ZooParc de Beauval cancels dolphin rescue center project

ZooParc de Beauval has announced the cancellation of its ambitious project to create a scientific research and rescue center for dolphins. The facility was intended to house approximately 25 dolphins, including those from the closed Marineland d'Antibes and Planète Sauvage.

Rodolphe Delord, CEO of ZooParc de Beauval, cited several critical factors for the decision. These include a significant increase in projected construction costs, rising from an initial 25–30 million euros to an estimated 45 million euros, as well as legal challenges and a lack of government commitment regarding state funding guarantees.

The project had faced opposition from various animal rights organizations, such as One Voice and C’est Assez!, which filed legal appeals against the plan. The uncertainty regarding the future of the dolphins remains high following the closure of Marineland in early 2025.