Dolfinarium Harderwijk, which currently has a Michelin star as a special travel destination, will probably only be allowed to show off for one year. World Animal Protection Nederland (WAPN) reported last week in a press release that the star had been taken away again. That turned out not to be entirely true. Michelin has tightened the conditions for obtaining a star, which makes it unlikely that they will appear in the next edition of the Michelin Travel Guide.
A Michelin spokesperson explained: “We are very aware of the impact of our guides on tourism activities and of the evolving expectations regarding animal welfare and have therefore carried out an in-depth analysis of the content of our guides. We have decided to exclude dolphinariums and other shows involving captive marine animals from our recommendations.
In March, the new version of the Green Guide for the Netherlands will be published, and as of March 2025, the Dolfinarium in Harderwijk may no longer be listed as a 1-star Point of Interest in the guide and on the website viamichelin.nl . Those responsible for the Michelin Green Guide have made this decision independently based on an extensive analysis and after consultation with experts in the field of animal ethics.
The Michelin star has not been 'taken away' as WAPN reported in a press release last week. The director of Dolfinarium Harderwijk, Alex Tiebot, was also surprised when we asked him for a response to the press release: "The Dolfinarium has not received any official communication from Michelin about changes in our rating. The star we received in October 2024 was based on Michelin's objective assessment criteria at that time. Any future policy change cannot be applied retroactively to ratings already awarded."
Animal welfare lobbying is in full swing
WAPN director Dirk-Jan Verdonk is nevertheless relieved that Michelin has changed course. “We are pleased that Michelin has taken our criticism to heart and has reversed the awarding of stars for animal suffering. Fortunately, more and more people and organizations are realizing that locking up wild animals for entertainment is unacceptable. Marine mammals such as whales and dolphins are completely unsuitable for life in a tank that is far too small. It is high time that we in the Netherlands follow the example of other European countries and introduce a breeding ban for dolphins.”
Zoos such as Wildlands Adventure Zoo (1 star) and Burgers' Zoo (2 stars) are also listed in the Michelin Green Travel Guide. How does WAPN view this recognition? Dirk Jan Verdonk: “Our priority is to banish entertainment with wild animals, which is why we find it particularly important to withdraw the star from the Dolfinarium. Wildlands and Burgers' Zoo are really a different category in that respect. Nevertheless, we believe that wild animals belong in the wild, which means that you can certainly also question zoos.”
More information: www.worldanimalprotection.nl