Sarkanniemi Theme Park
Sarkanniemi Theme Park
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About
Spin, swing, swoosh and splash! Sarkanniemi is home to over 30 rides that provide fun for visitors of any age. There are also many other popular attractions, such as Doghill Fairytale Farm, Planetarium, Aquarium and Tampere’s pride Nasinneula Observation Tower. We welcome all fun lovers, gourmets, thrill seekers, animal enthusiasts and culture fans! Sarkanniemi is more than an amusement park.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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462 reviews
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Mizu1993
Tampere, Finland404 contributions
Jun 2022
1. English! Särkäniemi is a theme park, therefore it is a tourist attraction, therefore it would be quite necessary to write things in English. The whole info paper is in finnish, all menu lists are in finnish, even hygenic rules are only in finnish! Staff can speak english though.
2. Employees. Good lord, the employees there. I haven't seen so unmotivated employees in a long time. You can see in their face that they do not like to work there. One station for kids, was closed for hours, reason: They are on a break. Are you on break for 2 hours? Only one employee was amazing and I could see that he really loved to see children smile. He himself smiled a lot and was very friendly. I don't know if the employees change the station, but it was at the rekkaralli and his name is Jussi, Huge thumbs up for this guy.
3. Tickets. The next thing where I can say, oh lord. We were probably just unlucky, we were first time there, didn't know how everything works, but it seems like that the staff didn't know either. We were 3 adults and 1 child, 1 baby. Only the adults got wristbands, but our child didn't. Because it was first time, we thought that this is normal and we already were at the stations. Then we heard, that the child needs a wristband too. It was such a big hassle to get a child wristband, employees called each other and didn't know what to do. It took 25 min to figure this out and get a child wristband.
4. If your child is under 100cm there is nothing for you to do there and that is a bit sad. Nothing for really small ones.
2. Employees. Good lord, the employees there. I haven't seen so unmotivated employees in a long time. You can see in their face that they do not like to work there. One station for kids, was closed for hours, reason: They are on a break. Are you on break for 2 hours? Only one employee was amazing and I could see that he really loved to see children smile. He himself smiled a lot and was very friendly. I don't know if the employees change the station, but it was at the rekkaralli and his name is Jussi, Huge thumbs up for this guy.
3. Tickets. The next thing where I can say, oh lord. We were probably just unlucky, we were first time there, didn't know how everything works, but it seems like that the staff didn't know either. We were 3 adults and 1 child, 1 baby. Only the adults got wristbands, but our child didn't. Because it was first time, we thought that this is normal and we already were at the stations. Then we heard, that the child needs a wristband too. It was such a big hassle to get a child wristband, employees called each other and didn't know what to do. It took 25 min to figure this out and get a child wristband.
4. If your child is under 100cm there is nothing for you to do there and that is a bit sad. Nothing for really small ones.
Written June 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chandrashekar S
Chennai (Madras), India52 contributions
Jul 2021
One of the best theme parks in Finland! There are good amount of rides for children (100m and above in height) with good options for adults too and many options to eat with. We did not have time to visit the aquarium and the petting zoo but heard they are good too.
Would suggest that you take the unlimited ride pass
Would suggest that you take the unlimited ride pass
Written July 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Miranda H
Helsinki, Finland41 contributions
Jul 2013 • Friends
Couple rides are fun even though they are not thrill rides. The one I liked is a roller coaster called "Motogee" where you are sitting on a motorbike and it's going pretty fast. Then there is a huge snowboard called "Half pipe", which you should definitely try. People say a roller coaster called "Tornado" is a lot of fun but I think it's just average. The water rides are fun and you will get wet!
Angry birds land is only for small children and we just walked through it. "Koiramäki" is a cute little village with a nice cafe and a lot of animals. It's based on the stories of a finnish writer.
And then there is dolphinarium where you can go see a dolphin show, which is good for both children and adults.
Go immediately when it opens and you can run through everything since there are no lines.
Angry birds land is only for small children and we just walked through it. "Koiramäki" is a cute little village with a nice cafe and a lot of animals. It's based on the stories of a finnish writer.
And then there is dolphinarium where you can go see a dolphin show, which is good for both children and adults.
Go immediately when it opens and you can run through everything since there are no lines.
Written July 11, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JaniOo
Tampere, Finland89 contributions
May 2012 • Family
The new Angry Birds Land is great addition to Särkänniemi. I think it is mainly targeted for young kids, there is for example a big playground where at least our kids really enjoyed. There are also couple of big touch displays where you can play Angry Birds!
Other than the new Angry Birds Land there are of course still all rides from earlier years. Personally I really enjoy Tornado roller coaster, It gives smooth nice exiting ride. Even the park is not that big as many huge international amusement parks I think it is offering quite well fun for everyone regardless of the age.
Besides rides there also is kids zoo, small aquarium, dolphinarium where dolphins present their skills, planetarium, Näsinneula observation tower and even small Art Museum. So you can easily spent at least one day there.
Other than the new Angry Birds Land there are of course still all rides from earlier years. Personally I really enjoy Tornado roller coaster, It gives smooth nice exiting ride. Even the park is not that big as many huge international amusement parks I think it is offering quite well fun for everyone regardless of the age.
Besides rides there also is kids zoo, small aquarium, dolphinarium where dolphins present their skills, planetarium, Näsinneula observation tower and even small Art Museum. So you can easily spent at least one day there.
Written May 2, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Antti Mäkelä
1 contribution
Aug 2019
I don't recommend Särkänniemi to anyone with small kids. You will not get value for the money. We had a bad day there with our 3 year old son, for whom we had to pay 42 euros bracelet based on age, but because of his height 98 cm, he could not access most of the rides even with adult (yes, we paid also 47 for adult bracelet) with him. Prices are insane (what about parking fee 15 euros in addition to everything else?), and with small kids you don't really get anything.
The worst thing is their reclaim handling. We submitted a reclaim, not to demand anything, but to suggest to improve their marketing to focus out of whole family park concept which it clearly isn't. They did not answer until we contacted them by different channels a week later. And their response was in short, that they are right, all this is in terms, conditions and park rules. Oh yes, they are right, we already knew that, but is this the way they suppose to turn negative customer experience to positive which nowadays is the thing that you should do in service business? I don't think so, and they should go and learn how to improve their customer service in generally.
The worst thing is their reclaim handling. We submitted a reclaim, not to demand anything, but to suggest to improve their marketing to focus out of whole family park concept which it clearly isn't. They did not answer until we contacted them by different channels a week later. And their response was in short, that they are right, all this is in terms, conditions and park rules. Oh yes, they are right, we already knew that, but is this the way they suppose to turn negative customer experience to positive which nowadays is the thing that you should do in service business? I don't think so, and they should go and learn how to improve their customer service in generally.
Written August 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Riikka
Southern Finland, Finland37 contributions
Jul 2017 • Family
Visited the park on a sunny Saturday. Hit a 15 min queue at the front gate. After that the only queue was to the new roller coaster Hype: enjoyable, scarry but smooth ride. Other favourite rides: Tornado, Log river (got soaked) and Rapids Ride (did not get wet). Needed a longer break after X. If in doubt, save it to the last.
