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DOLPH-INISHED: CONTROVERSIAL AQUATIC ENTERTAINMENT CENTER BEING DISMANTLED
NEWS | 06.03.13 | 16:11
NAZIK ARMENAKYAN
ArmeniaNow
By GOHAR ABRAHAMYAN
ArmeniaNow reporter
A dolphin tank in Yerevan that once became a point of contention
between authorities and local environmental and animal rights groups
is being quietly dismantled in the Armenian capital - just two years
after being constructed.
The only such entertainment facility in the Armenian capital that was
constructed and put into operation in 2010 stopped operating last
month.
An ArmeniaNow reporter on Wednesday witnessed builders dismantling the
roof of the tank situated near the City Pantheon in Yerevan's southern
Shengavit district.
The facility built within just two months at the end of 2010 belongs
to the Ukrainian Nerum company, which owns a number of other similar
facilities in Russia and at home, in Ukraine.
Nemo Dolphinarium director Lilit Sahakyan told ArmeniaNow that the
term of their operation had expired. Therefore, she said, they stopped
their work and the building now has to be dismantled.
"The last performance at the dolphinarium was given on February 9,
after which all the animals were moved to Ukraine, as the term of the
facility's operation was not extended," said Sahakyan.
The construction and operation of the dolphin tank, where besides four
dolphins there were also one sea lion and two seals, caused protests
among environmentalists and animal rights champions at the early stage
(they insisted that the animals would not survive in the landlocked
country in secluded conditions, besides they claimed that such a
facility next to the City Pantheon was a sacrilege), but within a
short period of time it became a favorite attraction for many Yerevan
residents and guests of the capital.
The facility suspended its work last April, as the animals were then
taken for performances in Russia. It resumed operation in October,
only to close again last month.
The dolphinarium that offered not only an opportunity to watch shows
with sea animals, but also to swim and dive with dolphins and so on,
could accommodate up to 900 spectators at a time, with tickets priced
$8 to $12. It also provided about 30 jobs and indirectly helped some
catering businesses situated around it.
The city authorities have not disclosed their plans for the area yet.
NEWS | 06.03.13 | 16:11
NAZIK ARMENAKYAN
ArmeniaNow
By GOHAR ABRAHAMYAN
ArmeniaNow reporter
A dolphin tank in Yerevan that once became a point of contention
between authorities and local environmental and animal rights groups
is being quietly dismantled in the Armenian capital - just two years
after being constructed.
The only such entertainment facility in the Armenian capital that was
constructed and put into operation in 2010 stopped operating last
month.
An ArmeniaNow reporter on Wednesday witnessed builders dismantling the
roof of the tank situated near the City Pantheon in Yerevan's southern
Shengavit district.
The facility built within just two months at the end of 2010 belongs
to the Ukrainian Nerum company, which owns a number of other similar
facilities in Russia and at home, in Ukraine.
Nemo Dolphinarium director Lilit Sahakyan told ArmeniaNow that the
term of their operation had expired. Therefore, she said, they stopped
their work and the building now has to be dismantled.
"The last performance at the dolphinarium was given on February 9,
after which all the animals were moved to Ukraine, as the term of the
facility's operation was not extended," said Sahakyan.
The construction and operation of the dolphin tank, where besides four
dolphins there were also one sea lion and two seals, caused protests
among environmentalists and animal rights champions at the early stage
(they insisted that the animals would not survive in the landlocked
country in secluded conditions, besides they claimed that such a
facility next to the City Pantheon was a sacrilege), but within a
short period of time it became a favorite attraction for many Yerevan
residents and guests of the capital.
The facility suspended its work last April, as the animals were then
taken for performances in Russia. It resumed operation in October,
only to close again last month.
The dolphinarium that offered not only an opportunity to watch shows
with sea animals, but also to swim and dive with dolphins and so on,
could accommodate up to 900 spectators at a time, with tickets priced
$8 to $12. It also provided about 30 jobs and indirectly helped some
catering businesses situated around it.
The city authorities have not disclosed their plans for the area yet.