Malta Investigates Mediterraneo Marine Park: Experts to Review Animal Welfare at Iconic Tourist Attraction

**Experts to investigate conditions at Mediterraneo Marine Park**

Mediterraneo Marine Park has long been a staple of Malta’s tourism landscape, drawing thousands of visitors each year with its dolphin shows, exotic birds, and sea lion performances. But the beloved attraction is now under scrutiny as local and international experts prepare to investigate the welfare conditions of its animals, sparking a national conversation about animal rights, conservation, and the future of wildlife tourism in Malta.

The investigation, initiated by Malta’s Ministry for the Environment, Energy, and Enterprise, comes in response to mounting pressure from animal rights groups and concerned citizens. Local NGOs such as Animal Liberation Malta and international organizations like the Dolphin Project have raised red flags over alleged welfare violations, including reports of inadequate living conditions and limited stimulation for marine mammals.

The park, located in the scenic White Rocks area of Bahar ic-Caghaq, has operated for over three decades and has long marketed itself as an educational and conservation-focused facility. It features bottlenose dolphins, sea lions, parrots, and reptiles, offering interactive experiences that have become a rite of passage for many Maltese schoolchildren and tourists alike.

But critics argue that behind the family-friendly façade lies a darker reality. “These are highly intelligent, social animals being kept in confined spaces for entertainment,” said a spokesperson for Animal Liberation Malta. “We welcome the investigation and hope it leads to meaningful reform, or better yet, a transition away from animal exploitation altogether.”

The Maltese public appears divided. While many support the investigation, others view Mediterraneo Marine Park as a cultural institution. “I went there as a kid, and so did my children,” said Maria Camilleri, a resident of St. Julian’s. “It’s part of our childhood. But I do think it’s time we ask hard questions about how we treat animals.”

This sentiment reflects a broader shift in Maltese society. Over the past decade, Malta has made significant strides in animal welfare legislation, including a 2014 ban on animal circuses and tighter regulations on pet ownership. The Mediterraneo investigation could mark the next step in this evolving ethical landscape.

Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo has emphasized the importance of balancing animal welfare with economic interests. “Malta is committed to upholding the highest standards of animal care,” he said. “We will await the findings of the expert panel before making any policy decisions, but we are open to all options, including phasing out certain types of animal attractions.”

The investigation will be led by a multidisciplinary team of veterinarians, marine biologists, and animal behaviorists from Malta, Italy, and Spain. Their findings are expected within six months and could influence broader EU policy on marine mammal captivity, especially as the bloc considers tighter restrictions on dolphinaria and similar facilities.

For Mediterraneo Marine Park, the stakes are high. The facility employs dozens of local staff and partners with hotels and tour operators across the island. If violations are confirmed, the park could face fines, operational restrictions, or even closure. A spokesperson for the park expressed confidence in their practices, stating: “We adhere to all national and EU regulations and welcome the opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to animal welfare.”

The outcome of the investigation could also reverberate beyond Malta’s shores. As one of the few remaining dolphinaria in the Mediterranean, Mediterraneo has become a flashpoint in the global debate over marine mammal captivity. Countries like France and Canada have already banned breeding and keeping dolphins for entertainment, and Malta could soon follow suit.

For now, Maltese citizens and visitors alike are watching closely. Whether Mediterraneo Marine Park emerges as a reformed institution or becomes a relic of a bygone era, one thing is clear: Malta is at a crossroads, and the choices made today will shape the future of wildlife tourism for generations to come.