Mexico Cracks Down on Dolphinariums After Shutdown

Quintana Roo, Mexico — Following the total closure of the dolphinarium at the Barceló Riviera Maya resort, the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) is taking action against all dolphinariums in Quintana Roo that fail to comply with regulations. The agency is also strengthening measures to pursue legal action in such cases.

Legal Action and Regulatory Enforcement

Mariana Boy Tamborrell, head of Profepa at the federal level, stated in an interview that there is sufficient evidence to pursue legal action following a formal complaint. The goal is to set a precedent against dolphinariums not only in Quintana Roo but across Mexico.

“What we closed is the result of an administrative procedure carried out by Profepa, and all the information we gathered is now under investigation. The resolution outlines the irregularities we found. The Attorney General’s Office will strengthen the investigation file, and with this information, legal proceedings will follow,” she explained.

The definitive closure of the facility, known as Dolphinaris Barceló, was based on seven violations of the General Wildlife Law and Mexican Official Standards regarding the care of these species. The establishment must pay a fine of 7,752,240 pesos.

Incident Sparking Investigation

The investigation stemmed from a video circulating on social media earlier this year, showing a dolphin named “Mincho” falling out of a tank. Although the incident occurred in 2020, Boy Tamborrell confirmed it was never reported.

“Profepa’s efforts have been heavily focused on this particular case involving ‘Mincho,’ and we will fulfill our commitment. At the moment, we are inspecting another dolphinarium in a different state. We will gradually review all dolphinariums to ensure the animals are in proper welfare conditions,” she said.

Legislative Reforms and Animal Welfare

Boy Tamborrell also revealed that following this case, progress is being made on a proposed legal reform to ban such establishments outright. The reform is expected to be introduced during the next ordinary session of the Mexican Congress.

Regarding “Mincho,” she confirmed the dolphin is still alive based on photographic verification, though environmentalists have speculated it may be a different animal.

“The truth is, we would be the first to say if we couldn’t find ‘Mincho,’ but the reality is he is there. He is currently 35 years old, the oldest dolphin at Dolphinaris in Cancún,” she stated.

The case highlights ongoing scrutiny of marine animal attractions in Mexico, with authorities signaling stricter enforcement and potential legislative changes to phase out such facilities.