Biologist Jane Goodall at dolphinarium Bruges: “Stop dolphins in captivity”

“This is a message for Minister Ben Weyts and the people of Flanders and Belgium,” Jane Goodall begins her video message. “For many years I have spoken out against keeping and breeding dolphins in captivity,” she continues.

“Intelligent Animals”

“Dolphins are highly intelligent mammals, they travel in large social groups in the ocean,” says Goodall. According to the British biologist, it is “impossible to meet their welfare requirements if we keep them in aquariums”.

“Visitors will learn nothing about their true nature by watching them perform circus-like tricks in exchange for a dead fish,” Goodall said sharply.

Call for help

Jane Goodall not only addresses the minister, but also personally addresses Boudewijn Seapark in Bruges. “A call for help to the minister and the government to work together with Boudewijn Seapark Bruges and animal rights organization GAIA to stop keeping and breeding dolphins in captivity.”

“How great would it be if the remaining dolphins in the park could go to a marine sanctuary where they can live a natural life?”

Release

Goodall’s video message is part of a call from animal rights organization GAIA, which has repeatedly called for the release of the dolphins from the park in Bruges.

In 2019, Minister Ben Weyts already announced that he wants to ban dolphins in captivity in the future. The Boudewijn Seapark in Bruges is the only remaining dolphinarium in the country.