Ocean Park Hong Kong Faces Protests Over Resumed Dolphin Shows
Hong Kong’s Ocean park is once again at the center of controversy as animal rights activists protest the resumption of dolphin performances. Demonstrators allege the park has reneged on a 2020 commitment to discontinue the shows, raising concerns about animal welfare and ethical treatment.
PETA Asia Leads Demonstrations
Supporters of PETA Asia staged a protest outside Ocean Park on Tuesday, August 20, 2025, mimicking dolphin performances to highlight what they describe as the animals’ forced entertainment. Protesters, some dressed as Ocean Park’s mascot “Waiwai,” performed exaggerated jumps and gestures to illustrate the unnatural behaviors demanded of the dolphins.
The demonstrations were sparked by a recent video posted on Ocean Park’s Instagram page announcing a collaboration with stage actor Liang Zuyao to create new “interactive” sessions featuring the dolphins. PETA argues these sessions involve compelling the marine mammals to perform tricks for human amusement.
“Human actors can choose to perform at Ocean Park, but dolphins and other marine animals are left with no choice,” stated a PETA representative. ”PETA calls on Ocean Park to earnestly fulfill their commitment to cancel these animal cruelty performances.”
Park’s Previous Pledge and Current Stance
Ocean Park initially announced in 2020 its intention to phase out dolphin performances, a decision hailed by animal welfare organizations at the time.However, the park now defends the current shows as educational opportunities promoting environmental protection. Critics, like Roni, a concerned citizen, argue this is a deceptive tactic. “They are currently playing four games a day, and the content says that dolphins advocate environmental protection facts. in fact, it is just a cover and packaging,” Roni explained.
PETA also points to a growing global trend against keeping dolphins in captivity for entertainment. Several countries, including Canada, Costa Rica, Chile, India, and Mexico, have implemented regulations prohibiting or restricting the practice.
Did You Know? The ocean is the largest source of oxygen on Earth, producing approximately half of the planet’s oxygen [[2]].
Concerns Over Animal Welfare
Activists express concern that the complex maneuvers-including 360-degree rolls, graceful water walking, and high jumps-are stressful and unnatural for dolphins. They argue that these performances prioritize entertainment over the animals’ well-being. PETA has offered to assist Ocean Park in transferring the dolphins to seaside sanctuaries where they can live in a more natural habitat.
Pro Tip: Supporting accredited aquariums and marine conservation organizations is a proactive way to contribute to the well-being of marine life.
Liang Zuyao, the stage actor collaborating with Ocean Park, has not yet publicly commented on the controversy.
Ocean park’s Dolphin Performance Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Ocean park announces plans to phase out dolphin performances. |
| August 20, 2025 | PETA Asia stages protest against resumed dolphin shows. |
| Recent | Ocean Park releases video featuring new “interactive” sessions with dolphins. |
what are your thoughts on keeping marine mammals in captivity for entertainment? Do you believe Ocean Park should uphold its 2020 pledge?
The Broader Context of Marine Mammal welfare
The debate surrounding Ocean Park’s dolphin performances reflects a larger global conversation about the ethics of keeping marine mammals in captivity. Concerns center on the psychological and physical stress experienced by these bright creatures in confined environments. The natural range of a dolphin can span hundreds of miles, and their complex social structures are often disrupted in captivity [[1]]. Increasingly, conservation efforts are focusing on protecting marine habitats and promoting responsible ecotourism as alternatives to captive animal displays.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ocean Park and Dolphin welfare
- What is PETA’s primary concern regarding Ocean Park’s dolphin shows? PETA believes the shows constitute animal cruelty and that the dolphins are forced to perform unnatural behaviors for entertainment.
- Did Ocean Park previously commit to ending dolphin performances? Yes, Ocean Park announced in 2020 its intention to phase out dolphin shows.
- What is Ocean Park’s current justification for continuing the performances? The park claims the shows are now educational and promote environmental protection.
- Are there other countries that have restricted dolphin captivity? Yes, Canada, Costa Rica, Chile, India, and Mexico have implemented regulations against keeping dolphins in captivity for entertainment.
- What is a marine sanctuary? A marine sanctuary is a protected area where marine animals can live in a more natural environment with minimal human interference.
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