NO to a new dolphinarium in Beauval: France must keep its promises to dolphins

In 2021, France committed to ending the captivity of cetaceans. For five years, One Voice has been fighting for the creation of marine sanctuaries, the only solution compatible with the well-being of these animals, which travel up to 90 kilometers per day in the ocean.

Despite our appeals and outstretched hands, the State has done nothing to prepare for this. Today, it supports the Beauval Zoo’s project to build a “study and research center” for dolphins… which is in fact nothing more than a new dolphinarium.

Under the guise of science, Beauval is actually planning to breed captive dolphins and potentially transfer them to China. A life of captivity for them and their young, who will in turn be born in concrete pools. This is exactly the model we thought we had left behind.

“Any relocation must be to a true sanctuary – one that prohibits breeding, public shows, close interactions, and trade in cetaceans. Anything less is just an upgraded dolphinarium”. —Statement by the Dolphinaria-Free Europe coalition, of which One Voice is the French representative.

Experts are unanimous: this project is contrary to science, ethics, and the spirit of the 2021 law. It represents an unacceptable step backward for animal protection in France.

Together with C’est Assez and Tilikum Spirit, we call on:

• Beauval Zoo to abandon this project and commit to not breeding dolphins or sending them to other dolphinariums.
• The French authorities to refuse the creation of new dolphinariums, whatever their name.
• The State to actively support genuine marine sanctuaries, which are the only places capable of offering captive dolphins a natural, safe environment and a dignified life.

France has promised to end the captivity of cetaceans. Let’s make sure this commitment is honored.

Sign this petition to say no to the Beauval dolphinarium and yes to sanctuaries for dolphins.