Governor Lezama Confirms Ban of Dolphin Shows in Quintana Roo

Cancun, Quintana Roo – In a historic move for animal rights in Mexico, the Senate has approved a reform to Article 60 Bis of the General Wildlife Law that will prohibit marine mammal shows, the forced breeding of dolphins in captivity, and the acquisition of new specimens. As a result, the dolphins currently held in dolphinariums across Mexico will be the last generation to live in captivity.

Quintana Roo, home to 17 of the country’s 34 dolphinariums, will be among the most affected states. Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa confirmed the decision, citing international commitments Mexico shares with Costa Rica and Chile. “This will be the last generation,” she stated. The measure aligns with the 2024 constitutional amendment to Article 4, which bans wildlife from being used in commercial entertainment.

What’s Next?

State Secretary of Ecology and Environment, Óscar Rébora, noted that Quintana Roo has been preparing for this transition. Authorities have been working with legal experts and marine centers for months to develop a strategy that phases out the captivity model. “They must understand that they should no longer capture, purchase, or breed marine mammals,” he emphasized.

Although dolphinariums will still be allowed to operate as sanctuaries for their existing animals, they can no longer breed or showcase dolphins for profit. The Mexican Association of Habitats for the Interaction and Protection of Marine Mammals issued a statement expressing concern about the reform. They argue that banning reproduction—even for non-commercial purposes—limits the ethical and scientific management of marine mammals.

Nonetheless, the reform includes protections ensuring that dolphins currently in captivity will not be relocated or separated from their social groups. They will live out their natural lives under care, but without performances or breeding.

While critics say the law may pose operational challenges, conservationists are calling it a long-overdue victory—marking a fundamental shift in how Mexico treats marine mammals in human care.

Dolphinariums Operating in Quintana Roo

There are currently 17 dolphinariums located in Quintana Roo, primarily operated by Dolphin Discovery and Dolphinaris:

Dolphin Discovery Locations
- Cancún – Isla Mujeres
- Costa Maya (Mahahual/Xcalak)
- Cozumel
- Puerto Aventuras
- Tulum–Akumal
- Playa del Carmen

Dolphinaris Habitats
- Cancún (Hotel Zone) – Dolphinaris Cancún
- Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen) – Dolphinaris Riviera Maya
- Cozumel – Dolphinaris Cozumel

In addition:

• Interactive Aquarium Cancún – Includes dolphin shows, though more aquarium than dolphinarium experience