Regarding the dolphins hosted at Attica Zoological Park, to ensure accurate public understanding, we wish to provide the following clarifications:
None of the more than 2,000 animals residing in our park are ever sold or purchased. As a legally licensed institution and a proud member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), we strictly adhere to the principles and regulations governing such establishments. Animal trading is not practiced among accredited parks like ours. All animals in our care have either been born in our park or transferred from other zoological facilities, as part of collaborative efforts within the zoological community. Additionally, we actively participate in EAZA’s breeding programs for endangered species (EEPs and ESBs). We categorically affirm that the dolphins hosted at Attica Zoological Park are not, and have never been, subject to any form of sale.
As is widely known, for an extended period and in accordance with the directives of the competent authority of the Attica Region, educational presentations are no longer conducted. The marine mammal area has been reconfigured into an open and accessible space for visitors, consistent with the layout of the other animal enclosures.
The decision to transfer the marine mammals was made more than two years ago, as the area currently housing them is slated for redevelopment in accordance with the park's growth and development plan.
Given that various publications have made specific references to the island of Lipsi, it is deemed necessary to clarify that, at present, there is no licensed marine mammal sanctuary in the area, nor are there any relevant facilities or specialized personnel. There is only a declared intention to establish such a sanctuary in the future. Similarly, in southern Crete, there are neither facilities nor qualified personnel capable of undertaking such a project, but merely preliminary discussions regarding the potential creation of a marine mammal sanctuary in that region.
Consequently, the EAZA coordinator for the species (EEP studbook keeper), who together with a specialized species committee holds exclusive responsibility and authority for the final decision, thoroughly evaluated all potential options and recommended the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Florida, USA. This facility is one of 30 certified marine parks and aquariums in the country accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA). The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is renowned for its progressive approach to animal welfare, its strict compliance with regulations, and its dedication to research and species conservation, making it a model institution in the field.
The transfer of marine mammals is a complex process, carried out under the supervision of specialized personnel, including veterinarians and caregivers, as well as with the use of specially equipped aircraft designed for this purpose.
It has been a firm decision of Attica Zoological Park not to host dolphins in its facilities in the future. We strongly believe that, despite the reactions from certain activist organizations, the dolphins we have hosted in our park have, for over a decade, served as worthy ambassadors for the urgent need to protect the species. More than 4 million visitors, both adults and children, have had the opportunity to admire them up close and learn about their physiology, but more importantly, to understand the dangers they face in the wild.