Doghill petting zoo is still adorable. We did not try the fancier restaurants but found gluten free veggie burger that was top quality.
Doghill petting zoo is still adorable. We did not try the fancier restaurants but found gluten free veggie burger that was top quality.
Written August 9, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MichaelPurves
Dunbar, UK20 contributions
Jul 2012 • Family
A super place to spend the day- lots of really great rides for all ages, from very young children who can easily spend an hour or two in the Angry Birds section, to the older "kids" who have a pretty good selection of rides to choose from too. My son and I particularly enjoyed The Tornado, and tried it several times. It's a super-fast roller-coaster ride that is guaranteed to leave you breathless!
But there's lots more to Sarkanniemi than just the rides. The children's zoo is very well spread out, clean and has a wide variety of animals to spend a bit of time with. The Näsinneula Observation Tower- the highest in the Nordic countries, is a fantastic viewing place, with a very nice cafe to enjoy a leisurely coffee and cake in- and the lift rockets you up to the top in only around 10 seconds! There's the dolphin shows that take place several times throughout the day, the Planetarium and a really lovely art museum as well- so it's easy to fill your day. Added to all this, there are a multitude of options for eating- and many of them are very reasonably priced too. And, the best thing of all is that it never seems too busy- there's no long waits to get on rides, or to see things- it all flows pretty smoothly.
One thing's for sure- you and the kids will all leave feeling like you've had your money's worth, despite the fairly hefty entry fee. (To be honest, I thought it was MUCH better value than Legoland in Denmark, which we visited a couple of years ago, and which was a complete rip-off.)
But there's lots more to Sarkanniemi than just the rides. The children's zoo is very well spread out, clean and has a wide variety of animals to spend a bit of time with. The Näsinneula Observation Tower- the highest in the Nordic countries, is a fantastic viewing place, with a very nice cafe to enjoy a leisurely coffee and cake in- and the lift rockets you up to the top in only around 10 seconds! There's the dolphin shows that take place several times throughout the day, the Planetarium and a really lovely art museum as well- so it's easy to fill your day. Added to all this, there are a multitude of options for eating- and many of them are very reasonably priced too. And, the best thing of all is that it never seems too busy- there's no long waits to get on rides, or to see things- it all flows pretty smoothly.
One thing's for sure- you and the kids will all leave feeling like you've had your money's worth, despite the fairly hefty entry fee. (To be honest, I thought it was MUCH better value than Legoland in Denmark, which we visited a couple of years ago, and which was a complete rip-off.)
Written August 14, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travel-Well100
Europe27 contributions
Aug 2012 • Family
Lots of rides for all sorts, from tots to crazy types after literally some of the best roller-coaster derivatives you can get. Tampere is certainly punching above is weight here. Great views from the tower, many food options, fairground-style games, a very good dolhin show (I'm a bit undecided ethically, but the dolphins seem happy and in good health, and the shows are excellent), a modern art museum with pieces from names like Bacon and Moore, great aqaurium, souveniers, etc. Oh, and a baby animal zoo. I didn't catch the theatre this year, but last year's was excellent.
To sum up, there's something for the whole family and all types here. Best to pay extra for a quick pass if there's a thrilling ride you have your eye on and for the dolphins if you want a good seat (quick pass que around the back of the building for dolphins, badly signposted).
To sum up, there's something for the whole family and all types here. Best to pay extra for a quick pass if there's a thrilling ride you have your eye on and for the dolphins if you want a good seat (quick pass que around the back of the building for dolphins, badly signposted).
Written August 12, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ferginkii
Edinburgh, UK50 contributions
Jul 2012 • Family
We baulked at the price of entrance initially but were there till 8 in the evening having arrived about 11 and the cost of entry includes not just all the rides in the theme park but the Observation Tower which offers incredible views and well worth a visit; the Delphinarium, the Planetarium and a really well presented Aquarium which we found more attractive than we initially thought. It is well set out and we were impressed that none of it seemed 'tacky'. We were there with an 11 year old and an 8 year old and they loved it!
Written August 5, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gina Lucrezia O... H
Rome, Italy68 contributions
Jun 2011
We came here with the intention of going up to the observation tower to see the city from above. The walk from the center where our Hotel was, was quite long but worth the trouble. The entrance to the park, which includes unlimited rides was surprisingly expensive 40 euros/per person?, so we opted for the Observation tower only- price being 10 Euros per adult. This was quite expensive considering it meant nothing but an elevator ride up to the top of the tower.The elevator speeds up to the top in less than 60 seconds. The view however, was nice, you can walk around and see the area at 360 degrees angle. We wanted to have dinner at the top floor restaurant, and walked up the floor to speak with their staff. The lady was very unfriendly and said that there were no tables available and sent us away. We had some drinks at the bar at the observation level where prices were very decent.
Written July 21, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
burgera647
Barham, Australia
Are the rides open during the Christmas period?
Written September 25, 2019
It is midwinter, so it is closed. The season is from May to September based on information found from their web site (by the way not found from "opening hours" which would be obvious place to find out, but instead from page where they sell seasonal cards. Tells something about their attention to customer friendliness..)
Written September 25, 2019
Single entry access to dog farm is at 15.90€ and aquarium is at 12.90€. if u r going to both getting the attraction pass at 26€ will be more worth it. it will grant you access to the 2 attractions + planetarium + the observation tower.
Pls note that the attraction pass was specially issued to us so I am not sure if they are still issuing it when you are going but you can always ask at the counter.
Hope you have great fun at the park!
Written July 31, 2018
svetlanaijas
Lappeenranta, Finland
А можно где нибудь не далеко от парка остановиться с ночевкой?
Written June 13, 2017
How do you justify stopping the showbiz by moving the dolphins in secret to a Greek aquapark where they will continue their showbiz career in an environment strange to them?
Written August 28, 2016
Särkänniemi
Tampere, Finland
Here are facts and answers to all FAQ:
Why didn’t you inform the public about the transfer beforehand?
Discussions had with authorities beforehand convinced Särkänniemi that the focus in the transfer process should be in the operative process and human and animal safety. Good connections with the local police authorities made sure that in the end the transfer was executed the best way possible for the animals and with no external disturbance.
Why Attica Zoological Park?
Attica Zoological Park was chosen as the animals’ new home because the European endangered species protection program EEP gave the park its highest recommendation, and this recommendation also binds Särkänniemi.
Särkänniemi researched every possible alternative for the dolphins’ new home. In addition to other dolphinariums, natural water sanctuaries and “dolphin retirement home” projects were taken into consideration. Unfortunately all of these projects were only on the drawing board, and held no promise of concrete progress in the near future. Särkänniemi researched projects both inside and outside of Europe. Attica Zoological Park was the best option out of many alternatives and is committed to the wellbeing of the animals.
How were you certain that Attica Zoological Park was suitable for the dolphins?
Särkänniemi’s veterinarian, dolphin trainer and CEO visited the park in summer 2016. Additionally, Särkänniemi had an affirming statement of the park from an international dolphin transfer expert.
The transfer was prepared by Särkänniemi Dolphinarium’s veterinarians and trainers, who know these animals the best. The staff in charge of the operation was constantly in contact with local and international experts and animal welfare organizations. Särkänniemi trusts that these parties represent the best expertise available, and firmly believes them to make the right choices in this matter.
