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Parc Astérix closes its dolphinarium: "We are an amusement park, not an animal park"

2021-01-25T09:34:30.115Z


Eight dolphins and five sea lions will soon be leaving the leisure park pools. In an interview with Le Parisien, its director general explained the reasons for this closure, on the eve of the debate on animal abuse held in the Assembly.


It has been one of the emblematic attractions of the leisure park since its creation in 1989. While the reopening of Parc Astérix in Plailly (Oise) is still scheduled for April 3, its dolphinarium is closing its doors for good.

“We have been thinking about this for several years.

I would even say that the decision has been taken three years ago, ”

announced the director general of the park Nicolas Kremer in the pages of Le

Parisien

.

Concerned about the well-being of these marine animals, Parc Astérix will place 8 dolphins and 5 sea lions in European dolphinariums over the next two months.

Read also: The fight against animal abuse comes before the deputies

The boss explains that he made this decision after numerous discussions with specialists, scientists and associations.

“This is the solution, developed with the European Association of Aquatic Mammals, which appeared to be the best to ensure them good living conditions.

Reintroduction into the natural environment is not possible for these animals bred in captivity.

We chose Europe because we know that other countries in the world do not offer the same guarantees. ”

Associative pressures

This initiative appears in a current context sensitive to the fight against animal abuse, driven by pressure from many associations.

Echoing politicians for several years, actions are multiplying.

In 2017, the former Minister of Ecology Ségolène Royal, tried to ban the reproduction of dolphins in captivity by means of an order.

If this had not been successful, it was taken up by Barbara Pompili, Minister of Ecological Transition, who will present her bill to the Assembly on Tuesday in the fight against animal abuse.

For his part, Nicolas Kremer affirms that his cetaceans have always been well treated.

For him, "

it is a real trauma for the whole team, caretakers, scientists, and all the employees of the park

" to hear about animal abuse towards them.

The closure of the dolphinarium only intervenes because “

Parc Astérix is ​​above all an amusement park, not an animal park.

We want to refocus on what is our core business.

The general manager calls on his colleagues, such as Marineland or Planète Sauvage, not to see his initiative as an incentive.

Having animals is in their DNA.

With us, it became almost incongruous.

But I know that the animals are treated well there, even if it is not like in nature,

”explains Nicolas Kremer.

"Dolphinariums have a real role in conservation, scientific knowledge of species and public awareness of their conservation,

" he continues.

Read also: Animal welfare: a new complaint against Marineland

The director did not give a specific date regarding the transfer of his dolphins and sea lions.

But nevertheless specifies that new aquatic shows will be offered subsequently in the Poseidon amphitheater.

Source: lefigaro

All news articles on 2021-01-25

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