Images circulating on social media of the former Mar del Plata Aquarium have reignited the controversy surrounding the welfare of the animals kept at the facility, which is closed to the public. The posts showed pools with greenish water and raised concerns among organizations and residents, who demanded immediate action from the authorities.
In that context, municipal and national authorities activated controls and legal measures. While the criminal complaint proceeds, technical teams carried out on-site inspections and confirmed that transfers were underway, with all required health procedures and international permits in order.
Complaints and inspections by the Municipality
The mayor of General Pueyrredón, Guillermo Montenegro , ordered immediate intervention after the photos went viral. He filed a criminal complaint and requested an on-site inspection by specialists and a technical assessment to determine the condition of the animals and any potential liability under Law 14.346 regarding animal abuse and cruelty.
The presentation also requested precise identification of the legal owner of the establishment located at Avenida de los Trabajadores 5600 , which is linked on its official website to the Dolphin Group (The Dolphin Company). The municipality further requested the possibility of implementing comprehensive protective measures should any irregularities be found.
Meanwhile, municipal Zoonosis personnel toured the premises, continuing the periodic inspections that have been carried out since the park's closure. These procedures were coordinated with the relevant national and provincial agencies responsible for wildlife and animal welfare.
The reports that prompted the complaint included concerns raised by residents and NGOs , such as the Argentine Wildlife Foundation, whose representatives expressed worry about the water quality and the overall condition of the enclosures. The open case seeks to clarify these reports in light of the technical inspections carried out.
Animal situation and reported maintenance
The administration of the former Aquarium indicated that a team of 24 people , including veterinarians, biologists, and caretakers, remains dedicated to the daily care of the animals undergoing relocation. Approximately 160 kilograms of food are provided daily, including fish, fruit, and commercial feed, according to the specific dietary needs of each species.
The park's technical team indicated that life support systems remain active, with chemical and bacteriological water monitoring and regular follow-up. They explained that the dolphin pools are kept heated to 20°C , a condition that promotes the growth of green microalgae but, they assert, poses no harm to the animals' health.
Those responsible for the care of the cetaceans also detailed that the stadium's pools are eight meters deep and that the tanks hold approximately three million liters of water . They assure that any movement of wildlife is carried out only with authorization from national and provincial agencies.
The facility reports that more than half of the animals have already been relocated , and the remaining animals are awaiting the completion of administrative and health procedures, as well as the finalization of transport logistics. In the case of the dolphins, documentation was processed with national agencies and SENASA (National Agri-Food Health and Quality Service), in coordination with authorities in the destination country.
Transfers, permits and national controls
The Environmental Control Brigade of the National Secretariat of the Environment inspected the site and verified the condition of ten bottlenose dolphins and other animals present. According to the report, the animals were in good condition and had the necessary documentation for any potential relocation.
The same operation also included the shipment of five South American sea lions to the Dominican Republic, departing from Ezeiza International Airport. According to official data, three were born at the aquarium and two came from Spain as part of a breeding program. All movements were carried out with CITES permits and additional authorizations.
The company operating the operation reported that animals born under human care cannot be released due to their inability to fend for themselves in the wild. Therefore, the current plan focuses on relocating them to accredited aquariums and centers , both nationally and internationally, with veterinary supervision during transport.
In addition, the possibility of optimizing logistics with direct charter flights from Mar del Plata was evaluated to reduce time and maneuvers, provided that the operation and permits allow it and animal welfare protocols are strictly followed.
Closure, ownership, and background of the oceanarium
On March 31, the park closed its doors after a prolonged disagreement over the lease payment. The company in charge of operations, identified as Grupo Dolphin (The Dolphin Company) , had previously announced that an agreement could not be reached with the landowners, leading to the definitive cessation of activities.
In recent years, the aquarium had developed rehabilitation and breeding programs , with a dolphin population that combined specimens brought from the Caribbean and those born at the park itself . The exit plan involved transferring the animals to institutions with equivalent standards and experience in handling the species.
Among the best-known examples is the case of George the sea turtle, who was released back into the ocean after decades in captivity. His movements, which reached Guanabara Bay in Brazil, were monitored using a satellite tracking device until the transmitter's battery ran out.
Regarding the legal situation, the municipality's complaint aims to clarify potential liabilities and ensure the well-being of the animals that remain at the site. The case file includes technical reports, inspections, and the actions taken by the agencies responsible for wildlife.