EAAM (European Association for Aquatic Mammals) has run a quality check at Attica Zoological Park and given it its mark of acceptance and accreditation.
Why couldn’t the dolphins stay in Särkänniemi? Isn’t Särkänniemi obligated to provide an elderly home for the dolphins at Tampere?
Dolphins are gregarious animals, so they couldn’t be left into a shrinking pod where inevitably there would be only one elderly dolphin left. Creating an elderly home would have required Särkänniemi to bring new dolphins to the park.
Until now there has been discussions that these animals deserve a chance to see sunlight and preferably the ocean. Transferring the animals into a sea sanctum would have been too great of a risk, since Särkänniemi’s pools don’t have the same bacteria as in the ocean, and transferring the animals straight into a sea sanctuary would have required Särkänniemi to make adaptations that were not possible, e.g. using natural sea water in their pools. Very thorough research was done with experts about this option.
How do you make sure the animals are doing well in Attica Zoological Park?
Särkänniemi’s trainers are at Attica Zoological Park to ensure the animals are adapting well. Attica’s animal care and veterinarian units are committed to the animals’ wellbeing. The animals are outside where people can see them, but will only re-enact their natural behaviors in educational presentations. Särkänniemi and Attica Zoological Park will continue their communication regarding the dolphins, but the responsibility for the animals is now transferred to Attica Zoological Park.
Many dolphins have died at Attica Zoological Park. Doesn’t that concern you?
Attica Zoological Park has reported 5 dolphin deaths since its establishment. Four of the deaths have been calf mortalities, which are unfortunately very common in both nature and under human care. 15 calfs and 3 adults have died at Särkänniemi.
Is it possible that the animals could be transferred to a sea sanctuary later?
The responsibility for the animals has been transferred to Attica Zoological Park, and in the future they will make all the decisions regarding the dolphins. Now that the animals have been moved to Greece, a transfer to a sea sanctuary in the future could now be possible through a long adaptation process. Transferring the animals straight into a sea sanctuary from Särkänniemi would have required Särkänniemi to make adaptations that were not possible, e.g. using natural sea water in their pools. This conclusion was reached with experts.
Were the animals sold to Attica Park? How are you sure that the animals are not sold again in the future?
The relocation of the animals to Attica Zoological Park was gratuitous, meaning that neither party benefitted from the transfer financially.
This was a normal animal transfer between cetacean hosting facilities, which is overseen by authorities and experts. A new transfer would only be possible in a situation where the animals’ welfare required it.
Was the decision to close the Särkänniemi Dolphinarium too rash?
The decision to close the Dolphinarium has been in discussion for years, and before the closing many other options and alternatives were researched. When Särkänniemi decided it would close the Dolphinarium, the decision was based on a vast study about the dolphins’ future issued by the governing board, and EEP’s reassurance that the animals would find a new home from within Europe. Särkänniemi had the knowledge that a dolphinarium filling all criteria would be found. Additionally, Särkänniemi wanted to see if a sea sanctuary would be a real option for the dolphins. The company’s decisions have been, and still are, based on thorough research where animal experts’ views are held to the highest regard.
What was the most pressing reason for closing the Dolphinarium?
Even though the Dolphinarium still has its fans, and knowing how important these dolphins are to many customers and especially their trainers, attitudes towards keeping dolphins in captivity have changed. Särkänniemi was also in a situation where keeping the Dolphinarium running would have required bringing in more dolphins, and therefore it would have needed to continue its dolphinarium business for decades.
There has been suspicion that the animals can’t handle the transfer and can’t adjust to their new home. How can you be certain that the animals will be fine?
Transferring animals and bringing them to a new environment always involves risks, and something unexpected could happen. According to experts the transfer was possible and all-but-necessary according to EEP’s ruling.
Are the animals now victims of Särkänniemi’s search for the highest profit?
When the decision was made to close the dolphinarium it was decided that Särkänniemi would search the best place for the animals to live. Särkänniemi did not want to sell the animals for profit.
Did you consider putting the animals down?
This option has been discussed a lot in public, but it was never an option according to veterinarians and other experts. From the beginning Särkänniemi wanted to find a new place for the dolphins which would best suit their needs. All research was made based on this decision.
How much keeping the animals would have cost to Särkänniemi? How much would the city of Tampere have paid for the upkeep of the Dolphinarium?
Keeping the animals cost Särkänniemi circa 1.5 million euros a year, and to keep the animals at Särkänniemi until the end would have been a continuous project for decades to come. In addition to this, keeping the pod healthy would have required us to bring in more dolphins.
Tampereen Särkänniemi Oy pays its own investments and expenses, and provides its owner, city if Tampere, with annual dividends.
Has Särkänniemi’s reputation suffered from this commotion?
The transfer process has gained a lot of publicity and also caused impatience and misunderstandings, which is understandable.
What and who are those experts, organizations and veterinarians whose opinions the selection of Attica Zoological Park is based on?
The Species Committee of cetaceans of the European Endangered Species conservation programme (EEP) has given its binding recommendation of the facility. The recommendation is based on a unanimous view of the members of the committee. This species committee holds the best and most comprehensive international expertise of all Europe’s marine mammal parks, their circumstances, animal transfers and animal re-introduction to different pod compositions and living environments.
The species committee consists of dolphin veterinarians and dolphin experts, and its acting chairman is Niels Van Elk, a highly experienced marine mammal veterinarian. The species committee guides and oversees marine mammal park operation and animal transfers.
Attica Zoological Park is accredited by Europe’s EAAM. EAAM has highlighted that they fully trust EEP’s ruling in the matter.
Attica Zoological Park’s marine mammal curator Robert Gojceta has, together with the park’s veterinarian and park’s leader Rudy Rallis, provided us with a statement which describes the dolphins’ living facilities, introduction of the staff and expert resources and also a plan for the dolphins’ adjustment phase.
Highly experienced international marine mammal veterinarian Andrew Greenwood, who knows both Attica Zoological Park’s animals and facilities and Särkänniemi’s animals, has stated that the transfer is the best option for the dolphins.
Who can I contact to ask, from a veterinary medicine point of view, about Attica’s facilities and transfer decision?
The living conditions and facilities at Attica Zoological Park and the adjustment process at the dolphinarium can best be described by its own veterinarian and/or international marine mammal veterinarians Andrew Greenwood and Tania Monreal Pawlowsky used for consultation by Attica Zoological Park.
Questions regarding the selection of Attica Zoological Park as the transfer destination is best answered by EEP programme’s coordinator and the species committee’s chairman, marine mammal veterinarian and marine mammal biologist Niels Van Elk.
Are these veterinarians impartial?
All leading European marine mammal experts are/have been connected in some way with marine mammal parks and therefore are also connected to EEP. But precisely for this reason they are the best experts; marine mammal parks give them an opportunity to observe and immerse themselves with the animals’ species-typical behavior. However, EEP remains impartial while issuing statements.
How were you prepared for the risks involving the transfer?
