The NEMO dolphinarium in Odessa opens its doors every day despite the war with Russia.
The NEMO dolphinarium in Odessa is regularly full of visitors. Children and adults from all over Ukraine come to watch the show, and the dolphins are aware of the spectators’ presence.
And according to their trainers, they also perceive other changes in their environment. Like bombings and warning sirens.
“When there is an explosion somewhere, they only hear the vibrations. They can lie down on the bottom and wait for a while.”explains a trainer.
In case of necessary evacuation of animals, the dolphinarium staff prepared a precise procedure. Until the last moment, some of these dolphins remained in Kharkiv, which is regularly subjected to missile attacks.
“We placed mobile pools in the middle of a large truck. They traveled with a trainer, which they are used to.” explains Mariana, an employee of the center.
The war complicates the dolphinarium’s operation. Constant power cuts affect the temperature of the pool and some trainers have left to fight at the front.
Alerts are frequent, so only a fraction of shows make it to the end. In addition, the animals need a varied diet, which is difficult to find in current conditions.
“Each dolphin eats 13 types of fish per day,” explains Vladimir, an employee of the NEMO dolphinarium.
Despite all these complications, the dolphinarium opens its doors every day.