Images spread on networks The events surrounding the former Mar del Plata Aquarium have rekindled the controversy surrounding the well-being of the animals kept on the premises, which are closed to the public. The publications showed pools with greenish water and triggered alarms among organizations and residents, who demanded immediate action from the authorities.
In that context, Municipal and national authorities activated controls and judicial measures. While the criminal complaint progresses, Technical teams carried out on-site checks and confirmed transfers are underway, with sanitary procedures and international permits in order.
Complaints and inspections by the Municipality
The mayor of General Pueyrredón, Guillermo Montenegro, instructed one immediate intervention after the photos went viral. He presented a criminal complaint and requested an ocular inspection with specialists and a technical expertise to determine the condition of the specimens and the responsibilities that may correspond according to the Law 14.346 about animal abuse and acts of cruelty.
The presentation also asked for accurately identify the enabling ownership of the establishment located in Workers Avenue 5600, linked on its official website to the so-called Dolphin Group (The Dolphin Company). The municipality also requested the possibility of comprehensive precautionary measures if irregularities were verified.
In parallel, municipal Zoonosis staff conducted a tour of the property, in line with the periodic inspections that have been carried out since the park's closure. These efforts were coordinated with national and provincial agencies responsible for wildlife and animal welfare.
The publications that gave rise to the complaint included accusations from neighbors and NGOs, such as the Argentine Fauna Foundation, whose representatives expressed concern about the appearance of the water and the general condition of the facilities. The case opened seeks to clarify these reports in light of the technical inspections carried out.
Animal situation and reported maintenance
From the administration of the former Aquarium it was indicated that a team of 24 people remains, comprised of veterinarians, biologists and caretakers, dedicated to the daily care of the specimens undergoing relocation. Approximately 160 kilograms of feed are supplied per day, between fish, fruits and balanced food, according to the diets of each species.
The park's technical area noted that life support systems remain active, with chemical and bacteriological control of water and periodic monitoring. They explain that the ponds designated for dolphins are maintained heated to 20 ºC, a condition that favors the proliferation of green microalgae without, they claim, harming the health of the animals.
Those responsible for the care of cetaceans also detailed that the stadium pools have eight meters deep and that the tanks accumulate around three million liters of waterThey assure that any movement of wildlife is carried out only with authorization from national and provincial agencies.
From the property they emphasize that More than half of the animals have already been transferred The remaining vessels are awaiting the completion of administrative and health procedures, as well as transportation logistics. In the case of the dolphins, documentation was processed through national agencies and SENASA, in coordination with authorities in the destination country.
Transfers, permits and national controls
La Environmental Control Brigade from the National Environment Secretariat inspected the site and verified the state of ten bottlenose dolphins and other specimens present. According to the report, the animals were in Good condition and with the corresponding documentation for any transfers.
The same operation accompanied the shipment of five fur seals to the Dominican Republic, departing from Ezeiza. According to official data, three were born in the aquarium y two came from Spain, within the framework of a breeding program. All movements were carried out with CITES permits and complementary authorizations.
The operating company reported that animals born under human care cannot be released due to their lack of ability to fend for themselves in the natural environment. Therefore, the current plan focuses on relocations to accredited aquariums and centers, national and international, with veterinary supervision during transfers.
In addition, the possibility of optimizing logistics with Direct charter flights from Mar del Plata to reduce times and maneuvers, provided that the operation and permits allow it and animal welfare protocols are strictly followed.
Closure, ownership, and background of the oceanarium
El 31 March The park closed its doors after a prolonged disagreement over the rental fee for the property. The company in charge of the operation, identified as Dolphin Group (The Dolphin Company), had previously reported that an agreement was not reached with the owners of the land, which led to the definitive cessation of activities.
In recent years, the aquarium had developed rehabilitation and reproduction programs, with a population of dolphins in which they combined specimens arrived from the Caribbean y born in the park itself. The exit plan contemplated the referral of the animals to institutions with equivalent standards and experience in handling the species.
Among the best-known cases is the case of the sea turtle Jorge, who was reinserted into the sea after decades in captivity. Their movements were monitored with a satellite tracking device, which reached Guanabara Bay in Brazil, until the transmitter battery ran out.
Regarding the legal situation, the municipality's complaint points to clarify possible responsibilities and ensure the well-being of the animals remaining at the site. The file includes technical reports, inspections, and the actions of the agencies responsible for wildlife.