Transferring animals and bringing them to a new environment always involves risks, regardless of the location. Särkänniemi has done a thorough and vast risk assessment and is prepared to deal with any surfacing issue with the help of international experts.
a) Risks involving the transfer
Särkänniemi was fortunate to receive help from a highly experienced animal transfer expert to lead and help realize the transfer. The transfer preparations were carefully conducted for months. Transferring animals is always risky and very stressful for all animals and humans involved. These risks are not dependent on the location where the animals are transferred.
b) Risks involving new living conditions, e.g. facilities and water
Together with Attica Zoological Park’s staff Särkänniemi agreed on actions that would reduce the risks of the transfer. Särkänniemi has, for example, adjusted the animals to greater changes in water temperature and Attica Zoological Park has created a phase-to-phase plan to adjust the animals to their new environment. Särkänniemi has gone through the plans with Attica Zoological Park’s curator and an international marine mammal veterinarian, and reviewed all currently known details related to transfer and rehabilitation from a veterinary medicine point-of-view. Särkänniemi’s dolphin trainers and veterinarians are currently in Greece, helping the dolphins during the adjustment phase and, if deemed needed, will continue to stay at Attica Zoological Park to further help the dolphins.
c) Risks involving proposed inadequacy of staff and expertise
Attica Zoological Park has recently recruited more senior-level staff. Additionally, Attica Zoological Park has at its disposal the expertise of both international veterinarians and Särkänniemi’s staff. Attica Zoological Park must have protection programme EEP’s approval when making decisions regarding the animals transferred from Särkänniemi.
d) Risks involving the animals’ age and condition
According to veterinarians all Särkänniemi’s animals are in transfer condition.
It has been proposed that best place for the animals would be at Särkänniemi
The best short-term solution for the animals would be to not transfer them away from Särkänniemi. This is true regardless of the transfer location. However, in the long run the situation is different, because to ensure the wellbeing of the pod, Särkänniemi would have needed to bring in more dolphins very soon.
Should Veera have been put down due to her old age?
There are no medicinal reasons why Veera should have been put down. Veera is a healthy animal in good condition.
According to the professional ethics of veterinarians and Särkänniemi’s views the dolphins should not be put down unless there are medical reasons for it. This would mean a serious illness weakening the animal drastically or e.g. complications arising during the transfer process leading to the animal’s excessive suffering.
Why weren’t the risks involving the transfer and adaptation discussed publicly?
Risks have been studied and taken into consideration during the entire process whenever a risk has been identified. Transferring animals and bringing them to a new environment always involves risks, regardless of the location. The selection of Attica Zoological Park as the transfer location was never questioned by Särkänniemi’s acting management, and all decisions were based on EEP’s dolphin veterinarians and experts’ evaluation and accreditation of Attica Zoological Park’s facilities and staff capabilities.
Särkänniemi’s CEO, Särkänniemi Dolphinarium Supervisor and the Dolphinarium’s veterinarian visited Attica Zoological Park in June, 2016 to evaluate the location and have since discussed its suitability as the dolphins’ new home. Veterinarians associated with Särkänniemi have since made a series of critical observations related to e.g. pod composition, water temperature, insufficient staff and the lack of a computer elevated floor. All aforementioned deficiencies have been taken into consideration by creating a proper adaptation plan, adjusting the dolphins at Särkänniemi to greater changes in temperature and Attica Zoological Park hiring more senior-level staff and a computer elevated floor to one of their pools.
Is the pod composition abnormal at Attica Zoological Park?
The pod composition is an essential question. The pod at Attica Zoological Park will consist of one female and several males, which can lead to the animals behaving aggressively towards each other. This is impossible to predict beforehand. On the other hand, it is possible that the pods will merge without issues. Attica Zoological Park is committed to a successful merge and relies on their step-by-step plan to make the merge of the pods as risk-free as possible.
The pod at Särkänniemi also had one female with several males. Internal clashes within the pod and the formation of a hierarchy is species-specific behavior has also been seen at Särkänniemi. Having an all-male pod doesn’t mean a peaceful adaptation phase nor coexistence.
If necessary, the animals will be kept in separate pool areas to avoid possible aggression.
All marine mammal parks have different pod compositions so adaptation is needed always and everywhere. When new animals are added to the pod, a new hierarchy is always born.
So called normal pod consistency only exists in nature, where internal clashes and the formation of a hierarchy is independent from human control and influence.
What problems does the change of water temperature bring?
At Attica Zoological Park the water temperatures change with the seasons. When Särkänniemi’s Dolphinarium was still open the water temperature was kept at circa 20 degrees Celsius year-round. After the decision to close the Dolphinarium and when transfer location alternatives were discovered Särkänniemi began adjusting the dolphins to greater temperature changes. Starting from December 2015 the water temperature was gradually lowered and reached 15 degrees Celsius at its minimum. Respectively, in June and July 2016 the water was gradually heated up to 26 degrees Celsius. These changes in water temperature are very common in nature.
What do you want to say to people who are worried about the animals’ wellbeing?
At Attica Zoological Park Särkänniemi’s dolphins gain a bigger living space, real sunlight, new pod mates and a committed and professional staff to continue taking great care of them. This transfer was a great solution for the animals. With updates received from Attica Zoological Park Särkänniemi will continue to make sure that Veera, Delfi, Leevi and Eevertti are taken great care of.
I have seen headlines that Attica Zoological Park doesn’t have money to feed the animals. Will the dolphins starve?
During Greek’s financial crisis capital controls were enforced and international transfers were restricted. A part of the animals’ food at Attica Zoological Park is imported, so due to these imposed restrictions it would have become difficult to pay for the imported food. Lack of money was never an issue, the only difficulties came from restricted money transfers. Attica Zoological Park’s manager Jean Jacques Lesueur explained the issue to the ministry and gained a special permission to pay for the imported food well before the food would have actually ran out.
Attica Zoological Park’s owners have publicly stated that Veera and Delfi could be transferred elsewhere in the future. Is this possible?
Attica Zoological Park and Särkänniemi will maintain good levels of communication in the future, and Attica Zoological Park will refer to Särkänniemi when it comes to new decisions regarding the dolphins. All decisions must also be approved by the European endangered species protection program EEP. Permissions from officials are required to transfer the dolphins, and those are not granted without pressing reasons. A new transfer would only be possible in a situation where it would be the best solution for the animals.
Miten opetukselliset näytökset eroavat tavallisista delfiiniesityksistä? Miksi Attica Parkista löytyy delfiinien temppuvideoita?
At Attica Zoological Park the dolphins participate in educational presentations. The routine has changed over the years. The dolphins do not do any tricks and only natural behavior is encouraged. There is no music, no hoops and no balls, and the specific physiological characteristics of these animals, the threats in the wild, etc. are explained and presented to the public, along with sensitizing the public about the protection of the oceans. The dolphin trainers are still in contact with the animals to ensure proper enrichment for the animals.
Will Särkänniemi’s dolphins be part of Attica’s dolphin therapy experiment?
No. Särkänniemi’s dolphins are not trained for having a stranger next them in the water, and this sort of training will not be initiated either. Attica Zoological Park sent out a press release on Thursday August 31st stating that another company had advertised dolphin therapy sessions at Attica Zoological Park without their consent, and that the company has now taken down those advertisements at the risk of Attica Zoological Park pressing charges against them. Veera, Delfi, Leevi and Eevertti will never be part of any kind of dolphin therapy experiments.
