Some readers have claimed that the dolphins kept at the Mediterraneo Marine Park are being forced or deprived. Indeed, they are deprived of freedom, from swimming in open waters. But I have seen with my own eyes that it is not possible to force a dolphin into behaving in a particular way in a presentation, or what many erroneously call ‘circus tricks’.
Dolphins in dolphinaria get to choose whether they want to perform or not, and this decision is respected. It is impossible to force them because they are extremely strong. They generally seem to enjoy their show time.
There have been times, when I was present, when the dolphins refused to do the presentation, and this decision was respected by the trainers and also the audience.
Fish are not used as a bribe but as a positive reinforcement to their behaviour (which is now being changed to strictly natural behaviour, i.e. no jumps through hoops or over ropes). They also get toys, rubs and kisses, which they love. All this is the exact opposite of being forced and deprived.
These five adult dolphins and two calves are living in a controlled environment. After being enclosed for a few years they become dependent on human beings for food, health and motivation.
A report from the Canadian Advisory Committee on Marine Mammals concluded that “survival requires a series of complex skills plus physical and physiological competence”, and releasing dolphins that have been enclosed for extended periods would be “inappropriate”.
Mediterraneo Marine Park forms part of the European Association of Aquatic Mammals (EAAM), an organisation of professional people including veterinarians, researchers and biologists which has regulations and guidelines by which the park has to abide. Besides, there are Maltese laws and regulations which have to be followed, and officials visit the park from time to time to see they are observed.
The dolphins at the park can serve as ambassadors for the rest of the species (which is not endangered).
The dolphins at Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq have a clear body language and their eyes are open books; with the attention and affection they give and get in return, they can steal anyone’s heart.
I, therefore, do not understand why the Ministry of Education sent a circular to schools not to take students to activities at the park. Since the park is observing all laws and regulations, I do not see the consistency of the ministry’s action.
After all, schoolchildren do not go there to watch shows, but to be educated through presentations and interaction programmes, so they can become more sensitive towards these animals.