Animal Liberation Malta said it is saddened by the news of Dana the sea lion that died at Mediterraneano Marine Park.

The news of the sea lion’s death was given by the park.

“We are saddened by the fact that Dana lived a life of confinement for 26 years and was freed from this only after she succumbed to her illness and died,” the NGO said.

The park’s PRhighlighted the fact that Dana has lived for 26 years under their care; however, they fail to describe the quality of life that this South American lion had.

Dana has lived most her life in a small 2m deep pool without being able to swim for 40km/hr and without being able to hunt for her own food, the group said.

Instead, she had to involuntarily participate in shows and interaction with humans for repetitive 15-minute sessions throughout the day. She was also used as a prop for photos against payment.

Dana arrived in 1997 in the park along with several other sea lions including a 3-month-old pup. We are unaware how many sea lions have died over this span of time. Unfortunately, as is the case for the dolphins which died last year, the only way out of the park is death!

Furthermore until recently, there was no shade provided for the main pool of the sea lions and according to the 2003 report done by BDMLR and CETFREE “No shade with approximately two metres deep of water in temperatures that reach an average of 36 degrees Celsius in the hotter months is definitely unacceptable”.

In 2011 an investigation done by Born Free Foundation concluded that the natural behaviours were compromised or prevented and minimal opportunities existed for the animals to escape the high temperatures, and in general the animals were forced to inhabit a ‘predictable’ captive environment without necessary environmental enrichment.

We ask if all the recommendations that were issued last year by the Commissioner for Animal Welfare after the death of three dolphins have been implemented, the NGO said

"We are advised that the facilities (pools) at Mediterraneano Marine Park, which were built years ago are now below the minimum standards of the association of dolphinariums to which Mediterraneao forms part. In light of this, we ask the authorities NOT to issue any permits allowing Mediterraneano to bring in new animals, this includes sea lions, dolphins or any other animals, even if captive bred".

The NGO said there are many options on how to appreciate animals in an ethical and educational manner that do not involve visiting zoos.