Did Särkänniemi resign from AMMPA so that it could transfer the animals to Attica Zoological Park, which is not a member of the association?
No. Särkänniemi resigned from the American AMMPA (Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks & Aquariums) in 2014 for financial reasons, and there was no need to continue the membership when the decision was made in 2015 to discontinue all dolphinarium activities. The essential organization for dolphin transfer decisions was instead of AMMPA its European equivalent EAAM (European Association for Aquatic Mammals), which is the umbrella organization for EEP. The species committee of EEP, consisting of experienced marine mammal veterinarians and experts, was responsible for the selection of Attica Zoological Park as the best location for Särkänniemi’s dolphins.
Are Attica Zoological Park’s pools shallower than in Särkänniemi?
No. The main pool is 44 meters in length and 23 meters in width, and its depth varies between 5,5 ja 6 meters. The main pool also comes with a shoal area. The two smaller pools, both partially covered, have a diameter of 12 meters, with the depths of 3,5 meters and 2,5 meters. The small medical pool has a computer operated elevating floor. The pools hold 5 million liters of purified natural sea water, which means that the pools are double the size of Särkänniemi’s. At Särkänniemi the depth of most pools was 4 meters and the expansion pool, completed in 2007, was 4,3-6 meters in depth.
What are those animal protection organizations that Särkänniemi has discussed with, regarding the dolphins’ future?
Särkänniemi has discussed with several animal protection organizations and expert bodies. Some of these persons have wanted to remain anonymous and some discussions are strictly confidential. In Finland Särkänniemi has, additionally, discussed with Oikeutta eläimille organization, Animalia and Valaiden Puolesta ry.
Would it be possible to Särkänniemi to start funding a dolphin retirement home or sea sanctuary project?
Särkänniemi has not participated in funding any dolphin retirement home or sea sanctuary project because it hasn’t received a guarantee that any of these projects would actually be realized. Särkänniemi has no knowledge of projects that would have both official permits and building permissions.
Written September 14, 2016
Oikeasti? Näinkö arvostitte teille vuosikymmenet töitä tehneet delfiinit? Hävetkää. Tuskin osaatte. 😡
Written August 28, 2016
Särkänniemi
Tampere, Finland
Tampereen Särkänniemi Oy päätti lokakuussa 2015 lopettaa delfinaarioliiketoiminnan ja sulkea Tampereella sijaitsevan delfinaarion. Särkänniemen delfinaarion neljä pullokuonodelfiiniä, Veera, Delfi, Leevi ja Eevertti on siirretty Ateenan lähellä Spatassa sijaitsevaan Attica Parkin (The Attica Zoological Park) delfinaarioon 28.8.2016. Siirto sujui suunnitelmien mukaisesti. Kaikki delfiinit voivat tällä hetkellä hyvin ja totuttelevat uusiin olosuhteisiin.
1. Miksi siirrosta kerrotaan vasta nyt?
Ennakkoon käydyt keskustelut viranomaisten kanssa vakuuttivat Särkänniemen siitä, että päähuomio delfiinien siirrossa tulee kiinnittää operatiiviseen toimintaan sekä ihmisten ja eläinten turvallisuuteen. Hyvät yhteydet poliisiviranomaisiin varmistivat lopulta sen, että siirto tapahtui eläinten kannalta parhaalla mahdollisella tavalla ilman ulkopuolisia häiriötekijöitä.
2. Miksi juuri Attica Park?
Attica Park valittiin delfiinien sijoituskohteeksi, koska eurooppalainen uhanalaisten lajien suojeluohjelma EEP osoitti sen Särkänniemelle ja EEP:n kanta sitoo Särkänniemeä.
Särkänniemi kartoitti kaikki mahdolliset vaihtoehdot delfiinien uudeksi kodiksi. Muiden delfinaarioiden lisäksi kartoitettiin myös luonnonvesialtaita ja ns. ”vanhainkotihankkeita”. Hankkeista yksikään ei ollut konkreettisella toteuttamistasolla. Kartoituksessa oli mukana myös Euroopan ulkopuolisia ja vasta suunnitteilla olevia kohteita. Attica Park osoittautui vaihtoehdoista parhaaksi ja sitoutuneeksi eläinten hyvinvointiin.
3. Miten varmistuitte Attica Parkin sopivuudesta?
Särkänniemen eläinlääkäri, delfiinien kouluttaja ja toimitusjohtaja tutustuivat olosuhteisiin paikan päällä kesällä 2016. Lisäksi käytössä oli delfiinien siirtoon erikoistuneen kv. asiantuntijan lausunto.
Siirtoa ovat valmistelleet Särkänniemen delfinaarion eläinlääkärit ja kouluttajat, jotka tuntevat eläimet parhaiten. Siirtoa valmistellut henkilökunta on ollut koko ajan yhteydessä kotimaisiin ja ulkomaisiin asiantuntijoihin ja suojelujärjestöihin. Särkänniemen lähtökohta on se, että ne edustavat tässä kohdin parasta asiantuntemusta, johon Särkänniemen on voitava luottaa.
EAAM (European Association for Aquatic Mammal) on tehnyt Attica Parkissa laatutarkastuksen ja antanut sille hyväksymismerkinnän ja akkreditoinnin.
4. Miksi delfiinit eivät voineet jäädä Särkänniemeen? Eikö Särkänniemellä olisi velvollisuus tarjota eläimille vanhainkotia Tampereelta?
Delfiinit ovat laumaeläimiä, eikä niitä voi jättää harvenevaan laumaan niin, että lopulta jäljellä on vain yksinäinen vanhus. ”Vanhainkoti” olisi vaatinut uusien eläinten tuomista Särkänniemeen.
Tähän asti on puhuttu, että eläimet ansaitsevat nähdä vielä auringon ja mielellään meren. Siirto merialtaaseen olisi ollut liian iso riski, koska Särkänniemen altaissa ei ole meren eliöstöä, ja suora siirto mereen olisi vaatinut sellaista sopeuttamista, jota Särkänniemessä ei voida tehdä. Tästä tehtiin hyvin perusteelliset tarkastelut asiantuntijoiden kanssa.
5. Miten varmistutte eläinten hyvinvoinnista Attica Parkissa?
Särkänniemen kouluttajat ovat Attica Parkissa varmistamassa eläinten sopeutumista. Attica Parkin eläintenhoito- ja eläinlääkäritoiminta on sitoutunut eläinten hyvinvointiin. Eläimet ovat ihmisten nähtävillä, mutta ne tekevät vain luontaisia toimiaan opetuksellisissa esityksissä. Särkänniemen ja Attica Parkin yhteydenpito delfiineihin liittyvissä asioissa jatkuu, vaikka eläimet siirtyvätkin Attica Parkin vastuulle.
6. Attica Parkissa on kuitenkin kuollut useita eläimiä? Eikö se huolestuta teitä?
Attica Park on raportoinut, että siellä on tapahtunut sen toiminnan aikana viisi delfiinikuolemaa. Neljä on ns. poikaskuolemia, joita tapahtuu sekä luonnossa että ihmisen hoidossa. Särkänniemessä on kuollut 15 poikasta ja lisäksi 3 aikuista delfiiniä.
