Protesters Demand Justice After Dolphin Death at Riviera Maya Hotel

Environmental activists recently staged a protest outside the Barceló hotel in Riviera Maya following the death of a dolphin during a show at the hotel's dolphinarium. The protesters also highlighted previous instances of alleged negligence leading to the deaths and disappearances of other dolphins named Kala, Plata, Nicho, and Alex in 2019 and 2024.

Dressed as dolphins and feigning death, the demonstrators called for the permanent closure of the dolphinarium where the marine creature died. They accused the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) and the Ministry of Navy and Natural Resources (Semarnat) of ignoring their complaints.

On Saturday, the activists used loudspeakers to demand accountability from the departments or the Barceló chain for the dolphin deaths. They said, "We ask them to follow the process, the progress, and the status. We have had no response from Barceló […] the dolphinarium continues operating with four enslaved and exploited dolphins."

Jerónimo Sánchez, director of Animal Heroes, added, "That's why we are here, so that these four dolphins don't end up like Alex, Plata, Mincho, and Kala."

The protesters used drums and shouted slogans at the hotel's main entrance to inform guests about the alleged mistreatment of marine species at the Quintana Roo venue. They also displayed informative posters in the hotel's windows. To symbolize the violent deaths of the dolphins, some protesters covered their hands in red paint and smeared it on those dressed as dolphins.

The activists also appealed to Mariana Boy Tamborell, head of Profepa, and Alicia Bárcena, head of Semarnat, to pay attention to the case.

In a separate incident, a video circulated on social media showing a dolphin named Plata performing a routine with other dolphins. During one of its jumps, Plata fell onto a concrete area and reportedly died from the impact. The incident occurred at the Hotel Barceló Riviera Maya, which has previously faced allegations of mistreating marine mammals.