Could Lanzarote Become Free of Animal Shows? New Proposal Reaches the Cabildo
A new proposal could put animal welfare and tourism in Lanzarote firmly back into the spotlight.
The Franz Weber Foundation has asked the Cabildo of Lanzarote and La Graciosa to consider declaring both island territories “free of animal shows”. The initiative specifically calls for an end to cetacean exhibitions currently taking place at a theme park on Lanzarote.
At this stage, this is a proposal from the foundation, not a new ban. The Cabildo has been asked to consider the idea, so visitors and residents should not interpret the announcement as meaning that animal shows have already been prohibited.
What has been proposed?
The Swiss-based Franz Weber Foundation has submitted an initiative calling for Lanzarote and La Graciosa to adopt a position against animal shows, including performances and exhibitions involving marine mammals.
The foundation argues that there is an inconsistency in Spain’s current animal welfare legislation. Spain’s Animal Welfare Law, Law 7/2023, introduced significant restrictions on the use of wild animals in circuses and set specific rules for wild animals kept in captivity. However, the law contains a transitional provision allowing certain cetaceans already held in captivity to remain where they are, subject to specified conditions. It also allows their use in shows in certain circumstances under professional supervision.
This legal distinction is central to the Franz Weber Foundation’s latest campaign.
Dolphin presentations continue in Lanzarote
The issue is particularly relevant to visitors because Lanzarote currently has a tourist attraction offering dolphin presentations and dolphin interaction experiences.
The existence of these activities is not affected by the foundation’s announcement at this stage. The proposal is asking the Cabildo to take a position on whether Lanzarote and La Graciosa should become territories without animal shows.
Why is the Franz Weber Foundation calling for change?
The foundation says its position is based on animal welfare and concerns about keeping highly social marine mammals in captivity.
In its statement, it refers to scientific research concerning the physical and behavioural needs of cetaceans. The organisation argues that dolphins and other cetaceans naturally travel over large areas, live in complex social groups and display sophisticated behaviours that can be difficult to reproduce in captivity.
The foundation therefore questions whether performances and interaction programmes should be considered conservation or educational activities.
These are the views and arguments of the Franz Weber Foundation. They should be distinguished from the current legal position in Spain and from the position of the operators of animal parks.
What does Spanish law currently say?
Spain’s Law 7/2023 on the protection of the rights and welfare of animals came into force in September 2023.
Among other provisions, the law prohibits using animals in public shows or tourist activities where this causes anguish, pain or suffering. It also specifically prohibits the use of wild species in circus shows.
For cetaceans, however, Article 32 contains a specific provision. Breeding and keeping cetaceans in captivity is limited to research and conservation purposes, while existing captive cetaceans covered by the transitional arrangements can remain in their current facilities under certain conditions. The law states that their use in shows may continue when supervised by their keepers or relevant professionals.
This is why the legal situation is more complicated than simply saying that Spain has “banned dolphin shows”.
What could happen next in Lanzarote?
The immediate question is what response, if any, the Cabildo of Lanzarote and La Graciosa will give to the proposal.
A declaration by the island government would not automatically be the same thing as a change to Spanish national law. Any future restrictions would also have to take account of the existing legal framework, licences, animal welfare requirements and the responsibilities of other public authorities.
For tourists planning a holiday in Lanzarote, there is therefore no immediate change to normal sightseeing arrangements as a result of this announcement.
For residents, however, the proposal could become part of a wider discussion about the type of tourism Lanzarote wants to promote in the future.
Animal welfare and tourism in Lanzarote
Lanzarote has increasingly promoted nature, sustainability and responsible tourism as important parts of its identity. The island is already known for its volcanic landscapes, protected natural areas, marine environment and outdoor activities.
The debate over animal shows adds another dimension to that conversation: whether tourism attractions involving animals fit with the island’s long-term approach to sustainability and responsible tourism.
For visitors looking for wildlife experiences in Lanzarote, there are also many ways to enjoy the island’s natural environment without visiting animal attractions. Whale and dolphin watching at sea, coastal walks, snorkelling, diving and simply observing marine life in its natural habitat can all provide opportunities to experience Lanzarote’s remarkable surroundings.
For now, the key point is that the Franz Weber Foundation has made a proposal. It has not created a new island-wide prohibition.
We will be watching to see whether the Cabildo responds and whether the proposal develops into a wider discussion about animal welfare, tourism and the future of animal attractions in Lanzarote and La Graciosa.
