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The Best Slavic Dolphinariums To Visit This Summer

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Animal rights activists will always argue that dolphinariums and any type of zoo-like structures have only one purpose in this life and it’s to mistreat their residents with unnecessary cruelty. That, however, is not the case with every single facility on the planet.

It’s true that dolphins and other creatures are being held in captivity, but their enclosures are often the safe haven they’ve found after being rescued and nourished back to health by the staff. Qualified trainers, biologists and caretakers in high end dolphinariums work day and night in order to provide the best living conditions, diet and healthcare for the mammals and other animals residing inside. Moreover, these qualified staff members are always at your disposal during a dolphinarium’s working hours and are willing to teach youngsters and adults alike about the essential importance of treating any living thing with utmost devotion.

The facilities are child-friendly and the staff will always share interesting facts about the dietary requirements, complex anatomy and curious behavior of the wondrous inhabitants. All in all, not all dolphinariums are the same and most of them actually strive towards providing proper healthcare while also serving an educational (and entertaining, of course) purpose.

Riviera Dolphinarium (Sochi, Russia)

The Riviera Dolphinarium situated in the famous resort town Sochi is among the largest ones in all of Russia. Due to its popularity, it’s open all week long and the water shows are truly worth it, but they aren’t the reason why the Riviera is so special. What makes it truly unique is the dolphin therapy program it’s offering. Enrolment is open to children, as well as to older visitors. The program focuses on promoting physical and mental health in disabled, troubled and problematic kids and adults through the instructive, healing and comforting relationships dolphins can form with human beings. Despite the fact that equestrian, canine and feline therapy is more widespread than dolphin therapy, that doesn’t make the latter one less effective or less rewarding.

Nemo (Odessa, Ukraine)

Ukraine is packed with dolphinariums, most of which carry the universal (and quite suitable) name Nemo. The one in Odessa is the very first dolphinarium in Ukraine to have a baby dolphin born on its territory. Nemo’s staff offers a brilliant program for children aged 4-14 called Become A Young Dolphin Trainer. It’s basically a 5-day course for your child with several dolphins and a special psychologist who is a certified dolphin trainer. Throughout the course the kid will learn responsibility, accountability, teamwork and other cognitive skills which need to be developed at a young age. It’s an outstanding way for the child to learn the essentials of morals and humanism while having fun with the amiable marine mammals.

Delfinariu (Constanta, Romania)

Operating since the early 70s of the 20th century the Delfinariu in Constanta was the first to open its doors in Romania and in all of Southeastern Europe. Through the years it has served as the home of several dolphin species, South Atlantic seals and a notably vast population of shellfish creatures. There’s also a planetarium and a specialized screening area where visitors are shown educational documentaries both indoors and outdoors completely free of charge. Last, but not least, there’s also a horse riding base nearby with over a dozen horses from varied races, including a stumpy pony.

Festa Dolphinarium (Varna, Bulgaria)

Unlike the seals kept in many other dolphinariums across the globe, the ones in the Festa Dolphinarium in Bulgaria don’t participate in any shows. Attendants are allowed to watch them and if the seals are feeling particularly playful, to take a photo with them. During working hours visitors can relax at the coffee shop where they can either sit on the panoramic terrace that offers a lovely view of Varna’s bay or sit by the huge transparent walls of one of the enclosures and see the Black Sea-native dolphins go about their typical underwater business.

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Written by Yanna N.

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