Dolfinarium Boudewijn Seapark Closure Decision Forged Forward Until 2037

Dolfinarium Boudewijn Seapark in Bruges, Belgium, is slated for permanent closure by 2037, following a decision by the Flemish government to proceed with a phasing-out plan, according to reporting from HLN.

The government’s decision, finalized on July 20, 2026, confirms plans to close the park, which has faced ongoing criticism regarding animal welfare. The park will continue to operate under a phased reduction plan over the next eleven years.

The phasing-out scenario was initially proposed in 2022, following a report by the Council for Animal Welfare which raised significant concerns about the conditions in which marine mammals were kept at the park. The report specifically highlighted issues related to the size of the pools and the social needs of the animals.

According to HLN, the current plan involves a gradual reduction in the number of animals at the park. No new marine mammals will be acquired, and existing animals will be transferred to other facilities, if possible. The exact details of these transfers are still being determined in consultation with animal welfare organizations and European authorities.

The closure of Dolfinarium Boudewijn Seapark marks a shift in policy regarding marine mammal parks in Flanders. The Flemish government previously approved a similar closure plan for the Sea Life Centre in Blankenberge, which is also expected to phase out its dolphinarium by 2028.

Animal rights groups have welcomed the decision, with GAIA, a leading animal welfare organization in Belgium, issuing a statement calling it “a historic victory for animal rights.” The organization has long campaigned for the closure of the park, arguing that keeping dolphins and other marine mammals in captivity for entertainment purposes is unethical.

The park’s management has expressed disappointment with the decision but has indicated its willingness to cooperate with the government during the transition period. However, they have also raised concerns about the future of the park’s employees and the potential economic impact on the local tourism industry.

The phased closure will be implemented in stages, with the number of animals gradually reduced over the next eleven years. The final closure date is set for 2037, at which point the park will no longer house any marine mammals. The future use of the site has not yet been determined.