Italy to Open Mediterranean's First Dolphin Sanctuary

Italy will create the Mediterranean Sea's first sanctuary for dolphins rescued from captivity. This initiative responds to the growing number of marine parks closing across Europe. The San Paolo Dolphin Refuge will be located off the coast of Taranto. It aims to offer a more natural, supervised environment for the animals. Organizers prioritize animal welfare over hosting large numbers of dolphins. The sanctuary will provide medical care, constant monitoring, and protected sea enclosures. The first dolphins are scheduled to arrive at the refuge by the middle of 2026.