Bahrain releases endangered dolphins from illegal captivity

(Bahrain – 1 February 2023) – Three humpback dolphins have been released more than a year after being illegally captured for display at a public aquarium at a Bahrain tourist resort.

Indian Ocean humpback dolphins are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and their numbers are decreasing.

In Bahrain’s first-ever operation of its kind, the dolphins were released back into the ocean following a decision by Bahrain authorities to convict three fishermen for poaching the dolphins and selling them on to a resort specializing in shows featuring performing dolphins.

Working with key agencies in Bahrain—including the Supreme Council for Environment, Public Prosecution, Coast Guard Department, General Administration of Civil ‎Defense, Tails Veterinary Clinic and others—IFAW prepared the dolphins to ensure they were released in good condition.

“The release will be life-changing for the three dolphins—from confinement in a pool contaminated with rusty leaks from a poorly maintained ceiling, where they were forced to perform daily for public entertainment, they are now swimming free in the ocean,” said Brian Sharp, Director of IFAW’S Marine Mammal Rescue Program.

“The work does not end with the release of the dolphins. We will closely monitor these animals via satellite trackers, thanks to a contribution from the Dutch Postcode Lottery, as they re-adjust to their natural environment after over a year in illegal forced captivity. We should all dedicate ourselves to make sure this does not happen again.”

His Excellency the Minister of Oil and Environment and the Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, Dr. Mohamed bin Mubarak Bin Daina,‎ said the Constitution of Bahrain ensured the protection of the ‎environment and the preservation of its resources.‎ Bahrain is a signatory to international conventions such as CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), and the IUCN.

Najat Tarrada, Co-founder of Tails Veterinary Clinic, said that in coordination with IFAW, the clinic provided comprehensive veterinary examinations, diagnosing the health condition of the dolphins. Tails also managed their safety during the transportation of the animals to the release site, supervised the placement of the tracking devices and helped ensure the dolphins were safely released.

ENDS

For high resolution pictures, download here.

Press Contact: 

Kinda Jabi
IFAW Communication Manager, MENA
m: +971 55 626 1017
e: kjabi@ifaw.org