The slogan ‘Discover, Experience and Protect’ of the Dolfinarium in Harderwijk is misleading according to the Advertising Code Committee. It would give the impression that visitors are protecting animals by buying a ticket, which, according to the committee, is not true.
Animal rights organization House of Animals filed a complaint with the regulator. “The Dolfinarium has been claiming everything about the well-being of dolphins, sea lions and orcas for years, but it is one big lie,” says Karen Soeters of the organization against Broadcasting Gelderland. “For example, the Dolphinarium can never meet the natural needs of dolphins, which naturally travel great distances.” She is happy with the verdict.
But the Dolfinarium disagrees with the statement, saying that the word “protect” refers to its educational function, which would make visitors enthusiastic about conservation. According to director Alex Tiebot, there is scientific evidence for this. “We therefore do not agree with the committee’s judgment and will appeal against the advice.”
The committee believes that the word “protect” suggests that by buying a ticket and visiting the park, visitors are making a direct contribution to the protection of animals, while there is no indication of this. The advertisement is therefore in violation of the Dutch Advertising Code.
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