Batumi Dolphinarium

The Batumi Dolphinarium was established in 1974 based on the Georgian branch of the All-Union Scientific Research Institute of Marine Fisheries and Oceanography (later known as the Black Sea Research Institute of Ecology and Fisheries). 

Its main pool is 36 meters in length, 14 meters in width, and 5 meters in depth. Additionally, there are training pools with a diameter of 9 meters. The total water volume of all the pools exceeded 3500 cubic meters. At the time of construction, Batumi Dolphinarium was considered one of the largest dolphinariums in the world. The total volume of the dolphinarium allowed for up to 15 dolphins to be housed at the same time. 

Scientific observations were regularly conducted to care for, train, and study the behavior of the dolphins. Along with dolphins, the dolphinarium housed other marine mammals, including the Caspian seal, the sea otter, the South African sea lion, and others. A biological laboratory for studying marine animals also operated here, focusing on both theoretical and practical research. 

Due to the complex political and economic situation of the early 1990s, the Batumi Dolphinarium ceased operations. The dolphinarium was reopened in 2011 through the initiative of City Hall and the efforts of the charity fund "Kartu." This new dolphinarium is a part of the LLC "Black Sea Flora and Fauna Scientific Study and Research Center." The amphitheater of the dolphinarium has four sections and can accommodate 795 spectators.

 S. Komakdze