Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1541835
13 NEWS maltatoday | SUNDAY • 7 DECEMBER 2025 behaviour as investigation clears park of failures Directorate. But dolphins are not clas- sified as dangerous animals, and so interactions do not require approval. Regular health checks Daily medical checks take place at the park, including frequent blood tests processed internationally. Examinations regularly cover the dolphins' eyes, blowholes and skin. All animals were said to be fully com- pliant with trainers and veterinarians and to approach willingly when called. Each dolphin receives an individu- alised diet based on its target weight, using high-quality fish. Facilities: Good water quality, minor issues The investigation also looked into facility layouts, life-support systems, pumps, chlorination and water circu- lation. Water quality was deemed very good, with only minor improvements recommended to address small fluc- tuations. Environmental samples are regular- ly tested at accredited laboratories. Concerns which had been raised by activists about murky water and algae blooms were dismissed by experts, who found that minimal chlorination is beneficial to the dolphins. Microbial presence supports skin and organ health, and overly clear wa- ter can potentially harm the dolphins' retinas. The dolphinarium, where the dol- phins normally stay, is roofed, provid- ing shade, but the open lagoon lacks a tented structure. The report recom- mends installing one to reduce reflec- tivity. All pumps were functioning, and faulty ones are replaced when neces- sary. However, investigators advised adding a backup system to minimise downtime. They noted that failing to install recommended upgrades would not affect licensing, but improve- ments are already under way and will require time to complete. With the marine park being in close vicinity to the Splash and Fun Water- park, where especially during summer months thousands descend as music blares from speakers, investigators were asked about its impact on the animals. They explained sound checks dur- ing peak times were well below the 80-decibel threshold. Junior the sealion The investigation looked into the welfare of Junior, the Mediterraneo Marine Park's sole sea lion. Unlike the dolphins, whose welfare was assessed using the Dolphin-WET tool, there is no equivalent recognised assessment for sea lions. Therefore, they relied on veterinary expertise, behavioural observation and physical examinations to deter- mine Junior's wellbeing. According to the report, Junior, who is ironically the park's oldest resident having been born in 2003 is in "good overall health", showing strong indi- cators of physical and psychological welfare. His skin and coat were described as well maintained, with no signs of irri- tation or infection. Examiners reported good, healthy mobility with no abnormal behaviour. Junior does show age-related condi- tions, including mild cataracts, which veterinarians said are expected in old- er sea lions. Despite these signs of ageing, the review highlighted that his body con- dition remains "very good", noting normal weight, muscle tone and hy- dration levels. Behavioural observations conducted during the site visit found that Junior interacts calmly with trainers and re- sponds consistently to cues. Investi- gators said the relationship between the sea lion and his caretakers reflects trust and familiarity, with Junior dis- playing no signs of stress or avoidance. Experts also emphasised that Jun- ior is never required to perform if he shows disinterest or reluctance. His participation in demonstrations is voluntary, and evaluators observed that he opts in willingly on most oc- casions. The report further confirmed that Junior was not affected by the 2021 lead-poisoning incident that impacted some of the park's dolphins. The report also recommends Junior be moved to a new enclosure, which the park's management told investiga- tors is already being built. Junior the sealion