The representative of PAN and the head of the European list joined the demonstration this Saturday outside the Lisbon Zoo, calling for an end to the dolphin show and the transformation of dolphinariums into marine sanctuaries.
Last week, PAN already submitted to parliament a draft resolution recommending to the government the conversion of dolphinariums, the creation of centers for the conservation and restoration of species and reserves.
“We want to ensure that in Portugal, sanctuaries are built in natural marine areas so that the dolphins that have been living here in captivity for several decades can be placed on the open sea in a controlled, monitored area, moving towards a model of greater respect for the animal to the world,” explained Ines Souza Real, speaking to reporters.
The PAN spokeswoman stressed that dolphins living in dolphinariums (of which there are an estimated 35 in Portugal, eight of which are in zoos) live “in small, often crowded spaces.”
“PAN champions 21st century zoos by responding to the challenges of civil society,” he said.
Asked if she had already received “feedback” from the government on these issues, Ines Souza Real expressed regret that animal protection under the current government is again under the auspices of agriculture.
“We want to ensure there are no animal welfare issues. People are increasingly concerned about animal welfare and we want to ensure that there is that awareness at government level,” he said.
PAN number one European Pedro Fidalgo Marques also believes that at European level “it can be guaranteed that the implementation of the zoo directive will be effective in Portugal” and that dolphinariums could be banned.
Two PAN leaders joined a demonstration organized by the Free the Tanks association, which drew dozens of people holding signs reading “Circus captivity is not an option” and shouting slogans such as “30 minutes of fun, life in prison” while handing out leaflets people entering the Lisbon Zoo.
The motion explains that it does not demand “the immediate release of the dolphins or the unemployment of the staff” who work with them, but “a transition from the circus model of exploitation in the dolphinarium to the model of rehabilitation in the sanctuary.” stating that the model has been tested “with great success in nine countries.”
In the draft ruling (which does not have the force of law), PAN cites scientific research that “shows that captive wild animals suffer a number of adverse behavioral and health effects.”
PAN recommends that the government “promote and implement programs to transform dolphinariums and aquariums located on national territory into centers for conservation, restoration and observation of species without any recreational component” and “implement as part of a program of conversion programs and in collaboration with experts and non-governmental environmental and animal protection organizations,” the transformation of spaces and the creation of nature reserves.
PAN also requests that the necessary resources be provided for the implementation of conversion programs, as well as for the government to raise public awareness about the negative effects of keeping wild animals in captivity and the benefits of conversion of dolphinariums and aquariums, and to set timelines and targets for the implementation of the reconversion program.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
I’m Sandra Hansen, a news website Author and Reporter for 24 News Reporters. I have over 7 years of experience in the journalism field, with an extensive background in politics and political science. My passion is to tell stories that are important to people around the globe and to engage readers with compelling content.