Femke, a female dolphin held by Parc Asterix, has been at her worst ever since her son was taken away. To try to help, One Voice launches an emergency legal procedure.
Femke was captured by the captivity industry off the coast of Florida nearly 40 years ago. Since 2008, she has been locked up in Parc Astérix. Last year, Ekinox, her only son, was sent to another dolphinarium. Since then, her wellbeing has continued to decline.
Concerned about her, One Voice called Dr. Pierre Gallego, a veterinarian specializing in marine mammals. He went to Parc Astérix and his conclusions are without doubt: in addition to multiple skin lesions, Femke's body exhibits alarming symptoms including excessive overweight and blistering in the abdomen and neck. She probably suffers from muscular atrophy, which prevents her from moving properly. She swims very little and very slowly, allowing herself to float most of the time. The way she makes her turns also suggests a mobility problem from the head or the spine and she finds it very difficult to dive and stay under water. She is regularly found in a prostrate position in a corner of the pool; this is not normal behaviour and can be a sign of suffering or depression.
He concludes his observation: "It is my professional opinion that the physical and mental health of Femke is extremely alarming and requires urgent specialist veterinary expertise. Moreover, the situation in which Femke is held in captivity is not at all appropriate. "
Faced with this alarming situation, on 24th April 2017, One Voice sent the prefecture of Amiens a request for an expert opinion. Faced with their silence and the urgency of the situation, One Voice applied to the courts for a referral on 15th May 2017. The recent decree that officialises the closure of dolphinariums should not let us forget the dolphins that are still captive. And contrary to the comments of the dolphinariums, that the absence of reproduction does not harm their well-being. Remembering that it is the possibility of a normal sexual behaviour that is important for dolphins, not access to reproduction.
Dr. Gallego, to whom we asked this question, confirmed it. In captivity, cetaceans are often under contraception to avoid inbreeding and it is often by insemination that pregnancies are caused. "Contraception has no effect on the natural behaviour of cetaceans and does not prevent them from having normal sexual behaviour that can fulfil all the necessary social functions. It is my professional opinion as a veterinary expert in cetaceans that breeding is by no means a key element for the welfare of cetaceans in captivity. "
Muriel Arnal, President of One Voice: "The wise decision taken by France is currently being relayed throughout the world, from Saint Lucia to Turkey or even Germany. Everywhere, our counterparts and partners in the fight for the closure of the dolphinariums welcome this courageous commitment. But this immense progress, which aims to raise awareness, must also benefit cetaceans that suffer most. Femke is one of them. Her situation is extremely worrying. We must act for her. "
Arielle Moreau, animal rights lawyer and consultant for One Voice: "There are animal species for which captivity is a real punishment. This is not only the case for humans but also for cetaceans such as orcas and dolphins. They are not stuffed animals or toys but beings with a high sensitivity and with needs to match their performance. To deprive them of liberty for our own pleasure is not worthy of a civilized society. With this decree, France returns to its tradition of freedom and a country of human rights. "