7. Olisiko mahdollista että eläimet siirrettäisiin myöhemmin luonnonvesialtaaseen?
Vastuu eläinten huolenpidosta on siirtynyt Attica Parkille, ja jatkossa he tekevät päätökset delfiineihin liittyen. Nyt, kun eläimet on siirretty Kreikkaan, siirto luonnonvesialtaaseen tulevaisuudessa voisi sopeuttamisen kautta tullakin mahdolliseksi. Suora siirto Särkänniemestä luonnonvesialtaaseen ei olisi tullut kysymykseen, sillä sentyyppinen sopeuttaminen ei olisi ollut Särkänniemessä mahdollista. Tämä selvitettiin yhteistyössä asiantuntijoiden kanssa.
8. Myytiinkö delfiinit Attica Parkille? Miten varmistutte siitä, että eläimiä ei myydä eteenpäin?
Attica Park ei ostanut delfiinejä, ts. siirto on vastikkeeton.
Kyseessä on eläinkohteiden välinen siirto, jota valvovat viranomaiset ja alan asiantuntijat. Uusi siirto olisi mahdollinen ainoastaan tilanteessa, jossa se olisi eläinten edun mukaista.
9. Tehtiinkö delfinaarion lakkauttamispäätös liian hätäisesti?
Lakkauttamispäätös on ollut esillä useita vuosia, ja ennen lakkauttamispäätöstä selvitettiin myös useita muita mahdollisuuksia ja vaihtoehtoja. Kun Särkänniemi päätti delfinaarion sulkemisesta, oli taustalla toimivan johdon tekemä laaja selvitystyö delfiinien tulevaisuudesta ja EEP:n sitoumus siitä, että delfiineille löytyy uusi koti Euroopasta. Särkänniemellä oli siis tieto siitä, että uusi koti järjestyisi kriteerit täyttävästä delfinaariosta. Tämän lisäksi Särkänniemi halusi vielä selvittää, olisiko luonnonvesiallas ollut todellinen vaihtoehto. Yhtiön päätökset ovat perustuneet ja perustuvat jatkossakin perusteellisiin selvityksiin, joissa eläinten osalta tukeudutaan asiantuntijoiden näkemyksiin.
10. Mikä oli tärkein syy lakkauttamispäätökseen?
Vaikka delfinaariolla on edelleen kannattajansa ja monille Särkänniemen asiakkaille ja erityisesti delfiininkouluttajille delfiinit ovat tärkeitä, ovat asenteet delfinaariotoimintaa kohtaan muuttuneet. Särkänniemi oli myös tilanteessa, jossa toiminnan jatkamiseksi Särkänniemeen olisi pitänyt tuoda lisää delfiinejä ja sen myötä sitoutua toiminnan jatkamiseen vuosikymmeniksi.
11. On epäilty, että eläimet eivät kestä kuljetusta ja sopeutumista uuteen paikkaan? Miten voitte olla varmoja, että eläimet selviävät siirrosta hyvin?
Eläinten siirto on aina riski, ja eläinten kohdalla voi aina tapahtua jotain odottamatonta. Asiantuntijoiden mukaan siirto oli mahdollinen ja EEP:n sitovan suosituksen mukaan se oli jopa välttämätön.
12. Ovatko eläimet nyt Särkänniemen voitontavoittelun uhreja?
Kun päätös delfinaariotoiminnan lopettamisesta tehtiin, päätettiin, että eläimille etsitään paras mahdollinen paikka. Särkänniemi ei halunnut käydä eläimillä kauppaa.
13. Harkittiinko eläinten lopettamista?
Tätä vaihtoehtoa on esitetty julkisuudessa, mutta eläinlääkärien ja muiden asiantuntijoiden mukaan eläinten lopettaminen ei ollut vaihtoehto. Särkänniemi linjasi alusta alkaen, että eläimille pitää löytää uusi ja mahdollisimman sopiva paikka. Tämän mukaan myös selvitystyö tehtiin.
14. Paljonko eläinten pito olisi maksanut Särkänniemelle? Kuinka paljon Tampereen kaupunki on maksanut delfinaarion ylläpidosta?
Eläinten pito maksaa Särkänniemelle n. 1,5 miljoonaa euroa vuodessa, ja eläinten pitäminen loppuun asti Särkänniemessä olisi ollut mahdollisesti kymmenien vuosien projekti. Tämän lisäksi eläinten hyvinvointi olisi jossain vaiheessa edellyttänyt lauman kasvattamista.
Tampereen Särkänniemi Oy on itse investointinsa ja kulunsa maksava yritys, joka maksaa myös osinkoa omistajalleen.
15. Onko Särkänniemen imago kärsinyt tästä kohusta?
Pitkän ajan vienyt siirtoprosessi on saanut paljon julkisuutta ja aiheuttanut myös kärsimättömyyttä ja väärinkäsityksiä, mikä on ymmärrettävää.
16. Mitä tai keitä ovat ne asiantuntijatahot ja eläinlääkärit, joiden näkemyksiin siirtopaikan valinta pohjautuu?
Eurooppalaisen uhanalaisten lajien suojeluohjelman (EEP) pullokuonodelfiinien lajikomitea on antanut sitovan suosituksen siirtopaikasta. Suositus perustuu lajikomitean jäsenten yhteiseen näkemykseen. Lajikomiteassa on paras ja kattava kansainvälinen asiantuntemus kaikista Euroopan merinisäkäspuistoista, niiden olosuhteista, eläinten siirroista sekä erilaisiin laumarakenteisiin ja uusiin elinympäristöihin sopeuttamiseen liittyvistä seikoista.
Lajikomitea koostuu kansainvälisistä delfiinieläinlääkäreistä ja delfiiniasiantuntijoista, ja sen puheenjohtajana toimii kokenut merinisäkäseläinlääkäri Niels Van Elk. Lajikomitea ohjaa ja valvoo merinisäkäspuistojen toimintaa ja eläinsiirtoja.
Attica Park on Euroopan EAAM:n akkreditoima eläintarha. EAAM on korostanut seisovansa täysin EEP:n linjauksen takana.
Attica Parkin merinisäkäsintendentti Robert Gojceta on yhdessä puiston eläinlääkärin ja puistojohtaja Rudy Rallisin kanssa toimittanut lausunnon, jossa kuvataan tilat, käytössä olevat henkilö- ja asiantuntijaresurssit sekä sopeuttamissuunnitelman vaiheet.
Kokenut kansainvälinen merinisäkäseläinlääkäri Andrew Greenwood, joka tuntee Attica Parkin tilat ja eläimet sekä on perehtynyt Särkänniemen eläimiin, on toimittanut lausunnon, jossa hän toteaa siirron olevan eläinten kannalta paras vaihtoehto.
17. Keneltä voi kysyä Attica Parkin olosuhteista ja sijoituspäätöksestä eläinlääketieteellisestä näkökulmasta?
Attica Parkin olosuhteita sekä paikan päällä tapahtuvaa sopeuttamista ovat parhaita kuvaamaan sen oma eläinlääkäri ja/tai Attica Parkin käyttämät kansainväliset merinisäkäseläinlääkärit Andrew Greenwood ja Tania Monreal Pawlowsky.
