The world’s first permanent sanctuary for dolphins rescued from captivity was founded by the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation.
The sanctuary is located on a small, beautiful bay on the north side of the Lipsi island and its aim is to offer refuge to stranded, injured and formerly captive dolphins, which is part of the initiative to end the exploitation of dolphins in zoos all over the world.
Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary, Greece. Image Source: Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation
“We decided to create the world’s first Marine Life Sanctuary in the Aegean, wishing to achieve a great goal, while at the same time honoring the Greek cultural heritage, as the first country to protect dolphins by law over 2500 years ago!” said the Archipelagos Marine Protection Institute’s research director Anastasia Miliou.
The exploitation of dolphins for commercial exploitation and the entertainment of children and adults is being attacked by environmental organizations around the world. However, the International Law prohibits the dolphins’ release in the open seas.
Dolphin in Captivity
The Archipelagos Institute decided to offer a solution. After carrying out extensive studies, the institute chose Vroulia’s narrow gulf to create a sanctuary where formerly captive dolphins could be transported. Under surveillance and in a safe environment, the dolphins will be able to get back their hunter’s instinct so that later on they could be released into their natural environment.
“Today, there are 2,913 dolphins in captivity around the world. We want them to be released, because it is scientifically proven that they have a high degree of intelligence and they are suffering in captivity” Ms. Miliou explains, stressing that the Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary in Lipsi will serve as a prototype, with a view to develop others in every corner of the planet”.
