In 1998, we received from a group of Dutch dolphin defenders some quite interesting informations concerning Harderwijck facilities.
Reading this text, Harderwijck Dolfinarium seems above all to be an overcrowed breeding farm (with improved receiving conditions and rehabilitation activities) but surely not a right place for a 30 years "old" she-dolphin, already exhausted by a long-term captivity. Although, it was the firt decision of Antwerp's Zoo to send her there, before we launch our final campaign in 1997-1998.

" We did not know Dr. Ron Kastelein (the research biologist in Harderwijk) was involved with NATO. But we do know he has close relationships with Sea world.

Harderwijk has two types of housings.

One are the old fashioned concrete pools in which we think still 5 dolphins are kept.

Secondly, they opened last year a relatively large lagoon.
This contains seawater, fish, rocks to hide behind and to our latest knowledge, 12 or 13 dolphins (including young ones : this year three were born, the last one in the beginning of this month).

Its dimensions and qualities are a huge improvement compared to the old housings, but still it is better not to keep dolphins.

Both dolphin populations are used for a show.
The one with the concrete basin dolphins for a Seaworld-copied show, which cinically includes the Free Willy music during the show.

The major problem we have with the Dolphinarium is of course that the animals in the concrete basin show stereotypic behaviour, that the young ones do not survive and that they full depend on man to provide some distraction of the boring environment.

Furthermore, the housing does not allow their normal locomotion and neglects their intrinsic value.
What are the behaviours of the dolphins and survival of the young in the lagoon, we do not know.

However both housings suffer from the fact that the dolphins are not alllowed to choose their own partners to isolate with, give birth and swim with.

The lagoon is intended not only for an improved housing, but also for breeding.
In particular, they want to breed with Sea world dolphins.
We wonder therefore what housing will be the one for the Atwerp she-dolphin.

We must also add that Harderwijk is for several years busy with the saving of porpoises and different kinds of dolphins which are stranded.

These animals are returned to the sea whenever they are healthy again and show in a pre-release site in the sea (Oosterschelde) normal behaviour (feeding etc.).

We would therefore suggest that Harderwijk should be the place where the dolphins go to, but only if they are tested for a renewed release into the sea and a factual release if they are suitable."

Extracts : 

Special Programmes

Take part in one of the Dolfinarium’s special programmes:
For example ‘Follow the Trainer’ .Children and parents can see for themselves how trainers have developed a special relationship with their dolphins. Dates given on request.
(NLG 12.50 excl. entry fee)
During the programme ‘Dolphins’, children get to meet and play with the dolphins. Held several times a year. For children aged 4 to 11. ( NLG 13.50 excl. entry fee).
‘Dreaming the night away in The Lagune’ is a programme specially for children. They can stay the night in the underwater room at the Lagune. The next morning they wake up surrounded by dolphins. For children aged 8 to 11. (NLG 125.- , 3 times a year)