There is no place for a wild animal in captivity. Yet, even the most intelligent mammals on Earth are being forced to perform tricks to entertain people in aqua parks, all over the world. But a conservation group from Greece really wants to put an end to this barbaric practice and they’ve already made a huge step into it.
Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation created the world’s first sanctuary for dolphins rescued from captivity. The sanctuary is located on a small bay in the northern side of the Lipsi island, Greece and its purpose is to offer refuge to all formerly captive dolphins, the local media reported
“We decided to create the world’s first Marine Life Sanctuary in the Aegean, wishing to achieve a great goal, while at the same time honoring the Greek cultural heritage, as the first country to protect dolphins by law over 2500 years ago!” says Anastasia Miliou, the group’s research director.
In the last years there have been a lot of conservationist groups who hardly tried to stop the exploitation of the marine mammals for entertainment. However, despite their efforts, they face an even bigger problem. The International Law doesn’t allow dolphins who lived in captivity to be released into the ope seas. Therefore, the Archipelagos Institute came up with this brilliant solution.
“Today, there are 2,913 dolphins in captivity around the world. We want them to be released, because it is scientifically proven that they have a high degree of intelligence and they are suffering in captivity,” Dr. Anastasia Miliou said.
The sanctuary, who has some areas as deep as 131 feet, will get a permanent surveillance. The dolphins here will be monitored until they will regain their instincts back. Only then they will released into their natural environment.
“We want them to be released, because it is scientifically proven that they have a high degree of intelligence and they are suffering in captivity,” Dr. Miliou added.
