Friends of the Earth Malta, along with six leading animal welfare organisations (Animal Liberation Malta, Earth Systems Association, Marine Connection, Dolphin Project, TideBreakers), have united to launch the Waves not Walls campaign. Our shared mission is to raise awareness about the suffering of animals in captivity and to encourage the public to value and appreciate wild animals in their natural environments.
We respectfully urge schools and clubs not to support businesses that profit from animal performances or keep animals confined in enclosures for entertainment purposes. Why are we doing this? Scientific research clearly shows that dolphins and other wild animals held in captivity suffer both physically and psychologically. Confinement often leads to stress, abnormal behaviours, and a significantly shorter lifespan.In their natural habitat, dolphins are never forced to perform tricks such as leaping, tail-walking, beaching, or “waving” on command. These are not natural behaviours, they are learned responses to coercion in captivity.The Case of Mediterraneo Marine ParkThis facility has come under growing scrutiny by both local and international animal welfare advocates due to:
- Documented reports and drone footage indicating filthy tanks and construction very close to the dolphin enclosures.
- The lack of enrichment and appropriate space, contributing to severe stress and welfare issues.
- The deaths of three dolphins within a single month, confirmed as a result of negligence following an investigation by the Commissioner for Animal Welfare
- Whistleblower testimonies exposing substandard conditions and inadequate care practices.
Further details can be found in these sources:
- https://marineconnection.org/malta-campaignhttps://www.facebook.com/reel/1056591439480533https://www.facebook.com/share/r/16sEFnERjj/https://www.facebook.com/LovinMalta/videos/764243466299388/https://www.dolphinproject.com/blog/maltas-captive-dolphins-and-the-myth-of-conservation/https://vimeo.com/984941278?fl=pl&fe=vl&pgroup=plv
The Role of Schools and Clubs:
Schools and clubs play a vital role in shaping the values and perspectives of young people. Educational outings should provide students with holistic, ethical, and meaningful learning experiences.We ask:What real educational value is there in observing animals perform unnatural behaviours, behaviours they would never display in the wild? These animals have been removed from their families, denied their freedom, and are being kept in environments that do not meet their basic needs. Is this the kind of lesson we want to pass on to our students?
Join the Pledge: “Say No to the Show!”As part of the “Waves not Walls” campaign, we are inviting schools to join our pledge:
- “Say No to the Show!”
- Commit not to organise student visits to dolphin shows or marine animal performances.
How to join the pledge: Agree to the pledge by sending an email with the statement “WE ARE IN” to info@marineconnection.org – marking the subject line ‘Schools’ Dolphin Pledge’. Schools that sign the pledge will:
- Receive an official certificate of support
- Be acknowledged in a press release celebrating commitment to animal welfare and ethical education
Urge teachers to utilize the many excellent online documentaries and live webcam footage resources available. These provide students with a far more accurate and inspiring view of dolphins in their natural environment.