GEOJE—Police have initiated an investigation into the deaths of two dolphins at a theme park in Geoje, following allegations of mistreatment. The investigation was launched after the marine environmental group Hot Pink Dolphins filed a complaint concerning the deaths of the dolphins, named July and Nova, at Geoje Sea World, located 331 kilometers southeast of Seoul.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the dolphins, which were ill and under treatment, were allegedly forced to perform in a show, leading to their deaths three days apart in February.
Following the incident, local government officials, the fisheries ministry, and a basin environmental office conducted a joint inspection of the theme park. They concluded that improvements were necessary in managing water temperature, diet, and hygiene. The law prohibits negligence towards animals or marine life, such as withholding food or water without just cause or failing to provide care when they are ill. A local official mentioned that while there are indications of possible animal abuse, the lack of clear causality complicates the ability to take definitive administrative actions. Authorities plan to consult legal experts and review records from the theme park to establish the sequence of events leading to the dolphins' deaths.
Police are now examining whether there were any violations of the law based on the filed complaint.