Federal Judge Denies Delphinus Injunction Bid Over Profepa Dolphin Welfare Rules in Cancún

Cancún, Quintana Roo — A federal judge has denied Delphinus Blue Planet’s request for a definitive suspension of the animal welfare measures that Profepa, Mexico’s federal environmental protection agency, ordered at the company’s dolphinarium in Punta Cancún.

The ruling was reported on Oct. 22, 2026, in indirect amparo case 451/2026, which is being heard by the Ninth District Court. The company had sought judicial protection from the environmental authority’s requirements to improve conditions in the pools where it keeps dolphins.

The denial means the suspension was not granted. It does not amount to a final ruling on the merits of the amparo, nor is it a judicial finding of animal cruelty liability.

What Profepa Required

According to reporting by Sol Quintana Roo, the case stems from a Profepa order numbered 0097/2026, issued on March 30, 2026, under administrative file PFPA/29.2/3S.3/0010-2025.

Among the required measures is the installation of shade mesh designed to withstand local weather conditions over 50% of the pools known as Laguna Grande and Laguna Chica.

The authority also required a water cooling and thermal control system sized to the volume of both pools and to Cancún’s climate. The system would have to run continuously, 24 hours a day, to keep conditions suitable for the animals.

The measures are aimed at shielding the dolphins from sun exposure and high water temperatures.

Company Expected to Appeal

Sol Quintana Roo reported that the Ninth District Court issued the denial on Oct. 22. The decision leaves open the possibility that the environmental authority can continue enforcing the pool condition requirements against Delphinus Punta Cancún, which is operated by Delphinus Blue Planet.

The outlet also reported that the company was preparing to challenge the court’s decision.

Compliance Still Unclear

It has not been independently confirmed whether Delphinus has installed the required shade mesh or started operating the cooling system in both pools.

There is also no final administrative ruling establishing whether sanctions were imposed for any of the alleged failures to comply identified in the reporting.

The denial of the suspension marks progress in the judicial proceedings, but the dispute can continue through the corresponding legal channels.