We, the undersigned, respectfully urge the Government of Spain to take meaningful and lasting action to end the captivity and exploitation of cetaceans within its borders. Spain has a proud history and a deep cultural connection to the sea - and now it has the opportunity to lead once more by becoming the first European country to fully and explicitly ban cetacean captivity - if it acts fast.

Spain is home to more dolphinariums than any other nation in Europe. As awareness of animal sentience continues to grow globally, so too does public discomfort with keeping intelligent, social, and wide-ranging marine mammals in confined tanks for human entertainment.

Dolphins, orcas, and other whales are not commodities. They are complex individuals who suffer immensely in captivity. They are denied the ability to dive deep, roam long distances, or maintain lifelong bonds with their families. Their environments are barren and shallow - a far cry from the dynamic, sensory-rich ocean they evolved to navigate. Captivity replaces their autonomy with routines, tricks, and confinement.

Socially, cetaceans in captivity are often separated from companions or placed with incompatible individuals, leading to psychological distress, anxiety, and aggression. Physiologically, they suffer from illnesses, dental damage from gnawing on tank walls, and chronic stress that shortens their lives. Behaviours commonly seen in captivity - including repetitive circling, floating listlessly, and self-harm - are not seen in the wild. These are not signs of adaptation; they are signs of trauma.

The science is clear: cetaceans cannot thrive in captivity. They are not ours to display or entertain. They belong in the sea.

We respectfully request the Spanish government to act on the following proposals:

1. Enact a national ban on cetacean captivity in all marine parks, aquariums, and entertainment facilities across Spain.

2. Outlaw dolphin swim programmes, which place enormous stress on the animals and risk harm to both cetaceans and humans.

3. Prohibit all breeding and trade of captive whales and dolphins, whether domestic or international, to prevent future generations from being born into confinement.

4. Mandate the retirement of captive cetaceans to sea sanctuaries, wherever possible, where they may live out their lives in environments that better reflect their natural habitats. 

5. Ban the import and export of cetaceans, in alignment with growing global concern about the live trade of sentient marine animals.

6. Formally include cetaceans under national animal welfare legislation, recognising their cognitive, emotional, and social complexity, and affording them the legal protection they deserve.

 

We believe that Spain is well positioned to be a global leader in marine animal protection — a nation that recognises the changing tides of public conscience and acts accordingly. By taking these steps, Spain would not only honour the will of its people and the values of compassion and progress, but it would also set an inspiring example for other countries to follow.

This is your moment to lead with empathy and science. To honour the wildness of the ocean. To let whales and dolphins be who they are - not exhibits, not entertainers, but sovereign beings of the sea.

Please act now.