Siirtopaikkapäätökseen liittyviin kysymyksiin paras vastaaja on EEP-ohjelman koordinaattori ja lajikomitean puheenjohtaja, merinisäkäseläinlääkäri ja merinisäkäsbiologi Niels van Elk.
18. Ovatko nämä eläinlääkärit riippumattomia?
Kaikki johtavat eurooppalaiset merinisäkäsasiantuntijaeläinlääkärit ovat/ovat olleet jollakin tavalla tekemisissä merinisäkäspuistojen ja sitä kautta EEP:n kanssa. He ovat kuitenkin juuri tästä syystä parhaita asiantuntijoita; merinisäkäspuistot antavat nimenomaan hyvän mahdollisuuden perehtyä eläinten lajityypilliseen käyttäytymiseen. EEP:n lajikomitea toimii kuitenkin riippumattomasti antaessaan lausuntoja.
19. Miten siirtoon liittyviin riskeihin on varauduttu?
Delfiinien siirtämiseen ja sopeuttamiseen liittyy aina riskejä, oli siirtopaikka mikä tahansa. Särkänniemi on asiantuntijoiden avulla kartoittanut riskejä huolellisesti.
a) Siirtoon liittyvät riskit
Särkänniemi sai kokeneen siirtoasiantuntijan johtamaan operaatiota käytännössä. Käytännön operaatiota on valmisteltu huolellisesti useita kuukausia. Siirto on aina riski ja stressin aiheuttaja eläimille ja ihmisille. Nämä riskit eivät ole riippuvaisia siitä, mihin eläimet siirretään.
b) Uusiin elinolosuhteisiin, mm. tiloihin ja veden lämpötilaan liittyvät riskit
Yhteistyössä Attica Parkin henkilökunnan kanssa on sovittu toimenpiteistä, joilla sopeuttamisriskejä pienennetään. Särkänniemi on mm. sopeuttanut eläimiä suurempaan lämpötilavaihteluun, ja Attica Park on laatinut vaiheistetun suunnitelman eläinten totuttamisesta uuteen ympäristöön. Särkänniemen henkilökunta on käynyt suunnitelman läpi Attica Parkin intendentin ja kansainvälisen merinisäkäseläinlääkärin kanssa ja sopinut kaikista tiedossa olevista eläinlääketieteellisistä yksityiskohdista, joita siirtoon ja sopeuttamiseen liittyy. Särkänniemen delfiininkouluttajat ja eläinlääkärit ovat avustamassa sopeuttamisessa totutteluvaiheen ajan sekä tämän jälkeen erikseen sovittaessa.
c) Mahdolliset henkilökunnan ja asiantuntemuksen riittävyyteen liittyvät riskit
Attica Park on rekrytoinut lisää kokenutta henkilökuntaa. Lisäksi käytössä on kansainvälisten eläinlääkäreiden sekä Särkänniemen henkilökunnan asiantuntemus. Attica Park ei voi tehdä Särkänniemestä siirrettyjen eläinten suhteen ratkaisuja ilman suojeluohjelma EEP:n hyväksyntää.
d) Eläinten ikään tai kuntoon liittyvät riskit
Kaikki eläimet ovat Särkänniemen eläinlääkärien mukaan siirtokunnossa.
20. On esitetty, että ”eläimille olisi parasta olla Särkänniemessä”.
Lyhyellä tähtäimellä paras vaihtoehto eläimille olisi se, että niitä ei siirrettäisi Särkänniemestä mihinkään. Tämä on aina totta, oli siirtopaikka mikä tahansa. Pitkällä aikavälillä tilanne on kuitenkin toinen, ja lauman hyvinvoinnin vuoksi joutuisimme jo pian tuomaan Särkänniemeen uusia delfiinejä.
21. Olisiko esimerkiksi iäkäs Veera pitänyt lopettaa?
Veeran lopettamiselle ei ole mitään lääketieteellisiä perusteita. Veera on perusterve ja hyväkuntoinen eläin.
Eläinlääkärien ammattietiikan ja Särkänniemen näkemyksen mukaan delfiinejä ei tule lopettaa muista kuin lääketieteellisistä syistä. Tämä tarkoittaisi vakavaa sairautta, jonka myötä eläimen kunto romahtaisi tai esim. siirron aikana ilmeneviä yllättäviä komplikaatioita, jotka aiheuttaisivat kohtuutonta kärsimystä.
22. Miksi siirtoon ja sopeuttamiseen liittyvistä riskeistä ei ole puhuttu?
Riskejä on kartoitettu koko prosessin ajan, ja niihin on varauduttu sitä mukaa kuin niitä on tunnistettu. Jokaiseen siirtoon liittyy aina riskejä, oli sijoituspaikka mikä tahansa. Attica Parkin kokonaissoveltuvuutta delfiinien sijoituspaikaksi toimiva johto ei ole kyseenalaistanut, ja se on perustanut kantansa EEP:n kansainvälisten delfiinieläinlääkäreiden ja -asiantuntijoiden arvioon olosuhteista ja osaamisesta Attica Parkissa.
Toimitusjohtaja, pääkouluttaja ja eläinlääkäri ovat käyneet kesäkuussa arviointimatkan yhteydessä ja sen jälkeen keskusteluja Attica Parkin soveltuvuudesta delfiinien sijoituspaikaksi. Särkänniemen käyttämät eläinlääkärit ovat sittemmin tehneet tärkeitä kriittisiä huomioita, jotka liittyvät mm. laumarakenteeseen, veden lämpötilaan, henkilökunnan riittävyyteen ja ns. nostopohjan puuttumiseen. Näihin asioihin on varauduttu mm. sopeuttamissuunnitelmalla, ja kotialtaassaan Särkänniemessä eläimiä on totutettu lämpötilanvaihteluihin. Attica Parkiin on palkattu uusia kouluttajia ja hankittu nostopohja.
23. Onko delfiinien tuleva laumarakenne epänormaali?
Laumarakenne on olennainen kysymys. Attica Parkin tulevassa laumassa on yksi naaras ja useita uroksia. Tällöin on mahdollista, että osa eläimistä käyttäytyy toisiaan kohtaan aggressiivisesti. Tätä on mahdotonta täydellisesti ennakoida. Toisaalta on myös mahdollista, että sopeutuminen tapahtuu mutkattomasti. Uuteen laumaan sopeuttaminen voidaan suunnitella siten, että riskejä pienennetään, ja tähän Attica Park on sitoutunut.
Myös Särkänniemessä on lauma, jossa on vain yksi naaras ja kolme urosta. Lauman sisäiset välienselvittelyt ja hierarkian muodostaminen ovat lajityypillistä käytöstä ja tätä on tapahtunut myös Särkänniemessä. Se, että laumassa olisi pelkkiä uroksia, ei takaa, että lauma sopeutuisi ilman ongelmia.
Tarvittaessa eläimiä pidetään eri allastiloissa siten, että mahdollisilta aggressioilta vältytään.
