Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1541835
12 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 7 DECEMBER 2025 NEWS 'Positively' surprising dolphin behaviour AN investigation into Mediterraneo Marine Park has found its dolphins and sea lion are generally well cared for, with experts reporting strong an- imal-trainer relationships and appro- priate welfare practices. The report, seen exclusively by Malt- aToday, also shows the facilities where the animals are housed and perform, while requiring some improvements, meet established European standards. The investigation, carried out be- tween 17 to 19 September, was led by dolphin expert Manuel Garcia Hart- mann and Director for Animal Wel- fare Joseph John Vella. Parliamentary Secretary for Animal Welfare Alicia Bugeja Said had announced the inves- tigation following a petition by animal rights activists, raising concerns over the dolphins' welfare. Activists had claimed the facility was poorly run, with deteriorating infra- structure. International NGO Marine Connection which works for the con- servation, protection, and welfare of dolphins, whales and porpoises glob- ally, had even called for the facility's closure and for the dolphins to be re- homed in a seaside sanctuary. The assessment was based on regu- lations issued by the European Asso- ciation for Aquatic Mammals (EAAM) and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria. The investigation in- volved the evaluation of staffing lev- els, medical records, infrastructure, environmental quality, enrichment programmes, euthanasia policies and licensing procedures. Welfare checks on dolphins followed the Dolphin-WET protocol, a spe- cialised evaluation tool for bottlenose dolphins under human care. Manuel Garcia Hartmann had been one of the document's authors. 'Positively' surprising social behaviour among dolphins The park currently houses five male dolphins: Sol (27), Ninu (15), Cha (14), Rohan-Ulisse (6) and Luqa (6), and one sea lion, Junior. According to the report, trainers and veterinarians have "excellent knowl- edge and an excellent relationship with the animals". Conflict among the dolphins was described as rare and limited to normal hierarchical behav- iour. The experts recorded affiliative be- haviours, including pair swimming and flipper rubbing, particularly be- tween the pairs Rohan-Ulisse and Luqa, and Ninu and Cha. Sol, the old- est dolphin, was more solitary, which the report said was typical for older males, though he did engage in occa- sional pair swimming. "I was very positively surprised by the social cohesion in both dolphin groups," Hartmann wrote, noting that all-male dolphin groups often show more competitive than affiliative be- haviour. He credited trainers for help- ing create "compatible male groups". It was also noted that dolphins raised in captivity prefer and feel safer in smaller pools. Psychological welfare indicators were also positive. Dolphins were seen engaging with toys, display- ing healthy swimming patterns and willingly participating in shows. The report noted animals who do not wish to perform are allowed to do so. Permanent kidney damage linked to 2021 lead poisoning The investigation also sought to ana- lyse the physical wellbeing of the dol- phins and sealion. One of the key factors in the inves- tigation was the 2021 lead poisoning incident, which resulted in the deaths of three dolphins at the facility. A separate investigation into the case had shown lead pellets of 2-3mm di- ameter were stuck in the dolphins' teeth, which led to the diagnosis of lead toxicosis. The lead pellets were being used by some scuba divers as weights. Among the surviving dolphins, on- ly Rohan-Ulisse is reported to suf- fer from a permanent kidney-related condition linked to the incident. The report shows the dolphin is receiving specialised medical care for the condi- tion, and its health has now stabilised. Dolphin interactions One of the marine park's main at- tractions provides visitors the chance to enter the pool, while accompanied by a trainer, to interact with the dol- phins. Investigators explained groups are limited to around six people and inter- actions are educational. Under new zoo rules, the petting of dangerous animals is only allowed if approved by the Veterinary Regulation KARL AZZOPARDI kazzopardi@mediatoday.com.mt Sol the dolphin with their trainers