The Boudewijn Seapark dolphinarium in Bruges must close its doors by 2037, according to a decision made by the Flemish government, reports De Zondag.
The Bruges attraction is home to six dolphins, as well as sea lions and seals, and is the last location in Flanders where dolphins are still held in captivity.
The Flemish government has decided that Flanders will permanently ban the captivity of dolphins by 2037.
"We already decided in the past that no new dolphinariums would be allowed, and additional measures were taken at Boudewijn Seapark to improve animal welfare," said Flemish Minister Ben Weyts (N-VA). He also mentioned that a breeding and import ban is in place, and operators are required to build an outdoor pool by 2027.
"In the end, Flanders will permanently ban the captivity of dolphins by 2037, which is when the new outdoor pool will be fully depreciated. This timeline allows operators to recoup their investment," Weyts explained.
In response to the announcement, management at Boudewijn Seapark have insisted that the government should honour a previous agreement, and are threatening legal action if necessary.
Director Lars van den Ham said the agreement was to complete an outdoor pool by 2027 and conduct a new evaluation in 2037. He demands that the Flemish government adhere to this agreement, warning of potential legal repercussions.
"Minister Weyts is ignoring the advice of his own departments," he said.
Animal rights organisation Gaia said it is pleased with the decision, but hopes the dolphins will eventually be released into a nature reserve, like the planned bay in Greece, rather than relocated to another dolphinarium.
