From dolphinariums to turtle rescue: a foundation’s transformation in Italy
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In Riccione, Italy, Fondazione Cetacea has evolved from monitoring animals in a dolphinarium to rescuing and rehabilitating sea turtles and other marine life.
The organization began in 1988, initially tasked with observing dolphins held at the local Riccione dolphinarium. After years of documenting the animals’ conditions, and following the dolphinarium’s closure in 2017, Fondazione Cetacea shifted its focus to conservation.
The foundation now operates an “hospital for turtles” where it cares for injured Caretta caretta turtles, a species of sea turtle, treating them and preparing them for release back into the Adriatic Sea. They also manage a wildlife recovery center for cetaceans, though they prioritize in-water care for dolphins to avoid human dependency. Funding comes from project grants, sponsorships, donations, and educational programs.
Fondazione Cetacea collaborates with local communities and volunteers, including groups monitoring beaches for turtle nests and boat operators who help release rehabilitated turtles. They also work to educate fishermen about sustainable practices, such as using Turtle Excluder Devices to prevent accidental catches, and are advocating for their use in protected areas like the Po Delta. The foundation’s work addresses threats to the Adriatic Sea’s ecosystem, including destructive fishing practices and the effects of climate change.
