Kolmården Zoo Faces Criticism Over ‘Enrichment’ Methods Resulting in Dolphin’s Death

Báo cáo khám nghiệm tử thi cho thấy Nephele, con cá heo già nhất tại Vườn thú Kolmården của Thụy Điển, đã chết sau khi không thở được do rong biển nhân tạo mắc vào cổ họng (Ảnh chụp)

Kolmården Zoo, located in Sweden, is currently under scrutiny following an incident that resulted in the death of one of its dolphins. The zoo’s enrichment program, designed to enhance the well-being and mental stimulation of its animals, has come under fire after it was linked to the unfortunate demise of the marine mammal.

rong biển nhân tạo, sau đó đã được loại bỏ khỏi khu vực bao vây, đã được thêm vào để 'làm giàu môi trường' (Ảnh chụp)

Enrichment activities are commonly used in zoos worldwide to provide animals with opportunities to engage in natural behaviors, thus improving their overall quality of life. However, the recent incident at Kolmården Zoo has raised concerns about the safety and appropriateness of these enrichment methods.

Details surrounding the dolphin’s death remain limited, but reports suggest that the animal may have become entangled in some form of enrichment equipment, leading to its tragic end. Animal welfare advocates and concerned individuals have called for a thorough investigation into the incident to determine the exact circumstances and prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Theo người sáng lập nhóm bảo vệ quyền động vật Thụy Điển Animalkind, Daniel Rolke, Nephele là một trong hai con cá heo được nhập khẩu gây tranh cãi từ Đức (Ảnh chụp)

In response to the public outcry, Kolmården Zoo has expressed its deep regret over the incident and has vowed to review its enrichment protocols to ensure the safety of its animals. The zoo has also stated its commitment to working closely with experts in animal behavior and welfare to implement changes that prioritize the well-being of its inhabitants.

Vườn thú Kolmården, nơi chỉ tính phí 50 Krona (3,81 bảng Anh) cho các buổi biểu diễn cá heo, vẫn còn 11 con cá heo khác trong khu vực bao quanh, mặc dù hứa sẽ đóng cửa nó vào năm 2021 (Ảnh chụp)

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper oversight and evaluation when implementing enrichment programs in zoological facilities. While these programs aim to benefit animals, it is crucial that they are executed with the utmost care and consideration for the safety and welfare of the animals involved.

As the investigation into the dolphin’s death continues, the global community awaits further updates and hopes that lessons learned from this tragedy will lead to improved practices and standards across the zoo industry.