The dolphins housed at the Attica Zoological Park will no longer reside at the facility, according to an announcement by the park and its owner, Jean-Jacques Lesueur. The animals are set to be transferred to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Florida, USA, a facility certified by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA).
Lesueur addressed the decision during an interview on MEGA, stating that the move aligns with the park’s evolving vision and commitment to animal welfare.
Commitment to Ethical Practices
“One of our principles is that we do not buy or sell animals,” said Lesueur. “Exchanges are conducted exclusively between certified zoological parks, based on decisions made by scientific committees comprising distinguished veterinarians and caretakers who understand the needs of each animal.”
The decision to relocate the dolphins from the Attica Zoological Park was made two years ago. “We decided that we wanted to pursue different projects in this space. Keeping dolphins is not easy—it requires specialized scientific personnel,” Lesueur explained.
He also clarified that the park never hosted dolphin shows but instead ran educational programs. “Although there were legal complaints in the past, we were acquitted. What we offered were educational programs, not performances,” he emphasized.
A Long Journey Ahead
While such journeys can sometimes exceed 24 hours, the dolphins will travel approximately 12 hours on specially equipped planes capable of transporting large animals, including elephants. “Under the care of scientific personnel, the animals face no risks during transportation,” Lesueur assured.
The transfer of the dolphins to the Florida aquarium will follow strict guidelines to ensure their safety and well-being. “Marine mammals like these are transported in specially designed containers with a small amount of water and are accompanied by veterinarians and caretakers throughout the journey,” Lesueur said.