looking at future options and will consult with the public on what to do with the site.

It has yet to be decided what will happen to the other sealife at Marineland after the closure. Currently the facility houses around 50 to 60 animals including five sea lions, nine fur seals and 18 blue penguins.