Dolphin Mincho Dies at 37 in Cancún as AMHMAR Calls for Necropsy

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Mincho, an Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin who spent decades in human care at a dolphinarium in Cancún’s Hotel Zone, has died at about 37, prompting the industry association AMHMAR to demand a rigorous scientific investigation into the cause of death.

The Federal Attorney’s Office for Environmental Protection (Profepa) notified the death. According to the Mexican Association of Habitats for the Interaction and Protection of Marine Mammals (AMHMAR), the dolphin had been diagnosed with cancer some time earlier and remained under specialized care and palliative treatment aimed at preserving his quality of life. He shared the facility with eight other marine mammals.

Association asks for necropsy results

AMHMAR said it trusts Profepa to carry out the corresponding inspections in strict adherence to current legislation. The group asked that a necropsy be performed to establish the precise causes of death and that the findings be made public.

In a statement, the association stressed that in cases like this, information should come only from verifiable sources and official findings, and warned against premature conclusions or speculation that could spread misinformation.

“The loss of an animal is always an irreparable and painful event,” AMHMAR said. “Animals under professional care, just as in the wild, can develop chronic illnesses associated with old age, including oncological conditions.” The association said the results of the anatomical study and the legally required necropsy should be awaited to determine the exact cause of death with scientific rigor.

A case that reshaped Mexico’s wildlife law

Mincho drew national attention after he was injured during an aquatic show years ago, when he crashed into pavement while performing a trick. Pressure from civil society over the case fueled debates in Congress that eventually produced reforms to the General Wildlife Law, popularly known as “Ley Mincho.”

The legislation restricted the use of marine mammals in commercial entertainment shows, banned their breeding in captivity and pushed for a transition toward sea pens.