Once again, the WeWhale team joined the annual Empty the Tanks movement, standing alongside thousands of people around the world who believe that dolphins and whales belong in the ocean, not in tanks.

Empty the Tanks is a global movement that takes place every year during the second weekend of May. Through peaceful demonstrations, outreach activities and public education, activists and organisations come together to raise awareness about the reality of cetacean captivity and advocate for a future where these animals are no longer bred, traded or exploited for entertainment.

In 2026, the movement continued to grow, with events taking place in 38 locations across 13 countries. Throughout the weekend, people gathered outside marine parks, aquariums and dolphinariums to speak up for dolphins and whales held in captivity and to promote long-term solutions, including improved welfare, responsible transitions and the development of seaside sanctuaries.

On 10 May 2026, WeWhale took part in two events in Spain.

In Valencia, we joined FAADA, AnimaNaturalis, Captain Paul Watson Foundation Spain, ARDA, Denia Animal Save and activist Olivia Mandle in a public demonstration outside the Oceanogràfic calling for an end to cetacean captivity and greater protection for marine mammals.

At the same time, for the fourth consecutive year, WeWhale organised Empty the Tanks Lanzarote outside Rancho Texas in Puerto del Carmen. Citizens, activists, ocean lovers and animal advocates gathered to raise awareness about the impact that captivity has on these highly intelligent and social animals, and to encourage a wider conversation about our relationship with marine wildlife.

Spain currently has more dolphinariums than any other country in Europe, with dozens of dolphins and other cetaceans still living in captivity. As awareness grows around the world, Empty the Tanks continues to remind us that these animals are not performers. They are complex, social and wide-ranging marine mammals whose needs can never be fully met within concrete tanks.

We are grateful to everyone who joined us in Valencia and Lanzarote and helped make their voices heard for a future where whales and dolphins can live where they belong: in the wild!