The show continued at Varna Dolphinarium after customers witnessed the death of a bottlenose dolphin calf. The dolphinarium’s Facebook page stated the next two performances were postponed because of “system maintenance work,” causing outrage on social media.
This tragedy added to numerous hidden dolphin deaths and a sea lion who drowned in a non-repaired pump shaft at the mother’s first attempt to teach him to swim.
“Five dolphins and one seal have died in the Dolphinarium in five years. This strongly means that the conditions do not even meet the minimum standards for breeding these animals. They are tortured there and do not survive. ” – Yavor Gechev, Four Paws.
We were contacted by colleagues in Bulgaria to help with their campaign. Together we worked on video, posters, banners, and leaflets. On August 28th, they held an event outside the dolphinarium in Varna, which resulted in Bulgarian news reports in the press and on TV.
Report from a concerned citizen who demonstrated outside Festa Dolphinarium, Varna, Bulgaria.
A very hot day in Varna yesterday; over 20 protestors from all over Bulgaria turned up to voice their concern about the conditions and life of the captive sea lions and dolphins inside. We could hear the dolphins and the noise of the show from outside, the whistles and music…dreadful! Three policemen stopped us from distributing informational flyers and moved us away from the front of the building. We were told to be at least 30 metres away! Live TV from 3 companies reported and interviewed us. One family leaving the show said, “…it was disgusting and sad…”
Press:
dnevnik.bg : btvnovinite.bg : dnes.bg
Header photo credit: P.Smith
