Mexico Bans Dolphins in Shows: Activists Rejoice

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Empty the Tanks, a non-governmental organization opposed to keeping dolphins in captivity, has hailed as a historic victory the recent legislative reform banning marine mammals in entertainment shows. The measure was approved by Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies following Senate deliberations and now awaits publication in the Diario Oficial de la Federación before taking effect.

A Long-Awaited Legislative Victory

The reform amends the Ley General de Vida Silvestre (General Wildlife Law), prohibiting the use of marine mammals, including dolphins and seals, in commercial spectacles. The change follows years of advocacy by animal rights groups.

Mariel Tejada, director of Empty the Tanks Mexico, emphasized the significance of the decision, stating, “Today is a historic day. After years of effort, legislation has finally been enacted to protect marine mammals through a collaborative effort involving government environmental agencies, organizations, academia, and industry. This is a step forward in ending animal abuse, aligning with a global trend.”

Local Protests and Recent Closures

Empty the Tanks has been particularly active in the Riviera Maya, staging frequent demonstrations against dolphinariums. One focal point of their protests was the Barceló hotel’s dolphinarium in Playa del Carmen, which was shut down weeks earlier by the Procuraduría Federal de Protección al Ambiente (Profepa) following an incident involving a dolphin named Mincho.

The reform was prioritized during an extraordinary congressional session, ranking first among legislative amendments under consideration. Advocates now await the official publication of the decree and its accompanying regulatory adjustments.

Next Steps

With the legislative process complete, attention turns to enforcement. Activists will monitor the transition period as the ban takes effect, ensuring compliance with the new regulations. The move marks a significant shift in Mexico’s approach to wildlife protection, particularly in tourist-heavy regions like Quintana Roo.