Duisburg (dpa / lnw) - The Duisburg Zoo has filed criminal charges against four activists who jumped into the pool with the dolphins in neoprene suits during a performance in the dolphinarium on Sunday. The demonstrators received reports "for trespassing and animal cruelty," the zoo announced on Monday. The zoo reserves the right to take further steps against the Dutch activist group.
Fortunately, the dolphins survived the incident well, it said. The biological filter system was able to render possible impurities in the water harmless. "It was an exceptional situation for animals and humans and we are very happy that our dolphins and employees are doing well," said zoological director Oliver Mojecki according to the announcement. "Our dolphins behave in a way that is typical for their species, play with each other and eat well". According to biologist Mojecki, one is relieved after the "dangerous intervention in the protected habitat of our animals".
The police reported the incident on Sunday. The activists had waterproof banners with them, with which they protested against the behavior of the bottlenose dolphins, which they considered to be inappropriate.
Animal rights activists repeatedly criticize dolphinariums as not species-appropriate. The Animal Welfare Association says, for example: "Dolphins have a very great need for exercise and place very high demands on water quality and space requirements. The pools, which are tiny compared to their natural habitat, offer the animals little retreat and freedom of movement."
