It's past 5 p.m., and the last visitors are leaving Marineland, careful dolls and dolphin water bottles under their arms. More than fifty years after its opening, on June 22, 1970, the aquatic zoo finally closed its doors this Sunday, January 5.
Disappointment is visible on everyone's faces. Like that of Sandra, but especially that of her two daughters, Kayla and Katlyne. “We're very sad. When the oldest found out it was closing, she cried. So, we came to celebrate her birthday here. It's heartbreaking, that's for sure. The staff were crying , it hurts them too…”
“The last time I see the animals…”
“I find it a little revolting because I don't understand why we are closing a park that was so good when there are plenty of places where animals live in worse conditions than here, sighs little Joseph. I'm a little angry and I'm sad because it's the last time I see the animals…”
Further on, with a “thank you” sign under her arm, Léa leaves the park with her two children, Judith and Gustave. “We came to thank the great work of the caregivers. And we stocked up on souvenir items…”
While some leave with goodies, others take photos in front of the park. One last time. Like Clément d'Antibes, loyal supporter of the Blues and well known in the city of Remparts, who goes to the aquatic zoo, and who asks us to photograph him in front of a panel, on which we see a dolphin swimming.
Arriving in Antibes in the 1970s, he experienced the beginnings of Marineland and grew old alongside it. “I lived near the park, there was all my family who came from Bergerac, Grenoble… The tradition was to bring them there. It’s part of Antibes: there is Fort Carré, and Marineland… “
What future for employees?
“The future of employees remains our priority”, had assured the management of Marineland when it was announced a month ago that it would close this Sunday.
“We will negotiate with the social partners on the social consequences of this closure project. Everything will be done within this framework in order to find a personalized and individualized solution for each employee concerned”added the park management.
Some employees, particularly those who care for the animals, are temporarily spared, until a lasting solution has been found for the 4,000 dolphins, orcas, sharks, sea lions, Cuban flamingos, turtles and penguins that inhabit the park. .
