Nine Dolphins Remain in Captivity Six Months After Cancun Dolphinarium Closure

Cancun, Quintana Roo — Nine dolphins seized from a shuttered dolphinarium in Cancun’s hotel zone remain in captivity six months after the facility was closed, federal environmental authorities announced.

The dolphins are still housed in facilities adjacent to the Ventura Park water park, where they receive constant veterinary care. Authorities said several dolphins showed health issues, some serious, even before the October 2025 closure.

The Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) said the relocation process cannot happen immediately because it requires specialized protocols to avoid endangering the marine mammals during transfer.

The dolphinarium, operated by Dolphin Discovery, was closed in October 2025 when the animals were seized. Since then, they have remained under supervision by trained personnel monitoring their medical progress.

The agency emphasized that despite the closure, the dolphins are not abandoned. They receive food, permanent water condition monitoring, and specialized care while authorities determine the appropriate time for relocation.

An administrative proceeding continues against those responsible for the dolphinarium. State authorities, including the Secretariat of Ecology and Environment, confirmed the dolphins remain under continuous care while awaiting improved health conditions that would allow transfer to a more suitable environment.