Zoo Duisburg condemns activist intrusion during dolphin show

On 26 July, three activists (two men and a woman) entered the dolphin pool at Zoo Duisburg during a scheduled show, holding protest signs and wearing neoprene suits. Zoo staff quickly moved the dolphins to a rear area and halted the performance. Police were called, arrived shortly thereafter, and escorted the activists off the premises. The zoo’s director, Astrid Stewin, said the intrusion endangered the animals, warning that pathogens could be introduced from the wetsuits, and stated the zoo has “no understanding” for actions that risk animal health. The activists, linked to the group Freedom for Dolphins and Whales, have been charged with trespassing and animal‑cruelty offences. The zoo reported that the dolphins appear healthy, with no behavioral changes observed, and water samples are being analysed. Similar protests have occurred at the Duisburg dolphinarium in May 2023 and August 2022, but zoo officials emphasize that the animals were safely secured each time.