Report from Switzerland - OceanCare

How dolphinaria recently became history in Switzerland
Sylvia Frey, PhD
OceanCare Director Science & Education
Dolphinaria-Free Europe Conference 2014
18th to 19th March 2014, Brussels, Belgium
Overview on Swiss Dolphinaria History
2012
Swiss Parliament bans the
import of cetaceans
2008
Revised Swiss Animal
Welfare Law into force
1995
Swiss Parliament declines motion
for a ban on cetacean imports
2013
Closure of dolphinaria
at Connyland
1998
Closure of dolphinaria
at Knie’s Kinderzoo
1989
Founding of OceanCare
1979
1965
2nd dolphinarium at Connyland Theme Park
1st dolphinarium at Knie’s Kinderzoo
Steps & incidents towards the import ban
2010
Intensive Lobbying
Handing over of petition
02/2012
MEP submitted motion for a ban
on the import of cetaceans
05/2012
Parliament votes for import ban
media coverage
11/2011
Public awareness campaign
Penal charge against Connyland
EU Commission reply
Conclusion
The Zoos Directive does not provide for a generalised ban on the keeping of
dolphins in captivity in Zoos and dolphinaria in the EU or on the construction of
new facilities for this purpose.
However, the Commission is concerned by the issues raised by the petitioners
and will continue examining any well founded and substantiated evidence that
is brought to its attention in regard to failures of transposition or
implementation of the community's acquis and, if necessary, legal action will be
taken against the Member State not respecting the rules.
Steps & incidents towards the import ban
2010
Intensive Lobbying
11/2011
Handing over of petition
02/2012
MEP submitted motion for a ban
on the import of cetaceans
05/2012
Parliament votes for import ban
11/2013: death of 1 dolphin
11/2013
Closure of last dolphinaria & dolphin export
media coverage
11/2011: death of 2 dolphins
Public awareness campaign
Penal charge against Connyland
Concluding remarks
Beside combined actions on public and political level…
-
Importance of momentum
Opposition, arguments and political influence of
national zoo associations to be considered
Sea-pen sanctuary/sanctuaries for dolphins much
needed
Thank you for your attention