On December 24, a protest action against exploitation of the newly constructed dolphinarium in Armenia will be held at Komitas park opposite the dolphinarium.

According to Chairperson of Eco Dashink NGO Silva Adamyan said that the dolphinarium has been constructed despite huge efforts.

“We sent two letters to Yerevan Mayor’s Office – one to ex-mayor Gagik Beglaryan and one to Vice Mayor Taron Margaryan, however we have not received any answer. Three letters were sent to the RA Ministry of Nature Protection, but we received only one letter, which reads that nobody had applied to the Ministry with a request to conduct an environmental expertise,” said Adamyan.

Director of the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets Ruben Khachatryan noted for his part that the “exploitation of the dolphinarium is dangerous for visitors and children, who are allegedly supposed to be treated in it.”

“Behavior of dolphins in captivity is disrupted as a result of stress, what leads to aggression against people. In such case they can attack people. Owners of the dolphinarium even announced dolphinotherapy for sick children, while swimming with dolphins under such conditions can be deathful,” Khachatryan said, adding that businessmen disregard these risks due to their mercantile interests.

“Our goal is to inform the public and urge it to prevent the dolphinarium exploitation,” the expert said.

Chairman of Ecodar ecological NGO Hrayr Savzyan noted for his part that the entrance to the dolphinarium will be closed, if necessary.