Dolphinariums Stay Open Despite New Wildlife Law

Cancún, Mexico — Following the Senate’s approval of Article 60 Bis of the General Wildlife Law, the Mexican Association of Habitats for the Interaction and Protection of Marine Mammals (AMHMAR) clarified that dolphinariums will not shut down and outlined key considerations regarding the reform.

Existing Facilities to Remain Operational

AMHMAR emphasized that the reform does not prohibit the operation of existing marine mammal centers, provided they are properly registered. However, the association criticized the ban on non-conservation breeding, calling it counterproductive.

“This measure prevents the ethical and scientific management of animals under human care, compromising their welfare and contradicting national and international legal principles,” the organization stated.

Guarantees for Current Specimens

The law ensures that current marine mammals will live out their full lifespans in their existing habitats.

“The animals will not be relocated or separated, safeguarding their well-being and social bonds. However, scientific regulations are still needed,” AMHMAR explained.

The association stressed the urgency of establishing clear protocols for management, reproductive control, and welfare conditions based on scientific expertise.

Commitment to Compliance and Transparency

AMHMAR reaffirmed its commitment to legal compliance and ethical treatment.

“We will continue to follow the law, participate in its regulation, and ensure dignified treatment for the animals in our care. We reject misinformation and call for responsible discussions based on evidence, not emotions. True conservation is built on knowledge, not poorly designed prohibitions,” the statement concluded.

AZCARM Warns of "Death Sentence" for Marine Mammals

The Association of Zoos, Breeders, and Aquariums of Mexico (AZCARM) took a stronger stance, accusing the Green Party (PVEM) of condemning over 600 marine mammals to death.

AZCARM President Ernesto Zazueta warned that the ban on marine mammal captivity in zoos, aquariums, and dolphinariums ignores that 60% of these animals were rescued from life-threatening situations in the wild.

“Removing them from human care would lead directly to their death,” Zazueta said.

He criticized the PVEM for repeating what he called a “massacre” of animals a decade ago, driven by “ignorance and political agendas.”

“Where will these animals go? The initiative fails to address this fundamental question,” Zazueta challenged.

Threat to Research and Conservation

AZCARM also warned of severe setbacks in marine research and specialist training.

“Prohibiting human care for marine mammals will cripple vital research and education, undermining conservation efforts for endangered species and degraded marine ecosystems,” the association stated.

The group emphasized that marine ecosystems face accelerating degradation due to pollution, overexploitation, and large-scale development, making scientific intervention more critical than ever.