Kaikissa merinisäkäspuistoissa on erilainen laumarakenne, joten sopeuttamista tarvitaan aina ja kaikkialla. Kun uusia eläimiä lisätään laumaan, laumahierarkia rakentuu aina uudelleen.
Ns. täysin normaalia laumarakennetta ei ole olemassa muualla kuin luonnossa, jossa välienselvittely ja hierarkian muotoutuminen tapahtuvat ilman ihmisten kontrollia tai vaikutusta.
24. Millainen ongelma ovat veden lämpötilan vaihtelut?
Atticassa veden lämpötila vaihtelee vuodenaikojen mukaan. Särkänniemen delfinaarioliiketoiminnan ollessa käynnissä delfinaarion veden lämpötila oli jatkuvasti keskimäärin 20 astetta. Särkänniemen delfiinejä alettiin sopeuttaa lämpötilan vaihteluihin lopettamispäätöksen jälkeen ja vaihtoehtoisten sijoituspaikkojen selvitystyön alettua. Veden lämpötilaa alettiin laskea joulukuussa 2015, ja alimmillaan se oli 15 astetta. Vastaavasti lämpötilaa alettiin nostaa kesä-heinäkuussa 2016 tavoitteena 26 astetta, johon nyt on päästy. Lämpötilanvaihteluja esiintyy myös luonnossa
25. Mitä haluaisitte sanoa niille ihmisille, jotka ovat huolissaan eläinten voinnista?
Särkänniemen delfiinit saavat Kreikassa isommat tilat, auringonvaloa, sitoutuneen ja ammattitaitoisen henkilökunnan sekä uusia kavereita laumaan. Eläimille siirto on hyvä ratkaisu. Särkänniemi seuraa jatkossakin, että Veerasta, Delfistä, Leevistä ja Eevertistä pidetään hyvää huolta.
26. On uutisoitu, että Attica Parkilla ei olisi rahaa eläinten ruokaan. Näkevätkö delfiinit nälkää?
Kreikan talouskriisin aikana maksuja ulkomaille rajoitettiin pääomakontrollilla. Osa Attica Parkin eläinten ruoasta tulee ulkomailta, ja tätä ruokaa olisi rajoitusten vuoksi ollut vaikea maksaa. Kyse ei siis ollut rahan puutteesta vaan maksusiirtojen estämisestä. Attica Parkin omistaja Jean Jacques Lesueur selitti asian ministeriölle ja sai erityisluvan maksujen suorittamiseen hyvissä ajoin ennen kuin ruoka olisi loppunut.
27. Attica Parkin omistajat ovat kertoneet julkisuudessa, että Veera ja Delfi voitaisiin siirtää tulevaisuudessa muualle. Onko tämä mahdollista?
Attica Park ja Särkänniemi säilyttävät hyvän keskusteluyhteyden jatkossakin, eikä Attica Park tule tekemään päätöksiä kysymättä Särkänniemeltä. Attica Park ei voi tehdä Särkänniemestä siirrettyjen eläinten suhteen ratkaisuja myöskään ilman suojeluohjelma EEP:n hyväksyntää. Eläinten siirtoihin tarvitaan lisäksi aina valvovien viranomaisten luvat, joita ei myönnetä kevyin perustein. Uusi siirto olisi mahdollinen ainoastaan tilanteessa, jossa se olisi eläinten edun mukaista.
28. Miten opetukselliset näytökset eroavat tavallisista delfiiniesityksistä? Miksi Attica Parkista löytyy delfiinien temppuvideoita?
Attica Parkin delfiiniesitysten luonnetta on muutettu kuluneen vuoden aikana. Nykyään esityksissä ei enää käytetä esimerkiksi palloja tai renkaita. Delfiineistä kerrotaan yleisölle tietoja samalla kun delfiinit tekevät luontaisia toimiaan. Hoitajat ottavat edelleen kontaktia eläimiin ja pyytävät niitä tekemään tehtäviä, eli eläinten virikkeellistämisestä ei kuitenkaan luovuttu. Pääasiana esityksissä on silti opetuksellisuus ja tiedon lisääminen, ei show.
29. Tulevatko Särkänniemen delfiinit osallistumaan delfiiniterapiakokeiluun?
Eivät. Särkänniemen delfiinejä ei ole koulutettu siihen, että niiden kanssa vedessä olisi joku niille vieras ihminen, eikä tällaista koulutusta aiota missään tapauksessa myöskään aloittaa. Attica Park tiedotti torstaina 31.8. toisen yrityksen mainostaneen Attica Parkin nimellä heidän tietämättään delfiiniterapiakokeiluja, ja kertoi yrityksen poistaneen tiedot Attica Parkin toimenpiteiden jälkeen. Veera, Delfi, Leevi ja Eevertti eivät tule koskaan osallistumaan delfiiniterapiakokeiluihin.
30. Miksi Särkänniemi erosi AMMPAsta?
Särkänniemi erosi amerikkalaisesta AMMPAsta (Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks & Aquariums) vuonna 2014 taloudellisista syistä, eikä jäsenyyttä ollut tarvetta jatkaa myöskään delfinaarion lakkauttamispäätöksen jälkeen. Särkänniemen delfinaariotoiminnan ja myös delfiinien siirtoselvityksiin ja -päätöksiin liittyen olennainen järjestö oli AMMPAn sijasta eurooppalainen EAAM (European Association For Aquatic Mammals), jonka alaisen EEP-ohjelman lajikomitean kokeneet merinisäkäseläinlääkärit ja asiantuntijat antoivat siirrosta sitovan suosituksen.
31. Ovatko Attica Parkin altaat matalammat kuin Särkänniemen?
Eivät. Attica Parkissa pääaltaan koko on 44×23 metriä ja syvyys vaihtelee 5,5 ja 6 metrin välillä. Pääaltaassa on myös matalikkoalue. Kahden pienemmän, osittain katetun altaan halkaisija on 12 metriä, ja niistä toisen syvyys on 2,5 m ja toisen 3,5 m. Pienessä lääkintäaltaassa on nostopohja. Allastilat ovat Särkänniemeen verrattuna noin kaksinkertaiset. Särkänniemessä useimpien altaiden syvyys oli neljän metrin luokkaa, ja vuonna 2007 valmistuneen lisäosan syvyys vaihdellen 4,3–6 metriä.
32. Mitkä ovat ne suojelujärjestöt, joiden kanssa Särkänniemi on käynyt keskusteluita?
Särkänniemi on keskustellut useiden eläinsuojelu- ja asiantuntijatahojen kanssa. Osa käydyistä keskusteluista on kahdenkeskeisiä ja luottamuksellisia. Särkänniemi on myös käynyt keskusteluja Oikeutta eläimille -järjestön, Animalian sekä Valaiden puolesta ry:n kanssa.
33. Olisiko Särkänniemen mahdollista lähteä rahoittamaan vanhainkoti- tai luonnonvesihanketta?
Särkänniemi ei ole osallistunut vanhainkoti- tai luonnonvesihankkeen rahoittamiseen, koska Särkänniemi ei ole saanut vakuuttavaa tietoa siitä, että yksikään hanke olisi toteutumassa. Särkänniemen tiedossa ei ole hankkeita, joilla olisi viranomais- ja rakentamisluvat.
Written September 14, 2016
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